Leaving Pets Behind Is Never the Answer — Planning Is
In the chaotic hours before mandatory evacuation orders, pet owners face a devastating choice: evacuate without their animals or refuse to leave and risk their lives. This was tragically documented after Katrina, when thousands of people stayed in flood zones because they could not bring their pets. Since the passage of the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards (PETS) Act in 2006, federally-funded emergency shelters are required to accommodate household pets and service animals — but advance planning is still essential.
Never leave your pets behind during a mandatory evacuation. Animals left behind face flooding, debris, starvation, and exposure to toxic water.
Before the Season: Build Your Pet Evacuation Plan
Identify Pet-Friendly Destinations
Research pet-friendly hotels along your planned evacuation routes and book them in advance during peak season. Identify a friend or family member outside the risk zone who can accommodate you and your pets. Search 'pet-friendly emergency shelters [your county]' and contact your local emergency management office for the current list. BringFido.com and GoPetFriendly.com maintain databases of pet-friendly hotels with current policies.
Build a Pet Go-Bag
Your pet's go-bag should be separate from your household go-bag, fully packed at the start of hurricane season, and stored with your human emergency kit.
| Pet Type | Essential Items |
|---|---|
| Dogs | 3-day food supply, collapsible bowls, leash, collar with ID tags, crate, vaccination records, medications, comfort toy |
| Cats | 3-day food supply, carrier (required at most shelters), litter box and litter, vaccination records, medications |
| Birds | Covered travel cage, 3-day food supply, familiar perch, keep warm and away from drafts |
| Reptiles | Secure travel container, heat pack, 3-day food supply, hide box for stress reduction |
| All Pets | Recent clear photo, microchip documentation, written medication schedule, vet contact info |
Update Identification Before the Season
Microchip your pet if not already done — this is the single most effective identification method. Register the microchip with a national database (PetLink, Found Animals, AKC Reunite) and update your current contact information. Attach an ID tag with your cell phone number (not your home number) and a secondary tag with a contact outside the evacuation zone. Take updated full-body photos of your pet from multiple angles and save to cloud storage.
Large Animals, Livestock, and Horses
Large animals require an entirely different evacuation approach and significantly more lead time. Once winds exceed 35–40 mph, trailer loading becomes dangerous or impossible. Begin evacuation of large animals 48–72 hours before projected landfall. Register with your county's large animal emergency response plan. If you cannot evacuate horses, release them to open, high ground as a last resort — do not leave them tied or stalled.
Post-Storm Pet Safety
Inspect your property for hazards before allowing pets outside after the storm: downed power lines, broken glass, displaced wildlife, and toxic flood debris. Do not let pets drink floodwater after the storm — it is toxic and contaminated. Keep pets confined during the storm — frightened animals may injure themselves or escape.
Use our Prep Checklist Builder to include your pets in your household emergency plan. Sign up for free storm alerts so you know when to activate your pet evacuation plan.