Pet Emergency Preparedness: How to Keep Your Pets Safe During Hurricanes

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When natural disasters strike, there’s no time to think—only time to act. That’s why I believe pet emergency preparedness isn’t just important—it can be life-saving. After years of living through hurricane seasons in Puerto Rico, I’ve learned that every emergency plan must include our pets.

In this article, I’m sharing my personal experience as a pet parent what it really means to care for our animals when the winds won't stop howling. Because when everything else feels out of our control, one thing we can do is make sure our pets are protected.

Pet Emergency Preparedness for Hurricanes

In 2017, Hurricane María changed everything in Puerto Rico. I’ll never forget the silence before the storm hit and the terrifying days that followed. Roads were blocked, there was no electricity or water, and a sense of isolation hung heavy in the air. Supermarkets were bare. Cell service was gone. People waited hours in line for gas, for ice, for any sign of relief.

And while we all did our best to survive, thousands of pets were sadly left behind—tied up, abandoned, or simply lost in the chaos. Rescue groups worked tirelessly, but the devastation was overwhelming. That experience shaped how I prepare now, not just for myself, but for my dogs. Because they’re not just pets—they’re family.

These days, I always head to my parents’ house when a hurricane is coming instead of riding it out alone in my apartment. I have a folder with printed vaccine records, proof of ownership, and photos of my dogs saved on my phone, though I’d feel safer knowing everything is backed up in the cloud somewhere, easily accessible in an emergency. Being ready to leave at a moment’s notice brings peace of mind when everything else feels uncertain.

What the Law Says

In Puerto Rico, pet owners are legally required to include their animals in emergency evacuation plans during disasters like hurricanes. This aligns with the federal Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards (PETS) Act of 2006, which mandates that any state or territory seeking FEMA assistance must accommodate pets and service animals in their evacuation and sheltering plans.

At the territorial level, Puerto Rico’s “Law for the Welfare and Protection of Animals” (Law 154-2008) reinforces this obligation. Article 4 specifically requires municipalities to develop and implement emergency management plans that include the collection and protection of animals during emergencies.

This means that during a declared emergency, it is illegal to abandon your pet. Public emergency shelters are mandated to accept domesticated animals—but with some important limitations:

• Species Restrictions: Most shelters are prepared to accommodate common pets like dogs and cats. Exotic animals or large species may not be accepted.

• Health & Behavior Requirements: Animals must be non-aggressive and generally healthy to be admitted, to ensure the safety of others.

• Resource Limitations: Space, food, and medical supplies can be scarce during a crisis, which may affect the shelter’s ability to house all pets.

During Hurricane María in 2017, these limitations became clear. Many shelters struggled to accommodate displaced animals, emphasizing the need for personal preparedness and early evacuation planning. Knowing your rights and responsibilities under these laws—and planning ahead—can make all the difference in keeping your pets safe.

Emergency Kit

Cat and dog with their crate and emergency bag

Before the Storm: How to Prepare with Pets in Mind

• Build a Pet Go-Bag: Include food for at least 3–5 days, collapsible bowls, bottled water, medications, vaccine records, leash, collar with ID tag, comfort items (like a toy or blanket), poop bags, litter if you have a cat, and a recent photo (printed & digitalized) of your pet in case you get separated.

• Secure Your Carrier or Crate: Practice crate time before hurricane season. Pets under stress often panic and having a familiar, safe space can help them cope (and keeps them secure during transport). Use code PETPASSPORTJULY25 and enjoy a discount on our favorites. Some shelters will require that cats to be crated or in carriers, see our cat travel prep tips here.

• Microchip and ID Tags: Make sure your pet’s microchip info is up to date, and their ID tag has your phone number (and email, if possible). If phone lines go down, you want as many contact options as possible. For Bermuda residents, register for PadsPass free microchip database here.

• Map Out Pet-Friendly Shelters: Not all shelters are equipped to accept pets—especially those that are exotic, ill, or aggressive—so it’s essential to identify your nearest pet-friendly shelter in advance. While Puerto Rico law mandates that public emergency shelters accommodate domesticated animals, space and resource limitations still apply. Have a backup plan that includes pet-friendly hotels or friends and family you could stay with in case evacuation becomes necessary.

• Have a Calm-Down Plan: Storms are stressful, use calming chews, a ThunderShirt, or your vet-recommended anxiety remedies will help keep your pets calm.

Have a clear evacuation plan with your pets.

During the Storm or Evacuation

• Keep Pets Indoors: Don’t let pets roam, even briefly. Loud sounds and pressure changes can cause them to bolt or hide.

• Never Leave Your Pet Behind: If it’s not safe for you, it’s not safe for them. Don’t assume you’ll “come back for them” conditions can change in minutes.

• Monitor Water and Food: Don’t feed wet or perishable food if you don’t have refrigeration. Boil water if advised by authorities before giving it to your pet.

• Create a Safe Room: An interior bathroom or laundry room without windows is often safest. Keep pets there with you or in their crate, away from glass and debris.

  
  

Final Thoughts

Hurricanes can be unpredictable and devastating—but how we prepare can make all the difference. From legal protections to practical steps like go-bags, microchips, and shelter planning, every action we take helps ensure our pets stay safe by our side.

At PadsPass, we’re building a better way to protect them—no matter where life (or a storm) takes you. Our digital platform will help you store your pet’s medical records, ID, and ownership info securely in the cloud, so you’re always prepared, even when the unexpected hits. Because when disaster strikes, peace of mind should be just a tap away—for you and your pet.

💻 Coming September 2025 — Sign up for updates at https://www.padspass.com/