Now that hurricane season is in full swing, it's important to have a game plan ready should one make landfall in our area. Be sure to plan ahead for your pets! Here are a few tips to make sure you and your pet are ready to take on the hurricane:

Prepare Ahead Of Time

This should go without saying, but sometimes in the craziness of the storm, it's easy to get panicked. Having supplies ready will help you stay levelheaded and prepared. Set supplies aside in a safe, easily accessible place. We recommend placing everything in a waterproof storage bin to make it easier to transport should you have to evacuate at a moment's notice. Here are a few things to make sure you have:

• Water (1 gallon per person, per day)

• Food (at least a 5-day supply)

• First Aid Kit

• Flashlight

• Tool Kit

• Sanitation Products

• Rain gear

Stick To Your Plan

Whatever you decide your course of action is, stick to it! If you decide to evacuate at the first warning, do so as planned. If you choose to ride out the storm, make sure everything is locked in and ready. Changing your mind at the last minute could render you unprepared and lead to unnecessary accidents. Decide what your plan is before the storm approaches and make sure everything is ready to go.

Create A Disaster Kit For Your Pet

You should never leave your pet behind in the event of a hurricane. To keep them safe and comfortable during an evacuation, create a disaster kit. The kit should contain:

• Enough food and water for a week

• Food and water bowls

• Current medications, including flea and heartworm preventative

• Collar with a name tag and rabies tag

• Leash and collar, harness, or muzzle

• Cat litter

• Pet carrier/crate and bedding

• A few favorite toys

• Pet's medical records

• Recent photo of your pet

Microchip, Microchip, Microchip

As Florida's daily thunderstorms affect our area, many pets become anxious and will whine, whimper, or hide. In some situations, thunder and lightning can cause excessive fear, resulting in nervous behaviors like panting or trembling. When a pet is in distress, its natural response is to flee, which is why it's important to make sure your pet is microchipped. Microchipping and registering your pet in the system gives you the best chance of reuniting with your furry friend should they lose their collars or get lost.

Coastal's Hurricane Protocol

Coastal will continue to conduct business as long as conditions remain safe to do so. If any changes occur, we will be sure to keep you updated. We will continue to house pets during certain emergency situations, but please note that in the event of a mandatory evacuation, our staff will be required to evacuate as well. Should a Category 3 or higher hurricane threaten our area, we do not recommend leaving your pets to be boarded.

For more information or to get your pet microchipped, call us at (904) 223-4360.