Hurricane Prep Plan A Must for Your Pet

Pet Tales by Angela Ardolino

Editor’s Note: This issue we introduce Pet Tales, a new pet column by holistic pet expert and writer Angela Ardolino. She has been caring for animals for over 20 years and operates a rescue farm, Fire Flake Farm, in Lutz, FL. She is also the owner of Beautify the Beast, a natural pet salon and shop. She is the founder of CBD Dog Health which provides high quality, all-natural medical cannabis products designed specifically for pets.

Hurricane season is here so having a hurricane preparedness plan for your pet is vital. As they say: Prepare for the worst, Hope for the best.

Several years ago, in August, Hurricane Irma was a category 5 storm barreling straight toward us. The whole Tampa Bay area was in a state of panic. The families who lived along the coast headed inland or traveled north, mandatory evacuations and shelters were set up, and pets could feel the anxious energy in the air. Even more troubling — there were not nearly enough shelters that accepted pets.

Thankfully for my city (but woefully for others), the hurricane took a sudden turn and my city was not directly hit. However, it was clear that we needed an evacuation plan and ways to keep pets calm.

Step 1: Make A Plan

Leaving your pets out of your evacuation plan can put you, first responders, and your pets at risk. Although hurricanes often come with fair warning, disaster can strike at any time and without a plan in place, you may not remember everything you need to do when acting in a panic.

Before a hurricane hits, sit down with a pen and paper and make a plan. My family has two plans: the evacuation plan, and the plan to ride the storm out at home. For example: if a storm is a category 4 or higher and we are in the direct path, we will evacuate. This takes the “Should we? Shouldn’t we?” level of anxiety away. If the storm is lower than a category 3, I know my home will be structurally sound and we will be safe to stay.

When making the evacuation plan, start by researching petfriendly hotels where you can stay, or locate a pet-friendly shelter in your area. A full list of pet-friendly shelters can be found at https://www.bringfi do.com. Remember, pet-friendly shelters and hotels will fill up fast, so plan two or three backup locations.

If there is no way that you can take your pet with you, boarding your pet at a safe facility (like Beautify the Beast or Fire Flake Farm) may be your best option. Although it may seem a last resort, never leave your pets home alone during an evacuation.

If you will be evacuating out of the area, make a list of the veterinarians and emergency veterinarians nearby where you will be staying. Storms and evacuation can cause pets to suffer extreme anxiety and may cause them to act out, so knowing where to take them in an emergency can be a huge help.

Step 2: Make a List of Supplies

No matter what you choose, it is important that you and your family know your plan and remember the small details including enough food and water to last for two weeks per pet, and bowls. If you feed RAW you may need to get a freeze-dried version of your food in case you lose power or don’t have access to a freezer.

Pack towels, extra blankets, cat litter, piddle pads or a kiddie pool with sod or pine shavings in your garage, balcony or back porch (in case your pet cannot go outside for several hours).

Step 4: Remain Calm

Plan for two weeks, including:

• I suggest Full Spectrum Hemp Extract and other supplements your pet normally takes and may need to keep calm.

• A photo of your pet and clear description of your pet

• Veterinary paperwork, vaccination records, and rescue alert stickers

• Collars with up-to-date tags, leashes, carriers and special toys and beds for your pet

Step 3: Jump Into Action

Before a hurricane ever hits, make sure that your pets have up-to-date collars and tags. If you become separated from your pet, this may be the only way to find them. If your pet is microchipped, make sure to update your contact information

It is also helpful to make sure that any pet carriers, leashes, or harnesses are easy to fi nd and still in usable condition. Make sure that any and all rescue alert stickers on your home are up-to-date as well.

As a Floridian, I know to keep a reserve of the supplies I made on my list during step one at all times. Stores will quickly sell out of many supplies that you might not think of (like dog and cat food, bottles of water, etc.) so during the summer I know to

If a storm is coming and you haven’t had time to stock up, make sure to start as soon as you can. Fill any prescriptions for your pet and make sure that you have any supplements they may need during and after the storm.

It is also recommended that you keep a current photo of your pet, as well as a description of your pet, and any of your pet’s medical records, to help in the event that you and your pet become separated.

If you plan to shelter at home, choose a safe room away from windows or outer doors, and remove anything potentially hazardous to pets. This includes plants that might be toxic or anything your pet might fi

nd on the floor. If you have a small dog or cats, make sure that air vents are closed and small spaces where they may become trapped are concealed. Your pet may become panicked during the storm and might try to hide, so knowing everywhere they could possibly hide or get stuck can save time and energy later.

Hurricanes are enough to rattle even the most stoic human’s nerves, so it is important for you and your pet to remain calm. Remain patient with your pets during and after the storm — the shakeup in their routine can cause stress, and when coupled with the loud sounds of a storm or the stress of evacuating, can cause behavioral issues.

Using CALM, a Full Spectrum Hemp Extract (CBD) can be helpful during storms. If you still have electricity, playing soothing music can also help relieve some of the stress for both yourself and your pet. It is also important that you try to keep their routine stable as much as possible.

After the hurricane has passed, make sure to remain calm when you take your dog outside, and do not unleash them until you have completely surveyed the damage. Although the damage may be stressful, staying safe is the most important and keeping keep extras of those items.

To learn more or contact Angela Ardolino, go to www.angelaardolino.com