Climate change is making hurricanes more intense, with stronger winds and higher rainfall rates. While the overall number of hurricanes might not increase, the most powerful and destructive storms are likely to become more common. Our animals are particularly vulnerable during times of extreme weather, and they are totally dependent on us humans to protect them. Our guide below will help you to plan, organize and prepare so you can keep your animals safe and comfortable during severe weather events. For specific product recommendations, scroll down to our Essential Hurricane Prep Checklist further down in this post, or browse our Severe Storm Prep collection.   

Evacuation: Have a Plan Before You Need One

If an evacuation order comes, your pets are coming with you, or to a safe and trusted alternative place. No exceptions. Pets left behind face flooding, structural damage, and days without food, water, or rescue, and there’s no version of “just this once” that ends well. Schedule 30 minutes in your calendar to create a plan using these guidelines, then actually do it (and write it down).

• Move when the order comes, not when conditions get worse. Waiting means roads close, shelters fill, and your evacuation window shrinks fast. Early is the whole strategy.
• Know two destinations, not just one. A primary and a backup, each with its own route. Flooding or a downed tree can take an entire road out of commission with zero warning.
• Confirm the pet policy actually applies to you. “Pet-friendly” can mean anything from “dogs welcome” to “two cats under 15 pounds only.” Call ahead and check species, size, and breed restrictions before you’re standing in the lobby.
• Check local shelter arrangements. Red Cross shelter workers will help accommodate household pets, although animals may be housed in a separate nearby facility. Service animals are always welcome with their handlers.
• Set up a buddy system. If you’re at work or traveling when the order comes, someone else needs a key, your pets’ trust, and a plan to get them out. Ask a neighbor or nearby friend, and return the favor.
• Stage a carrier or leash right by the exit. You won’t have ten minutes to dig one out from under the couch. Keep it staged and available to use at a moment’s notice.
• No car? Arrange transportation now. Not every emergency shuttle or rideshare takes pets. Line up a ride with a friend, family member, or pet-friendly transport service before you’re already trying to leave.

Storm Anxiety

Weather events are stressful. Expect some level of anxiety in your pets, and establish a plan for keeping them calm before the storm happens. It’s far easier to prevent anxiety than to reverse it once it’s taken hold.

CBD tinctures or soft chews (made from hemp oil and THC-free) continue to be our most popular options.  Weighted vests and weighted blankets work on pets just like they do on humans. The pressure of the weighted garment triggers a cascade of neurological and chemical changes that calms the ‘flight or fight’ response. Lick mats stimulate a soothing response, and dogs and cats naturally take to them.  Chew, cuddle, or enrichment toys are all extremely useful tools, as are behavior modification and training.  Scroll down to our Essential Hurricane Prep Checklist or browse our Severe Storm Prep collection for specific products.

Our recommendations are based on our own experience as well as consistent positive feedback from customers, but you may also need to consult a trainer and/or a trusted veterinarian.

• Never give human anxiety or sleep medication unless specifically directed by a veterinarian.
• Photograph prescription labels in addition to carrying written instructions.
• Remember that frightened or injured pets may bite or scratch, even if normally gentle.

Understanding Your Pet’s Behavior

Animals are highly sensitive to changes in barometric pressure and can often sense an approaching storm before we do. You may notice your pet:

• Seeking shelter in unusual places (under furniture, in closets, in the tub)
• Displaying increased excitement or anxiety
• Exhibiting unusual behaviors, like licking, yawning, scratching, or whining

Preparing Your Pet Before the Storm

• Exercise: Provide ample physical activity and mental stimulation before the storm hits. A tired pet is usually a calmer, less reactive pet.
• Create a soothing environment: Keep your home quiet and peaceful. Consider playing soft music and dimming lights to create a soothing atmosphere.
• Lead by example: Your animals are attuned to your emotions. Stay calm and composed to help your pet feel secure.

During and After the Storm

Keep pets indoors, leashed, or securely contained throughout the emergency. After the storm, inspect yards and walking routes before allowing pets outside. Damaged fences, downed power lines, debris, contaminated water, displaced wildlife, and altered scent markers can cause injury or make pets become lost. Continue using leashes even in familiar areas, and contact a veterinarian if your pet develops vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, wounds, unusual lethargy, heat-stress symptoms, or persistent behavioral changes. The Red Cross notes that damaged landmarks and scent markers can disorient pets after a disaster.

Essential Hurricane Preparedness Checklist for Pets

Food and Water

• Pet food: Keep a two-week reserve at home and a lightweight, grab-and-go supply of at least three days to take with you for each pet. If local authorities recommend a longer evacuation supply, follow their guidance. Keep pets on their normal diet whenever possible. Freeze-dried foods don’t need refrigeration, are very lightweight, and available in a wide variety of proteins for dogs or cats, great options for go bags. Try them out on your pets in advance so you know what works for their digestion.
• Ample fresh water: For pets, not just people. It’s the one thing people most often forget to pack extra of.
• Manual can opener (if you’re using canned food)
• Rotate your stash: Check expiration dates a couple of times a year so your emergency supply is never your stalest supply.
• Food and water bowls: Ideally one travel water bottle that dispenses water, one non-spill bowl for water, and one stainless steel bowl for food.
• Feeding schedule and care instructions: In case you need to leave your pets in the care of someone else, have your care instructions written down and keep them with your food stash. Include pets’ allergies, medical conditions, behavioral triggers, and handling instructions.

What to Bring: Essential, Every Evacuation

• ID tag and rabies tag, current and legible, attached to a sturdy harness or waterproof collar
• Reliable leash: Ruffwear makes a range of rugged leashes like the Front Range, and some, like the Switchbak, can handle two dogs or be worn around the waist for hands-free operation
• Microchip information, written down, not just assumed you’ll remember it
• Recent photos of you with your pet, for proof of ownership and identification if you’re separated
• 14-day supply of any medications and parasite preventatives your pet takes, ideally in their original containers
• Detailed medication instructions, laminated or photographed, so anyone caring for your pet can follow them without guessing
• Vaccination records, medical history, and prescriptions in a waterproof container

What to Bring: Optional, Depending on the Storm

• Life jackets for dogs and cats, if flooding is a real possibility. Do not enter flood waters; they are extremely dangerous. If near any open water, everyone needs a PFD (personal flotation device).
• Cooling gear for hot weather: Remember that if you lose power, you will lose air-conditioning. Cooling gear works by evaporation, no power needed. Cooling vests have a bigger impact, but cooling neckwear is more lightweight and takes up less space.
• Reflective or light-up gear if you may be moving pets in the dark or during a power outage: collar lights (also available for small dogs or cats), light-up safety necklaces, and/or reflective vests.
• Carrier or backpack built for a senior or mobility-limited pet, if that’s your situation, something that keeps them secure without having to walk or jump.
• AirTag for tracking
• Pet first-aid kit, especially for longer displacements or if you’re heading somewhere remote.

Calming Aids

• CBD anxiety relief oil or chew, like ElleVet Calm & Comfort Chews in 31 count bag or Trial Size or Austin & Kat No More Wiggles Oil or Soft Chews in Trial Size or 30 count bag.
• Weighted calming blanket and/or calming vest.

Comfort and Entertainment

• Travel bed and a blanket: Ideally, bedding that’s familiar to them. If it’s new, just add an old unwashed t-shirt or towel that has your scent.
• Favorite toy and chews: A durable plush toy for comfort and entertainment like Fluff & Tuff. Chewing releases stress and helps relieve anxiety. Choose a long-lasting chew like braided beef cheeks or collagen sticks.
• Food-dispensing toys: If you can focus your dog on freeing the treat from the toy, they won’t be as worried about what’s going on around them. Try a Woof Dog Pupsicle chew toy (black rubber for tough chewers) stuffed with a Woof Dog Calming Pop.
• Lick mat and lickable spread or treat: Licking action stimulates a soothing response that will focus and calm them. Dogs and cats naturally take to them. Fill with any wet food. For finicky cats, try a variety pack of lickable treats.
• Litter, litter box, and catnip or catnip toys for cats: Pack a small catnip toy stuffed with fresh, organic catnip, the most potent you can find. Weruva’s It’s a Tea Potty Cat Litter is a great choice because it’s lightweight, clumps, and handles odor well.
• Other essentials: Battery pack and charging cables