Pet Safety Tips For Hurricanes

Getting ready for hurricane Ian, you have a lot on your mind. Things like securing your home, stocking up on supplies, taking care of loved ones. But don't forget about your furry or feathery friends. To help you, we have a few pet safety tips for hurricanes.

If you have not already begun thinking about your pets, it is time. If you are thinking of evacuating or going to a shelter, keep in mind many shelters do not allow pets. Not all hotels are pet friendly. Not all friends' homes are pet friendly. If you have outdoor animals, it's especially important to find a safe place for them. NEVER leave an animal outside, exposed to the elements, with no shelter during a hurricane.

During the storm, keep your pets away from windows. If they are used to kennels or cages, consider keeping them inside of one. It could give them a better sense of security.

Most of all, try to stay calm. Animals sense your emotions. So do your children. If you are anxious and upset, there is a good chance they will be too. Take some deep breathes if you need to reset. Know that that Southwest Florida authorities are prepared and ready to help in the event of damage and power outages.

Just like you are preparing for yourself, as far as food. water, and medication do the same for your pets. Make sure you have enough on hand in case we are without power or safe drinking water. A week's worth of supplies is the standard recommendation.

If you need to evacuate or if your job requires you to be on call or report for duty, kenneling your pet may be ideal for you. Reserve your spot ASAP. Be sure to ask what you'll need to pack for the animals sleep over, such as food, medicine, toys, etc.

Note that a storm can be just as traumatic for a pet as for humans. The stress and trauma can change a pets behavior. Try to keep them in a normal routine as much as possible, Try not to leave them alone during the storm if possible.

Never leave your pets behind if you can help it. Make a checklist of supplies you'll need if you plan to leave the area. Things like leashes, litter boxes, pet carriers, medicines, food, etc. Have a plan of where you are going and a list of pet friendly hotels.

If your pet has a collar be sure to put it on. Worse case scenario, if you get seperated, it will be easier to reconnect you. If you've been thinking about a microchip, there is still time to get one from your veterinarian in advance of the storm. One more thing, take photos of your pet if you don't already have a million in your phone.

If your pet's vaccinations are not up to date, try to get those done in the next few days. Shelters that DO take animals, as well as kennels, may require proof of vaccinations.

If you have a dog, or an outdoor pet, be alert that storms often displace wild animals. Things like snakes may be more common. Even alligators if there is a lot of flooding.

Leaving your pets behind is never recommended but if that is your only option there are a few things to do. Put them in a room away from windows. Surround them with things that are familiar and that they love such as toys, blankets, your dirty socks, et. Make sure you leave extra food and water as well.

Hurricane Central - Preparedness Guide gives you the updated information you may need in the event of a hurricane. Just because 2021 was a quiet year for storms doesn't mean we can ever let our guard down. This guide is sponsored by local businesses here in SWFL. Gavin's Ace Hardware, Sean King Law, and Powerhouse Home Services.

Lee County:

Emergency Operations Center 239-533-0622

Bonita Springs YMCA – Bonita Springs

Island Coast High School – Cape Coral

Estero Recreation Center – Estero

Germain Arena – Estero

South Fort Myers High School (Pet Friendly) – Fort Myers

E. Lee County High School (Pet Friendly) – Lehigh Acres

Harns Marsh Elementary School – Lehigh Acres

Harns Marsh Middle School – Lehigh Acres

Mirror Lakes Elementary School – Lehigh Acres

Varsity Lakes Middle School – Lehigh Acres

Veterans Park Recreation Center – Lehigh Acres

Collier County

Emergency Operations Center: 239-252-3600

Highlands Elementary School – Immokalee

Immokalee Friendship House – Immokalee

Immokalee High School – Immokalee

Immokalee Middle School – Immokalee

Pinecrest Elementary School – Immokalee

Village Oaks Elementary – Immokalee

Barron Collier High School – Naples

Big Cypress Elementary – Naples

Corkscrew Elem/Middle School – Naples

Cypress Palm Middle School – Naples

Golden Gate Intermediate School – Naples

Golden Gate Middle School – Naples

Golden Gate High School – Naples

Golden Terrace Intermediate School – Naples

Gulf Coast Intermediate School – Naples

Gulf Coast High School – Naples

Laurel Oak Elementary School – Naples

Lely High School – Naples

Mike Davis Elementary School

Naples High School

North collier Regional Park (Pet Friendly) – Pre-registration is required

North Naples Middle School

Oakridge Middle School

Palmetto Ridge High School – Special Needs

Pelican Marsh Elementary

Sable Palm Elementary School

St. Matthews House

Veterans Community Park

Vineyards Elementary School

Charlotte County

Emergency Operations Center: 941-833-4000

*All Charlotte County shelters are now Pet Friendly

Lemon Bay High School – Englewood

Myakka River Elementary School – Englewood

Kingsway Elementary School – Port Charlotte

Liberty Elementary School – Port Charlotte

Meadow Park Elementary School – Port Charlotte

Murdock Middle School – Port Charlotte

Port Charlotte High School – Port Charlotte

Port Charlotte Middle School – Port Charlotte

Sallie Jones Elementary School -Punta Gorda

South County Regional Park -Punta Gorda

L.A. Ainger MIddle School – Rotonda

Vineland Elementary School – Rotonda

Hendry County

Emergency Operations Center: 863-674-5400

Central Elementary School – Clewiston

Clewiston High School – Clewiston

Clewiston Middle School (Primary Shelter) – Clewiston

Eastside Elementary School – Clewiston

Westside Elementary School – Clewiston

Country Oaks Elementary School – LaBelle

LaBelle Elementary School – LaBelle

LaBelle High School – LaBelle

LaBelle Middle School (Primary Shelter) – LaBelle

Glades County

Emergency Operations Center: 863-946-6020

Buckhead Ridge VFW – Buckhead Ridge

Maple Grove Baptist Church – Lakeport

Glades County Health Department (Special Needs) – Moore Haven

Moore Haven High School – Moore Haven

Muse Community Assn. – Muse

West Glades Elementary (Special Needs) – Muse

Desoto County

Emergency Operations Center – 863-993-4831

Desoto Middle School -Arcadia

South Florida State College (Special Needs) -Arcadia

Hurricane watch = conditions possible within the next 48 hrs.

Steps to take:

Hurricane warning = conditions are expected within 36 hrs.

Steps to take:

Follow the hurricane timeline preparedness checklist, depending on when the storm is anticipated to hit and the impact that is projected for your location.