6 tips for Pet Safety during Hampton Roads's Hurricane Season

September is National Disaster Preparedness Month.  

As we are all aware, here in the Tidewater Hurricanes can arrive as early as July!
The best thing you can do to protect your pet during Hampton Road's Hurricane Season is to plan ahead.

Make sure all pets are always wearing their ID tags, better yet have a micro chip implanted!

1. Consider purchasing a carrier, keeping them in a secure carrier will prevent them from running away or biting/scratching you or rescue personnel.
2. Buy or prepare a First Aid Kit with manual.
3. Prepare a emergency kit that includes several weeks worth of dry food and water, a collapsible bowl, zip lock bags of kitty litter, towels, medical records, soap, disinfectant, medications (with instructions), poo bags, extra leashes/harness, recent photos of your pets and favorite toys.
4. Never leave your pets behind!  Call your vet or local SPCA to obtain a list of shelters and hotels that will accept pets.  Remember, not all shelters will accept pets. 
5. Discuss with your pet sitter, friends and family your plans for your pet in the event you are out of town when a hurricane hits. Prepare a Pet Care Disaster Sheet that designates a caregiver and has instructions for care.  This person should have a key and any alarm codes to your house and be familiar with your pet.
6. Virginia Beach and Norfolk are prone to flooding.  Map out your exit strategy ahead of time to avoid the commonly flooded areas of the cities.