Protect your pets and livestock during hurricane season

Hurricane season is here, and the most important thing to remember is that pets, horses, and livestock need to be part of your family's disaster plan. If you're told to evacuate, take your pets with you. Never leave them behind. The best time to prepare for a hurricane is before there's a storm in the Gulf. Have a plan, have supplies ready, and make sure every member of your family (including the four-legged ones) is included in your evacuation plan.

For Pet Owners

Before the storm

• Make sure pets have updated ID tags and microchip information.
• Keep vaccination records and medical records in a waterproof container.
• Have at least a two-week supply of food, water, medications, and any special diets.
• Prepare a pet emergency kit that includes leashes, carriers, bowls, litter, and comfort items.

If evacuating

• Identify pet-friendly hotels, shelters, boarding facilities, or friends and family in advance.
• Bring a sturdy crate or carrier, food, bowls, a portable litter box, leashes, and any medications your pet may need. The crate should be large enough for the animal to stand up and turn around comfortably.
• A microchip is a good form of identification in addition to a tag with the pet’s name and your phone number. Having a picture of your pet handy is another good way to provide identification.
• Bring vaccination records. If you don’t have them, your veterinarian should be able to provide them if vaccinations are up to date.
• Leave early rather than waiting until roads are crowded. 

For Horse Owners

Plan early

• If possible, evacuate horses at least 72 hours before the storm arrives.
• Know where you're going and map multiple evacuation routes.
• LSU Vet Med recommends moving horses well inland and away from coastal areas.

Horse preparedness checklist

• Keep vaccinations, Coggins papers, and identification current.
• Prepare a waterproof first-aid kit and emergency supplies.
• Store feed and water for at least one to two weeks.
• Remove debris around barns and pastures that could become airborne during high winds. 

After the Storm: Wildlife Concerns

• Wildlife may be displaced by flooding and storm damage.
• Be cautious around snakes, raccoons, opossums, and other wildlife that may seek shelter near homes.
• Keep children and pets away from injured wildlife.
• Do not attempt to handle injured wild animals unless you are trained to do so.
• If you find injured wildlife after a storm, contact animal control or bring the animal to LSU Vet Med if it can be transported safely. 

Emergency Care

If your pet requires emergency medical care after-hours, the LSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital on Skip Bertman Drive is available 24/7, 365 days a year. For pets and small exotics, call 225-578-9600, and for horses and farm animals, call 225-578-9500. While the LSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital typically remains open during hurricanes, please call first to be sure that the hospital is accessible, and we are able accept patients following a disaster. 

About LSU Vet Med: Bettering lives through education, public service, and discovery

The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine is one of only 33 veterinary schools in the U.S. and the only one in Louisiana. LSU Vet Med is dedicated to improving and protecting the lives of animals and people through superior education, transformational research, and compassionate care. We teach. We heal. We discover. We protect.