According to the Florida Division of Emergency Management, more and more communities are developing pet-friendly shelter plans, but keep in mind that although some shelters, including those established by the Red Cross, will allow service animals in with their owner, many will refuse entrance to pets, so it’s very important to plan ahead of time for a safe place to go with your animal(s).

It’s also a good idea to create or purchase a rescue alert sticker, in case of evacuation. This easy-to-use sticker will let people know that pets are inside your home. Make sure it is visible to rescue workers and that it includes the types and number of pets in your household, the name of your veterinarian and your veterinarian’s phone number.

Just as you would for the human members of your family, you should also prepare an emergency kit for the pets in your family.  This kit should be clearly labeled and easy to carry. According to the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), items to consider keeping in or near your pack include:

• 3-7 days’ worth of canned (pop-top) or dry food (be sure to rotate every two months)
• Disposable litter trays (aluminum roasting pans are perfect)
• Litter or paper toweling
• Liquid dish soap and disinfectant
• Disposable garbage bags for clean-up
• Pet feeding dishes
• Extra collar or harness and an extra leash
• Photocopies of medical records and a waterproof container with a two-week supply of any medicine your pet requires (note that food and medications need to be rotated out of your emergency kit—otherwise they may go bad or become useless)
• Bottled water – at least 7 days’ worth for each pet (store in a cool, dry place and replace every two months)
• A traveling bag, crate or sturdy carrier, ideally one for each pet
• Flashlight
• Blanket (for scooping up a fearful pet)
• Recent photos of your pets (in case you are separated and need to make “Lost” posters)
• Especially for cats: Pillowcase or EvackSack, toys, scoop-able litter
• Especially for dogs: Extra leash, toys and chew toys, a week’s worth of cage liner.

Of course we all continue to hope for minimal effects from the storms this season, but it’s better to be prepared to care for your pets than to be caught off-guard.

– See more at: http://www.https:https:https://www.mvshospital.com/hurricane-pet-safety#sthash.eSaqcsiq.dpuf