The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June through November, and while this year’s outlook leans quieter than normal due to El Nino conditions, forecasters are consistent on one point: it only takes one storm making landfall to matter for the people and pets in its path. Now, while the tropics are calm, is exactly the right time to get a pet emergency kit in order.

Build a Pet-Specific Go Bag

  • At least a week of food and any medications, stored somewhere that will not get wet
  • A gallon of water per pet per day for several days
  • Copies of vaccination records, since some shelters and hotels require proof during evacuations
  • A leash, harness, and a carrier your pet is already comfortable using
  • A recent photo of your pet in case you get separated
  • Any comfort items, like a favorite blanket or toy, to help reduce stress

Update Identification Before, Not During

Make sure collar tags and microchip contact information are current well before a storm threat appears on the radar. Once evacuation orders are underway is the worst time to realize a phone number on file is years out of date.

Know Your Sheltering Options

Not all emergency shelters accept pets, so it is worth identifying pet-friendly shelters, boarding facilities, or out-of-area friends and family ahead of time rather than during an active evacuation. Many South Florida counties maintain lists of pet-friendly shelter locations that update each season.

Don’t Forget Grooming in the Prep List

A quick groom before a storm threat is more than just cosmetic. Removing excess undercoat and mats means a pet stays more comfortable if air conditioning is out for an extended period afterward, and a trim ahead of time makes it easier to spot skin issues before you might lose access to a vet for a few days.

Quick Answer

Should I be worried this season, given the quieter forecast? A quieter overall forecast is good news, but it does not mean South Florida is in the clear. Every hurricane season includes storms that intensify quickly, so basic preparation is worth doing regardless of what the seasonal outlook predicts.

None of this takes long to put together, and a calm week in July is a much better time to do it than a stressful 48 hours before a storm. If your pet is due for a groom, this is a good excuse to check that off the list too, across Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and Monroe County.