HOUSTON (AP) - Preparing for a hurricane's landfall requires ensuring that every member of your household, including pets, is well-equipped. Julie Kuenstle, a spokeswoman for the Houston Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, emphasizes the importance of preparing essential items for pets ahead of a storm. This includes verifying that pets have ID tags and are microchipped to prevent heartache in case pets escape during or after a disaster.
Just like humans, pets need an emergency kit. This kit should include essentials such as food, water, medications, chew toys, leashes, and poop bags. Kuenstle advises that pet owners should have hard copies of their pets' vaccination records readily available, especially if they need to evacuate to a hotel or shelter. Many items required for pet emergency kits are often already around the house, making preparation somewhat easier.
Cesar Perea, the associate vice president of rescue for the American Humane Society, stresses the importance of ensuring pets have ID tags on their collars and that the information associated with their microchips is current, including multiple contact names. He cautions against riding out the storm unless absolutely necessary, urging those who choose to stay to have at least two weeks' worth of pet supplies on hand.
Reducing pet stress during hurricane preparations is vital. According to Kuenstle, pets can sense their owners' stress and may react by hiding or attempting to escape. It is recommended to secure the yard and provide a quiet, safe space for pets. Proper crate training can create a secure environment for pets during chaotic times.
Perea emphasizes the need to keep pets close during a storm, as isolating them can heighten their anxiety. Leaving pets behind is never an option, as it can lead to tragic consequences. Animals left tied up or in backyards during disasters can suffer horrific outcomes. Abandoning pets can also result in animal cruelty charges, as highlighted by the case of Trooper, a bull terrier rescued during Hurricane Milton in 2022. His abandonment prompted new legislation in Florida aimed at increasing penalties for those who leave pets during natural disasters.
Animal rescues form a significant part of disaster response operations. Both Perea and Kuenstle note, however, that many rescued animals are not intentionally abandoned. During Hurricane Harvey in 2017, Kuenstle's organization rescued approximately 2,300 animals, reuniting around 300 with their families. Many pet owners were unaware that they would be unable to return home and reached out in desperation about their pets.
The experiences of pet owners during Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans in 2005 further illustrate the emotional connection people have with their pets. Many residents were unwilling to leave their homes during the flooding without their animals, underscoring the integral role pets play in their families.
As natural disasters become more frequent, the need for pet owners to prepare comprehensively for their furry family members is essential for their safety and well-being.
