Your emergency plan isn't complete until it includes your pets. Here's how to keep every family member safe.
When a storm threatens, pets depend entirely on us to keep them safe. Too many animals are left behind or separated from their families during evacuations. A little planning ensures your pets ride out the season safely.
Build a pet emergency kit
- A week or more of food and water, plus bowls
- Medications and a copy of vaccination records
- Leash, harness, and a carrier for each animal
- Waste bags, litter, and a small litter box
- Comfort items: a favorite toy or blanket
- Recent photos of you with your pet in case you're separated
Know your shelter options
Not all shelters accept pets, but Pinellas County operates pet-friendly shelters — typically requiring pre-registration and current vaccination records. Register before the season so you're not scrambling. If you evacuate to a hotel or a friend's home, confirm pets are welcome in advance.
Keep ID current
- Ensure collars have up-to-date ID tags
- Microchip your pet and keep the registration current
- Take a current photo in case you need to make lost-pet flyers
During and after the storm
Keep pets indoors and calm, ideally in an interior room. After the storm, keep them leashed outside — familiar scents and landmarks may be gone, and downed power lines and debris pose real dangers.
Your pets are family. Fold them into your plan from the very start of the season.
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