While Matthews was spared the worst of Hurricane Helene’s impact last year, the storm’s devastation across western North Carolina serves as a powerful reminder: disaster preparedness isn’t just for humans—our pets need a plan too.
Whether facing a hurricane, flood, or sudden evacuation, having a clear protocol in place can make all the difference in keeping your pets safe.
Evacuation Planning
Never leave a pet behind—if the situation is dangerous for you, it is unsafe for them too.
- Keep carriers, harnesses, and pet’s emergency kit easily accessible
- Microchip your pet and ensure contact information is up to date
- Share the location of your pet’s emergency kit with a designated contact—ideally a nearby neighbor
Build Your Pet’s Emergency Kit
Having a pre-packed bag with your pet’s essential items helps ensure a safe and efficient evacuation. Here’s what to include for a quick departure:
- 5+ days of food and bottled water
- Medications & medical records in a waterproof bag
- Collar with ID tags and a backup leash
- Recent photo of your pet in case of separation
- Blanket or toy for comfort
- Pet-safe first aid kit
How Pressly Animal Hospital and Wellness Clinic Can Help:
- Emergency medication refills
- Microchip checks and updates
- Vaccinations and printed records
- Wellness consults
- Recommendations for calming products and travel safety gear
Storms may be unpredictable, but your pet’s safety shouldn’t be!