As Hurricane Idalia approaches SC, here’s how Beaufort residents can best get their pets ready

Sarah Claire McDonald
·4 min read

When making plans for a possible hit by Tropical Storm Idalia, it’s important to include your pets in your family’s evacuation and preparedness plans.

Idalia strengthened to a hurricane early Tuesday morning as it heads to the Florida coast, according to the National Weather Service Hurricane Center. Current models has the storm reaching South Carolina around early Thursday.

Making predetermined arrangements prior to the event of an expected hurricane can help maximize safety efforts for you, your loved ones and your pet.

Dog preparing to fly
Dog preparing to fly

First and foremost, if you end up evacuating, bringing your pet(s) with you is the best thing you can and should do. The American Red Cross warns pet owners that if an area is not safe for you to stay behind, then it is not safe for your pet to stay behind either.

In the event of an evacuation, be prepared ahead of time and know which hotels and motels found along your evacuation route will accept pets.

If you’re unsure how to begin this search, go online and visit https://www.bringfido.com/lodging/state/south_carolina/ for a list of pet-friendly hotels in South Carolina.

Knowing which route you’ll take before you leave and where you’ll end up staying ahead of time will be the best course of action. After selecting a hotel or motel in your area of choice, call ahead for reservations if you know you may need to evacuate. This will help save time if they become fully booked after an evacuation has been ordered.

If you can’t find a pet-friendly hotel in your area, try to ask if any no pet policies could be waived in an emergency.

Additionally, including your pets in your family’s evacuation drills will help them become used to entering and traveling in their carriers calmly and allow for an easier transition during a stressful time.

In the event that you and your family do not evacuate, it’s imperative to keep your pets indoors in a safe location away from windows at all times during severe weather.

Just as someone should do when preparing their family, keep all pets up to date on their vaccines, know where their medical records kept or keep copies on hand in a special folder, stock up on your pet’s food and water prior to the expected storm, talk to your veterinarian if your pet suffers from any storm-related stress and keep a comfortable space with comfort toys inside for your animal to wait out the storm with you and your loved ones.

If you own a dog or a cat, make sure they are equipped with collars that hold securely fastened and up-to-date identification information such as their name, your address and phone number.

The Town of Hilton Head Island recommends that you provide and prepare the basic necessities for yourself and your pets at least three days prior to the expected storm.

The municipal government website also recommends that pet owners must not leave their pet behind in the event of an emergency and to follow a checklist specific to the needs of your pet or service animal in the case of a natural disaster.

The emergency supply list provided on the Town of Hilton Head’s website matches that given by the American Red Cross and covers all basic needs for your animal. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Food and water bowl

  • Manual can opener for wet, canned food (if needed)

  • Proof of vaccinations and copy of medical records

  • Veterinarian emergency plans and emergency contact information

  • Contact information for a nearby veterinarian at your set evacuation location

  • Certification or documentation for service animals

  • Current photograph of the animal with their owner(s)

  • First aid kit

  • Extra leash and collar for your animal

  • Crate, bed, and/or blanket Litter, pan, plastic bags and/or waste bags

  • Favorite toys for entertainment and comfort

In the event of a first aid emergency, the American Red Cross offers a free app that you may download to get critical first aid information for your pet.

The free app can be downloaded from the following places.

Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/pet-first-aid-by-american/id780415389?ls=1

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cube.arc.pfa&pli=1