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ADOPTION CENTER: 941-747-8808 X 313

Hurricane Preparedness

During an emergency, the safety of your family pets depends on you. Always remember that during a disaster, what’s good for you and your family is good for your pets.
During an emergency, the safety of your family pets depends on you. Always remember that during a disaster, what’s good for you and your family is good for your pets.

The Humane Society of Manatee County has an Emergency Management / Evacuation Plan in place to protect all of the animals in our Second Chance Adoption Program. We highly recommend that every family in Manatee County have a family emergency plan that includes their pets. During an emergency, the safety of your family pets depends on you. During severe weather and other emergency situations, if it is deemed unsafe for you to stay in your home that also means it is unsafe for animals to remain in the home. Do not leave your family pet at home alone and never use your pet as an excuse not to evacuate.

A safe and successful evacuation depends on preparedness and planning. Two keys to a weather-related emergency are to prepare for the risks and to act on those preparations when emergency officials recommend evacuation. Always remember that during a disaster, what’s good for you and your family is good for your pets.

It is important that you prepare an emergency kit for you and your family, it is equally important to prepare an emergency kit for your animals. All emergency kits should be located at least four (4) feet off the floor and readily accessible. Food, water, and medications in these kits need to be refreshed occasionally and not have passed expiration dates. If evacuation is imminent, place your animal in a carrier or on a leash ahead of time so time is not lost chasing a scared pet at the last minute.

Listed below are recommendations for a basic pet emergency kit that should be clearly marked as a pet emergency kit and accessible when needed.

  • Water – At least a three (3) day supply
  • Non-perishable food – At least (3) three day supply in an airtight waterproof container
  • If your pet is used to receiving treats bring them also
  • A non-electric can opener, if using canned food
  • Medication – A one (1) week supply in a waterproof container or zip lock bag
  • Medical Records – Proof of vaccinations in a waterproof container or zip lock bag
  • Microchip information and make sure all owner information is current
  • Include a photograph of yourself WITH your pet so ownership can be established if you are separated, 80% of pets displaced by a storm are never reunited with their owners.
  • A carrier along with a spare leash, collar, and ID Tag
  • Water and food bowls along with a few familiar toys
  • Litter, litter box, puppy pads, and dog waste bags (poop bags !!)
  • Basic pet first aid kit
  • Paper towels
  • Spare flashlight

Please follow recommendations from emergency management authorities and prepare ahead of time for yourself, your family, and your pets. Hurricane season in the state of Florida is June 1st – November 30th so April and May are the perfect months to prepare and make sure vaccines and microchip registration information are current. If your pet is not microchipped or is due for vaccines, you can make an appointment at the Humane Society of Manatee County Veterinary Clinic,