By Dr. Johnathan Pierce
We were lucky. That’s all there is to it. One day prior to landfall the track of Ian was pointed right at us, poised to devastate the Tampa Bay region. Instead, it made a slow adjustment and devastated our neighbors to the south. I witnessed the devastation first-hand when I volunteered to provide veterinary disaster relief services for the Florida Veterinary Medical Association (FVMA) in the Fort Meyers and Port Charlotte region.
Debris was everywhere, homes and businesses were destroyed, boats were pushed inland and were even on top of and inside businesses and homes. People were displaced into storm shelters, not knowing if they were going to have anything to go back to. They didn’t just have themselves to think about. They also had their pets. Imagine hundreds of people packed into the halls of an arena or a high school with their pets sitting on their laps or in cages. Most of these pet owners had no warning and no idea of what Ian had in store for them.
Preparedness is key — Two or three days ahead of an impending disaster is not the time to prepare.
Keep a watchful eye – Apps such as the Fox13 app and MyRadarPro can give you up to date information on the track of a storm. Traditional news and weather reports are great resources too. Don’t focus on the line, focus on the cone. If you are in the cone then you could eventually be in the direct path.
Have a plan – Plan to evacuate when or before the order is given. Know your evacuation zone where you live and know your evacuation route.
Have transportation available – Make sure that pet leashes, harnesses, carriers, are all sized and ready.
Make sure your pet has a microchip – If you lose your pet during the storm a microchip is a permanent way for your pet to be ID’d if someone should pick them up and bring them to a veterinarian or shelter. Many pets have found their way back home thanks to their microchip when collars and other IDs have been lost.
Food and water – Have enough food and water prepared for at least 3 days or more for both you and your pets. Make sure it is non-perishable – Fresh foods like FreshPet only last a few days on ice and raw diets that could contain bacteria will go bad even faster and could make your pet very sick. Make sure that your pets will eat a canned or dry diet, as this will make finding and maintaining food sources much easier. Water-tight containers to store dry food are a must too.
Fuel up – Make sure you maintain a full tank of gas in your evacuation vehicle. Finding fuel closer to a storm’s landfall becomes very difficult.
Know pet friendly shelter locations – Have a list of these types of shelters that are close to you. Even the best laid plans to evacuate can be foiled and a shelter may be your only option.
Toys and used blankets – These can make an unfamiliar place feel like home for your pet, keeping them occupied and less stressed.
First aid kits (with antiseptic material and bandaging materials) – Veterinary help may not be immediately available and wounds will need to be cleaned and dressed. Make sure when bandaging that you don’t wrap too tightly.
Pet’s medical records – Get a copy. You may need to prove vaccination status or even show medical history in order for your pet to be treated for chronic diseases.
Have chronic medications in stock – If your pet is being treated for diabetes, thyroid disease, heart disease, Cushing’s, Addison’s, or other diseases that require medications, obtain enough medication well in advance of the storm to continue treatment, until well after the storm.
Be prepared well in advance to help protect you and your pet. If you have any additional questions about preparing for a hurricane for your pet, reach out to your veterinarian. Stay safe and prepared out there!
Island Life Animal Hospital
Dr. Danielle Gallo & Dr. Johnathan Pierce
5901 Sun Blvd., Suite 107
Saint Petersburg, FL 33715
727-289-3776 • islandlifeanimalhospital.vet