Weathering the Storm Together: Protecting Pets During Hurricanes

Send us a text

Welcome, to episode #17 of "Let’s Bark About ItTampa Bay." Laurie Elmer here with my co-host Knicki Knowlton.  We’re the owners and photographers of UrbanDog Studio, Tampa Bay’s premier pet photographers and lovers of all thingsDog.  Today, we have a special guestjoining us. Heather Williams, from Pinellas Animal Hospital is here to shedlight on a topic of utmost importance – hurricane preparedness for our furryfamily members.

Hurricane Prep and Evacuation Tips -From the Pinellas County web page

Evacuating close to home, but outside of the hazard area is the best option.

Plan on bringing your pet with you. Never leave your pet behind in harm’s way.

Plan to stay outside of evacuation areas. 

Consider staying with family, friends or in a hotel or motel.

Plan ahead for your pet by identifying pet-friendly accommodations ahead of a storm and store their contact information in your phone to make reservations quickly.

Microchip your pet in case you get separated and keep your contact information updated with the vendor.

Make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date, their county license is valid and contains the pet’s microchip information, if applicable.

Take a photo of you and your pet together. Keep it with your important documents and on your phone.

Build a pet emergency kit from the list provided below

If you are ordered to evacuate, take your pets with you. Do not leave them behind.

Keep your pets on a leash or in a carrier.

Wherever you end up sheltering during a storm or disaster, make sure your destination is pet friendly. Use your favorite search engine to research accommodations early and include the search term “pet friendly.” If you don’t use technology, call your friends or your vet to get recommendations about pet-friendly accommodations.

Basic Supplies for Pets

Pet food and water for a minimum of two weeks

Identification and current microchip information

License tag and form received after rabies vaccination

Immunization records from your vet

Photo of your pet with you

Collar and leash

Medications for a minimum of two weeks, with instructions

Treats and/or food to aid administering medications.

Toys/blanket

Cat litter, pan and scoop.

Plastic pet waste bags

Pet-friendly disinfectant

Paper towels

Carrier or crate

Newspaper or other lining

LINKSPinellas County

https://pinellas.gov/make-a-plan/hurricane-guide-english/

Hillsborough County

https://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/en/residents/animals-and-pets/pet-ownership/pet-disaster-planning

Pasco County

https://www.pascocountyfl.net/335/Hurricane-Preparedness

Manatee County

We hope you enjoyed listening to this "Best Of" episode with our amazing guest!

URBAN DOG STUDIO
Have you ever thought about capturing professional portraits of your furry family member? If so, we're here for you? Urban Dog Studio, Tampa Bay's premiere pet photography studio, specializes in stunning portrait sessions in the studio, on location, and even in the water! Whether you're in St. Petersburg, Tampa, Clearwater, Bradenton, Sarasota, or any of the beach communities, Urban Dog Studio is here for