Hurricane Season is Here!
(June 1 - November 30)

What will you do with your pet if you must evacuate?

The Humane Society of Greater Miami
urges you to plan for you AND your pet today!
In the event of a hurricane, you have three options:

• Keep your pet with you in a secure, storm-prepared location.

• Leave your pets with a friend in a safe zone or board it in a veterinary clinic or kennel.

• If you must evacuate, take your pet with you to a friend's or family member's house or a hotel in a safe zone. This should be pre-arranged to avoid last-minute confusion.

If you evacuate, DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PET BEHIND! If it is not safe for you to stay in your home, then it is not safe for your pet either. Take your pet with you - it is possible if you are prepared!

Remember- Red Cross shelters DO NOT accept pets! All pet boarding facilities require up-to-date vaccinations and proper identification. If your pet does not have up-to-date vaccinations or proper identification (a license tag AND a microchip ID), get them NOW! Call list of pet-friendly hotels in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties, and a list of area boarding kennels and animal hospitals that may be able to board your pet in the event of a hurricane.

Supplies to have ready for your pet in an emergency:

• Extra leash and collar

• Portable crate/carrier for your pet

• Extra identification tag

• A two-week supply of pet food in a water-tight container. If the food is canned, bring a manual can opener.

• A two-week supply of clean water - large dogs need at least ½ gallon of water per day

• Up-to-date health records including a recent photo of you with your pet

• Medications - at least a one-month supply

• Cat litter with pan and/or newspapers

• Toys and treats

• Towels

• First aid supplies

If you plan to board your pet, HSGM recommends that you:

• Choose which clinic/hospital/kennel you will board your animal in before an emergency occurs - a good way to find one is to ask friends and coworkers where they take their pets

• Call and/or visit the kennel to find out what their policies are - make sure they are not in an evacuation zone!

• Make a reservation whenever possible

• Bring a crate or carrier and a MINIMUM 5 day supply of pet food

• Be sure your pet is wearing its collar with I.D. and rabies tag

• Supply the border with your contact information, including the phone number of an out-of-state relative or friend that will know how to find you