Hurricane Season is Here – Is Your Pet Ready?

Emergencies can strike without warning. Whether it’s a hurricane, flood, fire, or chemical spill, having a disaster preparedness plan can make all the difference, not just for you, but also for your pets. At Sugar Land Animal Services, we encourage all residents to take a few simple steps now to ensure their pets are safe, well cared for, and accounted for in the event of an emergency. 

Remember

Having a Pet Disaster Kit ready ensures you won’t be scrambling in a crisis. Planning ahead helps reduce stress and increases the likelihood that your pets stay safe and remain with you through any evacuation or emergency. Make sure every member of your family, both two-legged and four-legged, is protected when disaster strikes by preparing today.  

Below is a practical guide to help you assemble a Pet Disaster Kit. This kit should be stored in an easily accessible location and updated regularly.

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Important Documents 

Gather and store hard copies of the following in a waterproof container: 

  • Veterinary Records:
    • Rabies certificate 
    • Vaccination records 
    • Medical summary and prescriptions 
    • Most recent heartworm test (for dogs)
    • Most recent FeLV/FIV test (for cats) 
  • Registration and Ownership Info:
    • Proof of adoption or purchase
  • Pet Description:
    • Breed, sex, color, and weight 
  • Recent Photographs of Each Pet
  • Microchip Information:
    • Microchip number, company name, and contact number
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Water, Food, and Medications

Have at least a 7 to 10-day supply of essentials ready to go: 

  • Pet food stored in waterproof containers
  • Drinking water for each pet
  • Non-spill food and water dishes
  • Manual can opener
  • Feeding instructions for each animal
  • Medications with instructions (10-day supply)
  • Monthly preventatives (flea, tick, heartworm)
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Other Critical Supplies 

Round out your kit with these items: 

  • Leash, collar with ID tag, and harness
  • Litter and litterbox for cats
  • Toys and comfort items
  • Crate or carrier with blanket or towel
  • Pet first aid kit and guidebook
  • Cleaning supplies (waste bags, paper towels, disinfectant)