If you live in South Florida, you need a disaster plan for pet parents
South Florida Pet Owners: Are You Ready for a Disaster?
Every year, hurricane season rolls into South Florida, with the potential to bring flooding, power outages, and evacuations. While most families have some kind of emergency plan in place, pets are often overlooked or left until the last minute.
At Dances With Dogs, we care deeply about the safety of your pets. We’ve seen firsthand how stressful and dangerous unplanned emergencies can be for dogs, cats, and their people. This disaster plan for pet parents is designed to help you build a pet-specific disaster plan that keeps your furry family members safe before, during, and after the storm.
1. Know the Risks: Why Pet Disaster Planning Matters in South Florida
Living in Miami-Dade County in areas like Kendall, Pinecrest, Cutler Bay, and Palmetto Bay means you’re in one of the most hurricane-prone zones in the United States. Tropical storms can develop quickly, and evacuation notices may come with little warning.
Pets are especially vulnerable during:
- Evacuations (limited pet-friendly shelters and hotels)
- Power outages (heatstroke and anxiety risks)
- Flooding (loss of access to outdoor potty areas, contaminated water)
- Storm damage (unsafe environments, broken glass, loud noises)
Preparing ahead of time can prevent the heartbreaking choice between your pet’s safety and your own.
2. Create a Pet Disaster Kit
Every pet should have an emergency kit that’s ready to grab at a moment’s notice, which should be a part of your disaster plan for pet parents. You can build one yourself or buy a pre-made version and customize it.
Essentials to Include:
- 5–7 days’ worth of food and water
- Manual can opener (if using canned food)
- Bowls (collapsible or lightweight)
- Extra leash, collar, and harness
- Litter box and litter (for cats)
- Waste bags or pee pads
- Medications with instructions
- Medical records and proof of vaccinations
- Pet first-aid kit
- Comfort items (toy, blanket, chew)
- Pet carrier or crate
- Photos of you and your pet (for ID if separated)
- Contact info for vet and emergency contacts
Pro Tip: Keep your kit in a waterproof bin near your main exit. Check it twice a year to replace expired food or medications.
3. Microchip & ID Your Pets
Collars can slip off, and ID tags can fade or get lost. That’s why microchipping is essential for disaster preparedness. If your pet becomes separated from you, shelters and animal services will use microchip data to reunite you.
Checklist:
- Ensure your pet is microchipped
- Register the chip with a national database
- Update your contact info with your new address if you’ve recently moved
Additionally, make sure your pet wears a collar with a readable tag at all times. The tag should include your phone number and any medical needs.
4. Know Your Local Shelter Options
Many evacuation shelters do not accept pets, especially during hurricanes. Never assume you can bring your pet unless it’s a designated pet-friendly shelter.
In Miami-Dade County, pet-friendly shelters
Miami-Dade Animal Services will announce pet-friendly shelters as needed. You can get more information here.
To qualify for a pet-friendly shelter, you must:
- Be pre-registered
- Show proof of vaccinations
- Bring supplies for up to 7 days
- Limit four pets per household
How to pre-register: Call 3-1-1 for an application.
5. Plan for Evacuation: Pet-Friendly Hotels & Routes
Not evacuating is not an option if local officials issue a mandatory order. Planning in advance ensures you’re not scrambling to find a place that accepts pets.
What to do now:
- Identify pet-friendly hotels along common evacuation routes
- Use resources like BringFido or PetFriendlyTravel.com
- Create a short list with addresses, phone numbers, and policies
- Print out directions in case the GPS fails
- Know which friends or family could host you and your pets
Always call ahead — pet-friendly places can fill up quickly during a storm.
6. Prepare Your Home If You’re Staying In Place
If you’re riding out the storm at home, your priority is creating a safe indoor space for your pet.
Designate a Safe Zone:
- Choose a windowless interior room (bathroom, laundry room, or closet)
- Stock it with water, food, a crate, toys, and waste disposal supplies
- Keep it cool — power may go out, and the heat can rise quickly
- Play white noise or calming music to help with storm anxiety
Pro Tip: Practice crate training before hurricane season so your dog or cat sees their crate as a safe, familiar place.
7. Stay Informed & Connected
During a disaster, access to communication and updates is critical. Sign up for local alerts through Miami-Dade County and follow trusted sources:
- @ReadyMiamiDade (Twitter/X)
- Miami-Dade County Office of Emergency Management
- Your veterinarian’s social media
Keep a portable charger in your emergency kit and download any pet care apps you use for training, tracking, or vet communication.
8. Emergency Medical Preparedness
Emergencies often mean limited access to vet care. Be ready to handle minor injuries or conditions.
Pet First Aid Basics:
- Know how to stop bleeding and clean wounds
- Understand the signs of heatstroke (panting, drooling, red gums, collapse)
- Recognize stress signals (hiding, growling, shaking)
- Keep hydrogen peroxide (to induce vomiting if instructed by a vet)
- Use a towel or leash to safely restrain an injured animal
We recommend pet parents in South Florida take a basic pet first aid course — it’s time well spent.
9. Post-Storm Safety for Pets
The storm may pass, but risks can linger.
After the Disaster:
- Inspect your home and yard before letting pets roam freely
- Check for downed fences, debris, or hazardous waste
- Watch for signs of trauma or anxiety in your pets
- Return to routines as soon as possible to reduce stress
If your pet becomes fearful, reactive, or withdrawn after the storm, reach out. Our trainers can help with fear recovery and behavior support.
10. How Dances With Dogs Supports You
Our team at Dances With Dogs understands how stressful storm season can be — and we’re here to help. Once the storm passes and roads are clear, we can give you that extra support by helping your pets get back to their routine through:
- Regular walks
- Enrichment visits
- Behavior support
Final Thoughts: Prepare Now, Stay Calm Later
When disaster strikes, the last thing you want is to scramble for your pet’s safety. Creating a proactive plan is one of the most loving things you can do.
Your pet relies on you to prepare, and with a solid plan, they’ll be far more likely to stay safe, calm, and cared for.