Hurricane season is upon us once again. Most Floridians have an emergency plan and disaster kit in case a storm hits. They keep water, canned food, flashlights, batteries and extra medication on hand, just in case. But does your plan include the safety of your animals? Don't be unprepared when a storm threatens. During Hurricane season it is a good idea, to have on hand, at least a seven day supply of pet food, extra medications, a leash/harness or carrier, a thunder shirt for the nervous pet and tags/ID and vet records in a waterproof container.

What if you have to evacuate? Before the threat of a hurricane is near check with local shelters to see which ones will allow pets. Contact hotels, motels, boarding facilities and vet offices outside your area and make reservations if you are in danger of being evacuated. Keep a list handy with these numbers. It will be easier to cancel than find a place at the last minute. Ask friends and family outside the evacuation area if they would provide shelter for you and your animals. Remember if it is not safe for you to stay in your home then it is definitely not safe for your pets either.

The following items will need to be brought with you if you are evacuated. 

• food bowls, food and water for 7 days
• comfort items like a favorite toy or one of your tshirts
• Copies of medical records and tags 
• First Aid kit
• Kitty litter and box
• Pictures in case you are separated from your pet

Obviously farm animals like horses and cows would not be allowed in a shelter, what do you do for them? The safest place for these larger animals would be in an open field. Keeping them locked in a barn or other structure is not a good idea. Now is a good time to take a look at your fencing and gates to make sure they are secure. Make sure all of the feed or water containers are filled with water. This will help keep them from blowing around while also supplying a water source for your animals. Remove anything in the field that can become a projectile. You should also prepare a kit for your horses like the one for your other pets including vet papers, coggins, emergency contact numbers and photos of you and your pet. The Humane Society offers this tip: Write your horse's name, your name and phone number on his halter. If you are lucky enough to have a boarding facility or friend who can house your horse be sure to bring enough feed/hay for a week. Make sure your trailer tags are up to date too. The Sunshine State Horse Council offers a data base for emergency horse evacuation due to hurricane or fire in Florida: http://www.sshc.org/evac/dbinfo.htm

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