Orange County Animal Services reminds residents to plan ahead and make preparations for pets during severe weather. The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season is expected to have above-normal activity. Forming a plan for you and your pets is the best way to make sure everyone remains safe during severe weather. The following recommendations are provided by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (Ready.gov) and the American Veterinary Medical Association:
- Have your pets microchipped and make sure they are wearing up-to-date identification tags.
- Prepare a supply of food, water, and medications that will last for at least three days for you and your pets.
- Make sure your pets are up to date on all vaccines. Have copies of medical records for you and your pets on hand.
- Prepare kits for people and pets that include items such as bandages, scissors, antibiotic ointment, flea and tick prevention, latex gloves, isopropyl alcohol, and saline solution. Also consider other important travel supplies such as flashlights and extra batteries.
- Have sturdy crates or carriers available in case you need to evacuate with a pet. The crates and carriers should be large enough for your pets to stand, turn around, and lie down.
- Consider supplies for sanitation such as litter and a litter box for cats, newspapers, paper towels, cloth towels, plastic trash bags, and a household cleaner.
- Pack familiar, comforting items for your pets (such as treats, toys, and bedding) to decrease their stress.
- Carry a picture of you and your pets together. If you become separated, a picture of you and your pets together will help you document ownership and allow others to better assist you.
- Investigate possible evacuation shelters for you and your pets. Be sure the shelters you have in mind are pet-friendly. Map out primary and secondary routes to shelters in advance. When needed, Animal Services assists with animal housing at emergency shelters in Orange County.
- If you evacuate your home, locate boarding facilities or animal hospitals near your evacuation shelter. You may also contact an out-of-town friend or relative who can house you and your pets.
- Find pet-friendly hotels along your evacuation route and make sure to have your pets’ vaccination records ready for them.
If you have large animals and other livestock to consider, review this information for more recommendations about disaster preparedness and evacuation planning.
For more information about Orange County emergency preparedness and to sign up for community alerts, visit www.orangecountync.gov/650/Disaster-Emergency-Preparedness. For more information about Orange County Animal Services, visit www.orangecountync.gov/AnimalServices.