Checklist for Your Pets

Ocean Shutters Manufacturing, Inc.
1031 S.W. 30th Avenue
Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Toll Free: (888) 489-9797
Broward: (954) 489-9797
Fax: (954) 489-7799

Before the Hurricane

Make sure that your pets are current on their vaccinations. If it’s necessary to place your pet in a shelter, the shelter will require proof of vaccines.

Have current photos of your pets on hand. In the event your pet is lost, the photo will be significant in helping you to locate your lost animal.

Keep a collar on all pets with complete and proper identification, and make sure you have a leash to control your pet.

Have a properly-sized pet carrier for each animal. The carriers should be large enough for the animal to stand and turn around.

Plan your evacuation strategy. Potential refuges for your pet during a disaster are specialized pet shelters, animal control shelters, veterinary clinics and friends and relatives outside the evacuation zone. If you plan to shelter your pet, work it into your evacuation route planning.

Put your pets’ paper documents (including current proof of vaccinations) and photos in a waterproof bag.

Finally, bring your pets indoors well in advance of a storm. Reassure them and remain calm.

During the Hurricane

If you think you may have to place your pets in a shelter during the storm, you should be aware that shelters will be filled on first-come, first-served basis. Call ahead to determine availability.

Animals brought to a pet shelter are required to have:

Proper identification collar and rabies tag,

Proper identification on all belongings,

A carrier or cage, a leash, an ample supply of food, water and food bowls,

Any necessary medications,

Specific care instructions, and

Newspapers or trash bags for clean-up.

After the hurricane

Walk your pets on leash until they become re-oriented to their home. Frequently, familiar scents and landmarks may have changed and pets could easily become confused.

Downed power lines as well as reptiles brought in with high water and debris can pose threats for animals following a hurricane.

If your pets are lost, contact the local animal control office to find out where lost animals can be recovered. Bring along a picture and identification tag numbers of your pet if possible.

Finally be aware that after a disaster, animals can become aggressive or defensive so you should monitor their behavior.