Louisiana Hurricane Season: Ensuring Your Pets Are Prepared And Safe

Pets depend on us for their health, safety, and well-being. Anyone who lives in Louisiana is hoping that we have a mild hurricane season this year, but the forecast for the season is that we will likely experience plenty of activity.

If you have pets, it's extremely important to get a hurricane kit together now so you don't have to think about it in the event that a storm threatens our area. Whether it's medicine or their comfort items, getting your plan together now will reduce the stress later if a storm is threatening our area.

Having to scramble at the last minute to think about everything your beloved pets need only adds to the pressure of an impending storm. If you are going to ride out a storm in your home, you need to have the basics for your pets too.

You can set aside a bag full of the basics that your pet would need in the event that you need to evacuate to either a shelter or someone else's home. The Red Cross recommends that you make sure pets are welcome at the shelter where you plan to stay. Most do not unless they are service animals.

They also recommend that you keep a list of places to stay that do allow pets, but make sure that you have adequate supplies for them.

Most veterinarians will work with you if your pet has to take medicine, and you would like to prepare that to put into your bag of supplies. With the severity of storms in recent years, it's not a bad idea to ask for a two-week supply.

Have a Bag Prepared with Needed Items

You can put together a bag full of items your pet would need like their food, water, and the bowls that go along with it. You should add pet waste bags to your collection of items, and kitty litter along with their box.

A blanket, bed, and toys are also something to make it to your list so you can make your pet as comfortable as possible in a new environment.

The above are just a few of the basic things to think about if you have to evacuate along with your pets. The Red Cross also recommends having your pet microchipped.

Have a First Aid Kit for Your Pets

No matter whether you plan to stay in your own home during a storm or you have to evacuate, it's a good idea to have a first aid kit for your pet according to the ASPCA.

They recommend that the kit include things like gauze and adhesive tape in the event that your pet is injured.

Even having something simple like antibiotic ointment in your kit can help you be prepared if your pet needs treatment.

Be Ready with a Plan Now

No one knows when a weather disaster might threaten our area.

Ready.gov has plenty of suggestions that you can think of now so you don't have to panic in the event that a hurricane threatens the Louisiana coast.

Have you taken a selfie with your pet lately? Houston SPCA recommends that you do this to show ownership of your pet.