Pet Hurricane Preparedness Tips for Louisiana Pet Owners

Hurricane season is something every pet owner on the Northshore should take seriously. In Louisiana, hurricane season officially runs from June 1st through November 30th, bringing the potential for strong storms, flooding, power outages, and emergency evacuations that can affect both people and pets.

During a hurricane or evacuation, pets rely entirely on their owners to keep them safe. Having a plan in place ahead of time can make a stressful situation much more manageable for both you and your animals.

Here are some important hurricane preparedness tips from Fur de Lis Pet Care to help pet owners in Mandeville, Covington, Madisonville, Abita Springs, Lacombe, and surrounding areas of St. Tammany Parish prepare for hurricane season.

Make Sure Identification Tags Are Current

Emergencies can become chaotic very quickly, and frightened pets are more likely to escape or become separated from their owners during evacuations.

Check that:

• Your pet’s collar fits properly

• ID tags have your current phone number

• Microchip information is updated with your latest contact information

It’s also a good idea to keep a recent photo of your pet on your phone in case you ever need to prove ownership or create lost pet flyers.

Plan Pet-Friendly Evacuation Options Ahead of Time

One of the biggest mistakes people make is waiting until a storm is approaching to figure out where they can go with their pets.

Not all:

• Hotels

• Shelters

• Rental properties

• Family members’ homes

will allow pets.

Before hurricane season peaks, identify several pet-friendly evacuation options in advance. This could include:

• Pet-friendly hotels outside evacuation zones

• Friends or family members willing to help

• Boarding facilities

• Veterinary clinics that offer emergency boarding

Having multiple backup options is especially important in Louisiana during major storm events when accommodations fill quickly.

Keep Vaccinations Up to Date

If your pet needs emergency boarding during a hurricane evacuation, most boarding facilities and shelters will require proof of current vaccinations.

This is especially important for:

• Rabies

• DHPP/DAPP vaccines for dogs

• Bordetella for boarding situations

• FVRCP vaccines for cats

Keeping vaccines current ahead of hurricane season can prevent major complications during an emergency.

Prepare a Pet Emergency Kit

Every household should have an emergency kit prepared for both people and pets.

Your pet disaster kit may include:

• Copies of medical records and vaccine records

• Medications

• A leash and backup leash

• Collar or harness

• Food for at least one week

• Bottled water

• Food and water bowls

• Waste bags or litter supplies

• Towels or blankets

• Favorite toy or comfort item

• A recent photo of your pet

• A pet first aid kit

Store everything in an easy-to-carry tote bag or container so it can quickly be grabbed during an evacuation.

Have a Backup Plan if You’re Away From Home

Hurricanes and tropical storms do not always arrive conveniently when you are home.

If you travel frequently or work long hours, it is important to have trusted emergency contacts who can assist your pets if an evacuation order occurs while you are away.

Consider:

• Giving a trusted friend, neighbor, or family member a spare key

• Providing emergency feeding and medication instructions

• Letting them know where your pet disaster kit is stored

• Having a professional pet sitter available who can assist before severe weather arrives

At Fur de Lis Pet Care, we understand how stressful hurricane season can be for Louisiana pet owners. Planning ahead can help protect both your pets and your peace of mind when severe weather threatens the Northshore.

Stay safe this hurricane season — and don’t forget to include your pets in every emergency plan.