Hurricane season runs June through November, and living on a barrier island means Satellite
Beach families often have less lead time to evacuate than pet owners farther inland. A little
planning now, before a storm is on the radar, makes the difference between a stressful scramble
and a calm, confident evacuation.
What Should Be in a Hurricane Kit for Pets?
At minimum, a pet hurricane kit should include a 5–7 day supply of food and water, any current
medications, a copy of vaccination and medical records, a secure carrier, a leash or harness,
and a recent photo of your pet in case you’re separated. Keep the kit in a waterproof container
near an exit so it’s ready to grab quickly.
Building Your Pet’s Evacuation Kit
● Food and water: at least a 5–7 day supply, plus a manual can opener if needed
● Medications: enough for a week or two, with dosing instructions written down
● Records: rabies certificate, vaccination history, and microchip number, either printed or
saved to your phone
● Carrier or crate: labeled with your pet’s name and your contact information
● Leash, harness, and a backup collar with an ID tag
● Comfort items: a familiar blanket or toy to reduce stress during travel or shelter stays
● Litter and a disposable pan for cats, if applicable
● First aid basics: gauze, adhesive tape, and any pet-specific first aid items your vet
recommends
Before the Storm: Vaccinations, Microchips, and ID Tags
Evacuation shelters, boarding facilities, and even some pet-friendly hotels require proof of
current rabies vaccination before they’ll accept an animal. Late summer, before storm activity
peaks, is a good time to confirm your pet’s records are current and that microchip contact
information hasn’t gone stale from a move or a new phone number. If you’re not sure when your
pet’s rabies vaccine expires, our team can look it up during a quick call or a wellness visit.
If You Have to Evacuate
Never leave pets behind, even for what seems like a short-term evacuation. Storms can change
course or intensify quickly, and it’s common for evacuation orders to last longer than expected.
Research pet-friendly hotels and shelters in your evacuation route ahead of time rather than
during an active storm; not every “pet-friendly” listing guarantees a room once a shelter fills up.
After the Storm
Once it’s safe to return home, walk your property before letting pets roam freely. Downed power
lines, standing water, and displaced wildlife are common after a storm and can pose real risks. If
your pet seems unusually anxious, is limping, or won’t eat in the days following a storm, that’s
worth a call to the clinic rather than a wait-and-see approach.
Satellite Beach & Brevard County Considerations
As a barrier island community, Satellite Beach evacuation routes can back up quickly once a
storm warning is issued for Brevard County. Building your kit and confirming your pet’s records
in early summer, rather than waiting for a storm to be named, gives you more flexibility if
evacuation becomes necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I put together a pet hurricane kit?
- -Ideally before hurricane season begins in June, but any time before a storm is forecast is better than waiting until an evacuation order is issued.
Do evacuation shelters in Brevard County accept pets?
- Some do, but requirements vary and often include proof of current vaccination. Confirm the specific shelter’s pet policy before you need it.
Is it safe to leave my pet home alone during a hurricane?
- No. Pets should evacuate with the family whenever possible. If evacuation isn’t an option, keep pets with you in the safest interior room of the home, away from windows.
How do I know if my pet’s rabies vaccination is current?
- Check your pet’s most recent vaccination certificate, or call our office and we can confirm it from your pet’s record.
Get Ready Before the Next Storm
If it’s been a while since your pet’s last wellness visit, hurricane season is a good reminder to get vaccinations and records up to date.
📍 Learn more at: AVMA: Pets & Disasters
📞 Call us at 321-777-6111
👉 Schedule an appointment: Book Online