It's that time again!  Hurricane season is upon us and in fact, there were  two named storms before the season even started.  When making your own preparations and laying in supplies, please don't forget your pets' needs! After the hurricanes of 2004 and 2005, the HSGB saw far too many pets that had been killed, abandoned, injured or became sick because their owners did not plan ahead for them.

Pet Checklist

2 week supply of food and water - figure at least one quart of water per pet per day

Medication - if your pet is on any medication make sure you have at least a two week supply

Extra paper towels and disinfectant

Litter box and 2 week supply of litter for cats

Collars (not chain collars) with ID tags - these can even be home-made and should include your address and cell numbers - just make sure they're waterproof.

Photos of your pet - if your pet becomes lost in a storm, a clear photo will be the best way to identify and reclaim him.

If a tropical storm or hurricane is approaching, the most important thing is not to leave your pets outside.  If you are staying in your home, your pets need to be inside with you.  An outside dog house or cage is not safeand chained dogs absolutely must not remain chained during a storm.  Worst case, if you will not bring your pets inside, make sure they have soft collars with ID tags and let them loose.  We do not recommend this but it's better than a cage or chain.

During the storm, do not let your pets outside!  If there is a lull in the weather or the eye is passing over, use your best judgment in taking your dog outside ON A LEASH to relieve himself.  (Do not let your cat out under any circumstances.)  Do not count on your dog staying close if you simply let him out.  If your yard is securely fenced, keep your eyes on your dog!  The low barometric pressure during a hurricane is especially disturbing to animals and their instinct may be to flee.

 If you have a pet that is extra sensitive or afraid during bad weather, talk to your vet about having calming medications on hand if needed. If your pet is not used to being inside, now is the time to get him used to it.  Bring him in for short periods to get familiar with the room you will have him in.  The Humane Society will have a limited number of crates available for rent during a storm.

If you live in an evacuation area, make arrangements well ahead of time for your pets.  Boarding facilities including the Humane Society will fill up fast.  The HSGB will give preference to pet owners who live in mandatory evacuation areas and areas known to be most at risk for flooding.  Just as we shouldn't wait til the last minute to make our own hurricane preparations, make sure you have a plan in place for your pets, too!

Please call the HSGB at 352-2477 if you need advice or would like to prearrange boarding or crate rental for your pets during a storm.