Are Your Pets Disaster Ready?

With the arrival of the first tropical storm of our hurricane season, we want to help you and your pets stay safe and prepared. Making a plan of action ahead of the storm can give you peace of mind.

Our first recommended step is to prepare a pet emergency kit, including a two-week supply of pet food and water, along with any necessary medication and vaccination records sealed in plastic bags. For dogs and cats, it’s best to have them wear collars with ID tags and be microchipped with your current contact information. Microchipping your pet is a valuable service that can help you reunite with your pet even after the storm season ends. Additionally, include the contact information of a friend or family member who lives outside the Houston area in case cell services are disrupted during the storm. A printable checklist in both English and Spanish can be found here!

As a storm approaches, ensure your home is ready as well. Check your backyard for any potential escape routes and inspect your fence line. Keeping your pet indoors is always safer, ideally in a quiet room away from windows, and consider using a crate for easy evacuation if needed. To help lower their anxiety levels, include a few of their favorite toys and treats in their crate. Last but certainly not least, always take your pet if you evacuate. Identify a route ahead of time and make pet-friendly temporary housing plans well in advance to ensure their safety as well as your own.

If you and your pet become separated during a natural disaster, the Houston SPCA’s Emergency Response Team is ready to help. Our team has rescued countless animals during natural disasters and offers swift and effective help during animal-related crises, including hurricanes, fires, and wildlife catastrophes. We focus on providing critical aid, including sheltering displaced animals, distributing essential supplies, and facilitating reunions between lost pets and their families. During Hurricane Harvey, our team rescued 2,300 total animals, reunited 300 animals with their owners, and distributed 120 tons of donated pet food and supplies throughout the community.