Disaster Prep: Planning for your Pet

news image
Special Stories
17 Aug 2023 12:00 PM

This past week in Hawaii and Oregon, we have seen large wildfires break out leaving people and their pets homeless. Our field correspondent Brandon Clement followed people as they fed the cats in Hawaii in the wake of fires.

Hurricane season is ramping up and before you become impacted, make sure you have a plan for yourself, but also for your pet. Many times pets can be left behind in the chaos of evacuations or if you are unable to get home during a natural disaster, like wildfires. Here are a few things to think about during any natural disaster:

  1. Pets can become confused and disoriented during evacuations and can sense their owners stress. Make sure you bring a few things of comfort with you if you must evacuate, like toys and a blanket.

  2. All it takes is having a plan - have a bag or two of food along with any medications ready to go if you have to evacuate quickly. Reach out to a neighbor and let them know you have animals, if you find yourself away from home when a disaster breaks out, being able to get in contact with someone who is in the area and can take your pet is important!

  3. Often times resources are maxed out from the influx of pets during a natural disaster - make sure your pet has proper identification with tags AND microchips so they can be returned to you quickly! Update information with your own contact but also a friend or family who is away from your geographic location if aid workers aren't able to get in contact with you.

  4. Pets are impacted by air quality just like humans - if you are near a fire your pets will also inhale the smoke, making for difficulty breathing and potential issues with their heart and lungs. Limit time outdoors for your pet and avoid strenuous activity for them too!

  5. If you must leave them behind, provide a safe area with access to food and water, and escape routes. Do not leave them trapped in crates or rooms. Many shelters are pet friendly - remember often times you only have to evacuate a few miles, not hundreds.

For the latest in severe weather conditions, join WeatherNation, always streaming 24/7.

All Weather News
More
Severe Thunderstorms Expected Across The South Friday

Severe Thunderstorms Expected Across The South Friday

A frontal boundary stretched across half of t

2 May 2025 12:40 PM
Big Pattern Shake Up for the West Upcoming

Big Pattern Shake Up for the West Upcoming

A huge digging upper level low is heading fro

2 May 2025 11:55 AM
Rainy Forecast Could Disrupt Kentucky Derby Week Events

Rainy Forecast Could Disrupt Kentucky Derby Week Events

Louisville is gearing up for the 151st Kentuc

2 May 2025 11:30 AM
Flooding Threat Continues in Oklahoma Friday Morning

Flooding Threat Continues in Oklahoma Friday Morning

The forecast remains wet in the southern plai

2 May 2025 3:00 AM
Storms Back in the Ohio Valley and Northeast Tonight

Storms Back in the Ohio Valley and Northeast Tonight

OHIO VALLEY - After a very stormy and wet mon

2 May 2025 2:50 AM
Rain For Denver, Snow For The Mountains

Rain For Denver, Snow For The Mountains

A cold front and area of low pressure slide t

1 May 2025 12:25 AM
Rain This Week Douses Fire Concerns Today

Rain This Week Douses Fire Concerns Today

Fire weather concerns have been all too commo

29 Apr 2025 6:40 PM