Pet owners must remember that their furry friends are helpless to make their own preparations prior to a storm or hurricane, so plan for them well in advance.

Stay or Go
First of all, pet owners will need to decide whether they will be evacuating, and if so, whether they will be taking their pets with them. For those who will be travelling with their pets, please see the Pet Travel section for the requirements for transporting pets to and from the US/Canada and the UK. Last minute travel to the UK with pets is virtually impossible, but with a day’s warning, it should be possible to get pets to the US or Canada.

Shelters
Hurricane shelters do not accept pets, nor do most private shelters. Therefore, if you expect you might have to move to a shelter during a storm, or will be off island, make alternative arrangements for your pets well in advance. In Cayman Brac, Noah’s Ark, a pet hurricane shelter, opens when regular shelters open and accepts all kinds of pets, except snakes. The service is free, but owners are asked to collect their pets as soon as the all clear is given. The shelter is unable to take pets from other islands. For more information call 948 2625.

In Grand Cayman most boarding kennels ask owners to collect their pets prior to any storms as they do not have the facilities to keep them there. However, Specialty Pet Boarding & Retail at Countryside Shopping Village which is run but a vet, does remain open during hurricanes and can continue to shelter pets are their facilities are all indoors.

Pet owners who foresee that they will need to evacuate to a shelter should make arrangements for friends or relatives to take in their pets, if they cannot get them into the kennel. If it is in any way avoidable, do not leave pets alone in the house during a storm.

Before the storm
It is important to ensure pets have proper ID. Tags with phone numbers are good, but may come off.

Micro-chips are the best way to ensure a pet can be reunited with its owner in the event they become separated. Also take up to date photos of pets as a precaution. As with human ID and paperwork, keep pet passports, vaccination records and important paperwork in a waterproof container.

Make sure you have a good stock of any medications and pet food – enough to last several weeks, in case supplies are interrupted following a major hurricane. Remember that dry food for cats and dogs can spoil if it becomes wet, so stock up on cans. For other pets such as hamsters or birds, which require a more exotic diet, stock up early on with several months’ supply.

During the storm
Keep pets indoors at all times during a storm. If at all possible avoid leaving pets on their own during a hurricane. A crate is a good idea for dogs and cats, especially if they are nervous in thunderstorms, as the confined space can make them more comfortable. Some animals have what is known as storm phobia, and can become afraid, nervous or even aggressive during storms, says Dr. Brenda Bush. In severe cases they may be on special phobia medication, so make pets feel as secure and comfortable as you can.

As pets will not be able to use the great outdoor bathroom, make sure you have plenty of cat litter, newspaper and cleaning products to hand.

After the storm
Once the all clear is given be sure to keep pets on a leash when outdoors: downed power lines, contaminated water and decaying matter all pose potential dangers to dogs. Storm damage may also cause them to become disoriented. Be patient with pets as they may be suffering from stress and trauma and re-establish their routines as soon as possible.

If you find a pet that has become separated from its owner, take it to the Department of Agriculture or any vet to see if it is micro-chipped. If it is not, contact The Humane Society, CARE, Friends of Felines and/or PAWS with photos and a description and they will assist in tracking down the owners.

Pet disaster kit

• Place medical records, pet passport, other important documents and medications in a waterproof container
• Leather or nylon leash and muzzle for dogs. (Pets may need to be restrained if they become very agitated during a storm)
• Favourite toy or blanket
• Non-spill food and water dishes
• Place dry food in a watertight container
• Make sure you have at least two weeks supply of dry and canned food
• Manual can opener
• Paper towels, newspaper and cleaning products to handle waste
• Kitty litter for cats
• Pet first aid kit
• Antibacterial cleansers/wash
• Bandage materials (gauze rolls, gauze squares, medical tape, elastoplast wrap, telfa wound pads, antibacterial ointment, wound closure band aids)
• Scissors
• Water purification tablets
• Tweezers for removing thorns, ticks, etc
• Iodine or betadyne solution