CLEVELAND, Ohio — In the wake of Hurricane Helene, which ravaged the southeastern United States last week, veterinarians are advising pet owners to prioritize emergency preparedness to ensure their pets’ safety during disasters.
Over 160 deaths across six Southeastern states have been attributed to the storm, one of the most destructive in U.S. history, leaving devastation from Florida’s Gulf Coast to the Appalachian Mountains in Virginia. Experts are urging pet owners to have an emergency plan ready for both themselves and their animals.
In an interview with cleveland.com, two veterinarians from Hill’s Pet Nutrition shared essential advice on emergency preparedness. Dr. Rebecca Tremble, U.S. strategic partnership lead at Hill’s Pet Nutrition, and Dr. Roberta Westbrook, chief animal welfare and medical officer at Houston SPCA, emphasized the importance of having an emergency kit and ensuring pets are microchipped.
Essential emergency preparedness kit for pets
“Disasters often strike with little warning, so creating a pet emergency kit is essential,” Westbrook said. She advised including basic first aid supplies, a three-day supply of water and food, a safety harness, waste cleanup supplies, any necessary medications, and comfort items like a blanket or toy.
Tremble added that in addition to a kit, it’s important to know where your pet hides when scared and to have a pet-friendly evacuation plan.
“Taking a current photo of your pet and having a pet carrier ready for transport is also crucial,” Tremble said.
Keeping pets safe during severe weather
To protect pets during dangerous weather events, Tremble said to identify pet-friendly shelters in advance and ensure pets have updated identification, such as a microchip and collar with current contact information.
“These measures are critical in reuniting with pets if you become separated,” Tremble said, citing recent data showing that less than half of pet owners have microchipped their animals.
Pet anxiety and special needs
Westbrook emphasized the importance of reducing pet anxiety during a crisis by including familiar items like their favorite toy or blanket in the emergency kit. She also recommended that owners of senior pets or those with medical conditions ensure they have a two-week supply of medication to prevent any interruptions in treatment.
Backup plans for unexpected emergencies
Westbrook said pet owners should create a backup care plan in case they are hospitalized or incapacitated.
“We recommend developing a plan that includes friends, family, or local shelters to ensure your pet has a safe place to go in case of emergency,” she said.
Hill’s Pet Nutrition Disaster Relief
Tremble highlighted the work of Hill’s Pet Nutrition’s Disaster Relief Network, which supports pets in crisis situations. The network has provided millions of pounds of pet food to shelters and organizations affected by disasters over the past 11 years, helping pets receive the nutrition they need during emergencies.
“With Hill’s support, Houston SPCA has cared for thousands of pets during disasters like Hurricane Harvey, and we’ve distributed vital supplies to animals in need,” Westbrook added.
