By Dr. Madison Wilson, DVM
Hurricane preparedness is important for every member of the family, pets included! For families with exotic pets, such as reptiles, birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, and other small animals, preparing for a hurricane can look a little different.
For pet owners in Bradenton and throughout Florida, having a plan in place before a hurricane approaches can make evacuation and unexpected power outages easier to manage. There are many resources available on what to pack and how to prepare, and we hope this guide provides a helpful starting point for keeping your pets safe and comfortable during hurricane season.
General Hurricane Preparedness for All Pets
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A safe, escape-proof pet carrier: Have a secure carrier available to transport your pet that can also serve as temporary housing if needed. Carriers should be large enough to house your pet comfortably for several days. It is also a good idea to bring a thin sheet or blanket to cover the carrier for security and/or shade. Label the carrier with your emergency contact information and consider including your local veterinarian’s information as well. When setting up in a shelter or temporary location, place the cage or carrier away from windows in case they break during the storm.
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Pet food: Pack at least a 7-day supply of your pet’s food in an airtight, waterproof, spoil-proof container.
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Bottled water: Have enough bottled water for your pet for at least seven days.
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Food and water bowls: Pack bowls for your pet’s food and water. We recommend having at least two sets in case washing dishes is not readily available.
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Zip-top bags: These can be useful for storing opened food, uneaten food, and trash.
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Important medical records: Bring copies of your pet’s medical records, especially vaccination records.
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Identification information: Keep records of your pet’s microchip, tattoo, or leg band information. For pets that can wear collars, make sure their identification tags are current. Having updated photos of your pets can also be helpful.
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Medications: Bring any medications your pet currently takes. We recommend having at least a two-week supply, as well as a prescription for a refill when possible.
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Bedding and comfort items: Bring bedding, blankets, toys, and other familiar items to help keep your pet comfortable, occupied, and less stressed.
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Grooming supplies: Consider brushes, nail trimmers, ear cleaners, and unscented baby wipes.
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Trash bags: Pack trash bags for waste. Zip-top bags can also be useful for containing waste and minimizing odor.
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Treats: Bring treats that will not spoil and store them in an airtight, waterproof, spoil-proof container.
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Emergency supplies: Have flashlights, extra batteries, and a radio available.
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Pet-friendly accommodations: Keep a list of pet-friendly hotels, shelters, evacuation centers, and boarding facilities. Check their pet policies ahead of time, particularly if you have an exotic pet.
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Evacuation plan: Keep a local map and establish an evacuation plan before a hurricane approaches. We recommend practicing your evacuation plan, especially if your pet becomes stressed while riding in the car.
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Emergency fund: Consider setting aside an emergency fund to cover last-minute housing or boarding at a veterinary hospital or shelter. Our building has a backup generator that can be used during storms. If you are looking for a place to board your pet during an evacuation, please visit our Lakewood Ranch Animal Hospital website for more information.
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Pet first-aid kit: Prepare an emergency medical kit containing gauze pads, scissors, styptic powder or medicated sticks to help clot bleeding nails (cornstarch can be used in a pinch), bandaging materials, towels, antibiotic ointment, gloves, tweezers, a washcloth, syringe or eyedropper, digital thermometer, and an antiseptic solution. Betadine is generally appropriate for a wide variety of species.
Hurricane Preparedness for Exotic Pets
One of the biggest challenges when creating an emergency or hurricane evacuation plan for exotic pets is that many emergency shelters only accept dogs and cats. Before hurricane season or an evacuation, contact shelters to find out whether they can accommodate your specific type of exotic pet.
If they cannot, consider planning to evacuate to a location with an emergency generator, such as a family member or friend’s home or a hotel that allows exotic pets.
Websites such as TakeYourPet.com and PetsWelcome.com may also help you research pet-friendly accommodations.
Our hospital is available during hurricanes, although boarding for exotic pets is currently limited to small furry exotics, such as guinea pigs and rabbits. Please feel free to call us if you are looking for a place to board your exotic pet during a storm.
For exotic pets that require fresh greens or fruits, have a cooler and ice packs ready to help keep food fresh if refrigeration is unavailable. To limit how often you need to open the cooler, pre-fill zip-top bags with one day’s supply of food so they are easy to grab.
Hurricane Preparedness for Reptiles
Prepare safe transportation and temporary housing. It is important to have a secure way to transport your reptile as well as a safe temporary setup that can be used during an evacuation.
Plan for heating and temperature control. Maintaining appropriate temperatures can be especially challenging for reptiles during temporary housing or a power outage. Keep a digital thermometer probe in your reptile’s enclosure so you can monitor the temperature where your pet is resting.
When heat lamps are not an option, alternative heating devices may include heating blankets, heating pads, or hot water bottles. Always keep at least one protective layer between your pet and the heating device to reduce the risk of contact burns. When power is unavailable and there are no other options, body heat may also provide temporary warmth for reptiles.
Keep appropriate backup food available. Depending on your pet’s species, pellet foods may be helpful to have on hand if fresh greens or fruits spoil. Some pets will eat pellets dry, while others may prefer them slightly softened with water.
For pets that eat insects or other proteins multiple times per week, we recommend bringing a week’s supply. However, the amount of protein offered may need to be reduced if temperatures remain suboptimal for multiple days. For example, eight crickets per feeding might be reduced to three or four.
For reptiles such as snakes that typically eat once a week or less, consider waiting to feed them until they can spend several days in an appropriate enclosure. If you are concerned that you will not be able to maintain an optimal setup during the hurricane, waiting until your reptile is back in an appropriate environment can help support proper digestion.
Prepare for warm soaks. Bring a large bowl or small tank that can be used for warm soaks. When appropriate lighting or heating is difficult to maintain but warm water is available, a daily soak can provide time at an appropriate temperature to support digestion.
Provide a hide. Give your reptile or exotic pet an appropriate place to hide and relax away from direct heat.
Hurricane Preparedness for Small Animals
Small animals, such as rabbits, guinea pigs, and rats, should be transported in secure carriers with appropriate bedding, food, and water. When appropriate, these carriers may also serve as temporary enclosures while you are sheltering.
For smaller pets, consider bringing a playpen or tall-sided kiddie pool to provide additional space for movement and enrichment.
Bring enough bedding for at least seven days of small spot cleanings. If you plan to use a larger temporary enclosure, make sure you have enough bedding for that setup as well.
For larger quantities of hay, keep the hay in tightly sealed, waterproof containers. We also recommend avoiding hay from the very bottom of a bale when traveling, as it may contain more dust. In a car, hotel room, or other smaller space, pets may be more affected by higher dust levels.
Small mammals can be sensitive to extreme heat and cold. Thermal blankets can provide a heat source, while frozen ice packs and coolers can help provide cooling during a power outage or other unexpected temperature changes.
Additional items to keep on hand may include a salt lick, hide box, extra water bottle, and a small hide box or tube.
Hurricane Preparedness for Birds
Birds should be transported in a secure travel cage or carrier. Placing a thin sheet over the cage can help reduce travel-related stress. During travel and after reaching your shelter or temporary accommodations, try to keep your bird’s cage in a quiet area.
If the carrier does not have a perch, line the bottom with paper towels that can be changed frequently.
In warm weather, carry a spray bottle that can be used to periodically moisten your bird’s feathers.
It is very important that birds eat daily. Some owners may choose to purchase timed feeders to help maintain regular feedings, particularly if they need to leave their bird for an extended period.
When staying in a smaller room or hotel, limit aerosolized cleaners, perfumes, strongly scented candles, and heavily seasoned stovetop cooking. Birds can be particularly sensitive to airborne products. Flashlights and lanterns are safer lighting options than scented candles during a power outage.
Additional items to keep on hand for birds include a catch net, heavy towel, and cage liners.
When to Seek Emergency Veterinary Care
Knowing when to seek emergency veterinary care is an important part of hurricane preparedness. Recognizing signs of distress or illness in exotic pets can be challenging because they often hide signs of illness until their condition becomes more severe.
Watch for unusual behavior or symptoms, including lethargy, decreased or complete loss of appetite, difficulty breathing—especially open-mouth breathing—or a sudden change in temperament or aggression. These can be signs of a health emergency, and you should seek veterinary care.
Preparing ahead can make a major difference when a hurricane or evacuation affects your family. This is not a comprehensive list of everything you may need, but we hope it provides a helpful starting point for creating an emergency plan for your pets.
For exotic pet owners in Bradenton and surrounding Florida communities, planning ahead is particularly important during hurricane season. Know where you can evacuate, keep essential supplies ready, and make arrangements for your pet before severe weather arrives.
For any questions or concerns, or to schedule a veterinary visit for your exotic pet, book an appointment today with Lakewood Ranch Animal Hospital.