Clay Humane shares do's and don'ts to get your pets storm ready

Clay Humane, a nonprofit veterinary clinic in Orange Park, is encouraging pet parents to prepare for the 2024 hurricane season on the First Coast.

Hurricane season is from June 1-Nov. 30, but we’ve seen hurricanes pop up before June 1, which means it’s time to prepare now -- and that includes planning for your pets

Clay Humane recommends animal owners follow these do’s and don’ts of storm readiness:

Do’s:

• Create a Disaster Kit: Don’t wait until a storm is approaching and store shelves are bare. Prepare a pet kit that includes:
  • Four-day supply of bottled water
  • Four-day supply of pet food and medications
  • Food and water bowls
  • Animal first-aid kit
  • Litter and/or disposable bags for pet waste
  • Extra collars, leashes and harnesses
  • Photos of your pet in case you become separated
  • Copies of pet medical records (especially rabies and other vaccination history)
  • Animal-specific supplies, such as a spray bottle with water for birds, appropriate strong bowls for reptiles and bedding for hamsters and other small pets
• Be Ready to Travel: Make sure you have an appropriate-size carrier for your pet that includes ample room. Label the carrier with your pet’s name and your contact info. For birds, don’t forget the perch, paper towels and a timed feeder.
• Identify Pet-Friendly Shelters: Not all shelters accept pets, and the ones that do may have limitations on which animals they allow. Use the following links to learn more about pet-friendly shelters before a storm is on its way:
  • https://www.claycountygov.com/community/animal-services/programs-and-services/disaster-preparedness
  • http://www.coj.net/departments/neighborhoods/animal-care---protective-services/pet-emergencies.aspx
  • https://www.sjcfl.us/evacuation-information/hurricane-evacuation-shelters/
  • http://www.nassaucountyfl.com/index.aspx?NID=482
    
• Ensure Pet Tags and Microchips Are Current: Pets often run away or get separated from their owners during disasters. Make sure your pet always wears identification tags with your current contact information, especially your phone number. If your pet has a microchip (which is recommended), confirm the company the chip is registered with has your current information so any vet can scan the chip and contact you if someone finds your pet.
• Memorize Evacuation Routes: Should you need to evacuate or can’t find a pet-friendly shelter nearby, know the appropriate path to get out of harm’s way. Know the evacuation route without relying on GPS, which may prove unreliable when needed.

Don’ts:

• Don’t Leave Pets Outside: It isn’t safe to leave pets outside during a storm. Be sure to bring your pet indoors to a safe place with clean, fresh water to avoid overheating.
• Don’t Leave Pets Behind: If you evacuate, be sure to take your animals with you. Never leave them at home to fend for themselves during a natural disaster, which increases the risk of them being injured or lost.
• Don’t Put Off Preparing for a Storm: These tips are easy to implement ahead of time to ensure you aren’t scrambling for crucial pet supplies when the shelves are bare.

“People typically wait until the last minute to prepare for approaching hurricanes,” Dr. Christian Broadhurst, senior staff veterinarian at Clay Humane, said. “This leaves pet owners at risk of not finding essential pet supplies or being equipped to evacuate and find pet-friendly shelters. Following these do’s and don’ts can set pet owners and their animals up for a safer hurricane season.”