Hurricane season 2024: Best tips on how to keep your pets safe during a storm
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30 with the peak of the season on Sept. 10. The most activity happens between mid-August and mid-October, according to the National Hurricane Center.
An overheated Atlantic Ocean and a rising La Ni?a have forecasters predicting a highly active hurricane season, one that could rival one of the busiest years on record.
The key to getting through storm season is being prepared. That's why The Palm Beach Post has compiled tips, lists, contact numbers, graphics and maps that should help you prepare for a storm, and, if need be, get through it fine.
Take care of your pets during a hurricane
Do not leave pets at home, especially if you live in an evacuation area.
Even if they survive the storm, they might flee a damaged home and be lost in the chaos. Or they could be trapped inside without food, water or supervision.
Hurricane supplies: What supplies do you need for a storm? Here's a list.
Who do I call if I need help during a storm?: Here's a list of important phone numbers
Do evacuation shelters in Palm Beach County allow pets during hurricanes?
It might be difficult, if not impossible, to find shelter for your animals in the midst of a disaster, so plan ahead:
The county's pet-friendly shelter is the West Boynton Recreational Center, 6000 Northtree Blvd., Lake Worth, FL 33463, and is only available to Palm Beach County residents who live in a mandatory evacuation zone, in a mobile home, or in sub-standard housing. Proof of residency will be required.
Owners can not stay with their pets. The pets stay at the Rec Center but owners must stay at Park Vista High School, which is adjacent to the pet shelter.
For more information about the county's pet shelter, including a map and a list of pet-friendly boarding facilities, go here: https://discover.pbcgov.org/publicsafety/animalcare/Pages/Hurricane.aspx
Tips on finding pet-friendly hotels in South Florida
HOTELS: In advance, contact hotels and motels outside your area to check policies on accepting pets and restrictions on number, size and species.
Ask whether “no pet” policies could be waived. Keep a list of “pet-friendly” places, including phone numbers with other disaster information.
For an impending storm, call ahead for reservations. The website www.petswelcome.com maintains a list of hotels that accept pets.
Other pet evacuation options
FRIENDS, RELATIVES: Ask friends, relatives or others outside the area whether they could shelter your animals. Make arrangements with neighbors to help evacuate pets in the event you can’t get home.
Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control: https://discover.pbcgov.org/publicsafety/animalcare/Pages/Hurricane.aspx
Pet care tips during hurricane prep
Vaccinate your pet. If you haven’t already done so, get those shots now. Infectious diseases can become a big threat after a disaster.
Get your pet an ID tag. If a pet becomes lost or escapes during the confusion of an evacuation, proper identification will increase the chances of a safe return home. The tag should include your cellphone number and, if space allows, the number of an out-of-town contact. Consider having your pet tattooed or microchipped.
Get a pet carrier. You will need a pet carrier or cage for each dog, cat, bird or small animal. It must be big enough for each pet to stand up and turn around comfortably.
Take clear, color photos (front, left and right sides) of you and your pet together, in case of ownership disputes — and store these with your pet’s license, medical records and ownership papers in a waterproof carrier to take with you. Take photos with your cellphone so they’re stored there as well.
Pet survival kit during a storm
Medications and medical records (in a waterproof container)
A leash
A collar or harness for each pet
Non-spill food and water dishes
14-day supply of food, water in nonbreakable containers
A manual can opener
Grooming supplies
Your pet’s blanket and a favorite toy
Cleanser and disinfectant to handle wastes
Newspapers or litter, paper towels and plastic bags
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Hurricane season 2024: Pet safety tips, finding dog-friendly shelters
