Preparing Your Pets for Storms

When disaster strikes, your pet’s safety depends on how well you’ve prepared—whether it’s a hurricane, snowstorm, or wildfire, knowing the risks and having a solid emergency plan can make all the difference.

We recommend prepping a Pet Go Bag in the event you need to evacuate. Having this ready to go can make your situation less stressful. Here’s what to include:

• Keep a paper and digital copy of your current vaccine records and microchip number to provide proof to the authorities of current vaccines in the event you and your furry family member are separated
• Include a photograph of you and your pet together. This will help in identifying you as the pet parent
• Keep a set of feeding and water bowls in the bag as well as a supply of dog food (minimum of 3 days)
• Have a supply of any special medication your pet may need
• Collar and leashes for each pet with current ID tags
• Flashlight with back up batteries and glow sticks or reflective tape
• Have a carrier or collapsible crate ready in case you can use a vehicle to evacuate safely. Label carrier, crate and/or Go Bag with your name and contact information
• Pet First Aid Kit
• Keep a current list of pet friendly hotels/motels

Before and during a disaster:

With enough warning, make sure your phone is fully charged and do your best to maintain the full charge by keeping extra chargers ready.

Keep in mind: if you must evacuate, you need to take your dog with you. If it’s not safe for you to stay, it’s not safe for your dog.

Always evacuate as early as possible. The “better to be safe than sorry” rule applies here! The longer you wait to evacuate the more difficult it will be to do so.

Find a safe place to stay ahead of time. If friends or family are not close enough, contact dog-friendly hotels and motels. Keep a list of these places, including their addresses and phone numbers printed out in your Pet Go Bag. Always check with your closest Dogtopia to see if they can help shelter your pup if it becomes difficult to find a pet-friendly place to shelter.

How can we help keep our pets calm and safe during a bad storm?

Start by setting up a quiet, enclosed space where they can retreat—whether it’s a crate, a cozy corner, or a designated room. Play calming music or white noise to drown out the sounds of thunder or wind and consider using an anxiety wrap to provide a soothing, swaddling effect. Familiar scents, such as your pet’s favorite blanket or toy, can also work wonders in easing their nerves.

In more severe cases of storm anxiety, a vet-approved supplement or medication may help to reduce stress levels. It’s also important for you to remain calm because our pets can pick up on our emotions. Reassure your pet but avoid over-coddling them, as this can reinforce their anxiety. Instead, focusing on keeping things as routine as possible—sometimes a simple game of fetch or a treat puzzle can distract them from the storm outside. Your calm leadership during a storm will help them feel safe, even when the weather outside is anything but.

What do we need to know about dogs and hurricanes?

If it’s not safe for you to ride out the hurricane at home, you must listen to your local authorities as early as possible and evacuate with your dog.

Microchipping your pets is the most effective way to reunite with them in the event you are separated. Keep your contact information updated electronically with your dog’s microchip company.

After the danger has passed, there is still danger!

Assess any damage to your home or neighborhood carefully. Always keep your dog on a leash and thoroughly inspect all areas of a yard or enclosure for security before letting your pup off leash. This could be a scary time with many different sights, smells and sounds, so keep this in mind in the aftermath.

Be aware that there might be wild animals displaced from the disaster that could feel disoriented and scared. Check your pup’s area carefully before letting them off leash in your yard. If you do find a wild animal, keep a good distance for you and your dog because wild animals can carry many communicable diseases.

Do dogs sense storms are coming? What are signs that they are sensing an incoming storm (or general bad weather)?

Before the sky darkens with clouds, your dog’s strong sense of smell and hearing may allow them to pick up on the changes in the weather before you. Some dogs may be able to sense a change in atmospheric pressure as another sign of an incoming storm. Most importantly, your dog will be watching your cues and signals. The changes in your behavior, and even the changes in your smell, may signal to your dog that something is about to happen. As you prep for an incoming storm, be mindful and attuned to your dog’s stress signals such as panting, restlessness, or pacing. This means they are looking for reassurance and comfort!

This blog was reviewed/edited by Dogtopia’s Director of Health & Safety Lorraine Rhoads, an experienced animal biologist and environmental scientist.