With Milton Looming: Best Friends Animal Society Shares Tips to Keep Pets and People Safe During Weather-Related Emergencies

Days after Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc on the South, Best Friends Animal Society, a leading animal national welfare organization working to end the killing of cats and dogs in shelters in 2025, is issuing safety tips for people and pets before, during and after Milton. 

“Now is the time to put your emergency preparedness plans into action especially given that Milton, a second large-scale storm, is heading for Florida,” said Sharon Hawa, Senior Manager, Emergency Services, Best Friends Animal Society. “Listening to authorities, evacuating if you are told to leave, and being prepared can be the difference between life and death.”

To help those in Milton’s path, Best Friends is offering safety tips to follow during and after Milton:

PACK A GO BAG FOR YOU & YOUR PET(S): Pet owners should put together a bag of basic supplies should you need to immediately evacuate. It should include the following:  

• A 3-to-5-day supply of wet and/or dry food (and water, if possible)  
• Collapsible water bowl
• Your pet’s toys and/or treats  
• An extra supply of any necessary medications (as veterinary care may not be readily available in a crisis)  
• A list of your pet’s medical needs, medicines taken, including dosing/frequency, as well as veterinary contact information  
• Copies of current vaccination records  
• A leash and a collar with a current ID tag or microchip that includes your cell phone  
• A crate labeled with your pet’s name and your contact information (use masking tape and a permanent marker)  
• Consider placing your well-worn sweater or sweatshirt inside the crate so that your pet travels more comfortably inside surrounded by a familiar scent around them
• Extra poop bags  
• For cats, a small bag of litter and litter pan  
• Blanket and towels  
• Bowl, can opener and spoon  

CREATE A FIRST AID KIT: Should an injury or ailment occur during an emergency situation, it’s especially important to be prepared as a veterinarian may not be as readily accessible. Items for a first aid kit should include:  

• Pet first-aid book  
• Emergency contact list (including numbers for your veterinarian, an emergency vet clinic and a national poison control hotline.)  
• Pet’s prescription medications
• Wraps and Gauze
• Antiseptic pads or alcohol wipes  
• Antibacterial cream or ointment  
• Instant cold packs  
• Emergency blanket  
• Tweezers  
• Blunt scissors  
• Exam gloves  
• Styptic blood clotting powder  
• 10 ml. sterile saline syringes  
• Cotton balls/cotton swabs  
• 3% hydrogen peroxide  
• Headlamp or flashlight  
• Muzzle  
• Sling for carrying medium or large dogs  

IDENTIFY POTENTIAL CAREGIVERS OR BOARDING OPTIONS: Identify a few designated pet caregivers should you be displaced by Hurricane Milton and unable to retrieve your pets.

• Create a list of your pet(s) daily routine and any special needs, as well as the location of their emergency supplies. Print out hard copies and send a digital copy to each designated caregiver.
• Research pet friendly lodging and create a list of several options within a 5 to 50-mile radius.  
• Another option for displaced pets is a boarding facility. (Information on your approved boarding facilities should also be given to your designated caregiver, in case they are unable to house your pet for any reason).  

TAKE PHOTOS: If separated from your pet, photos can help you get reunited and keep them out of shelters.  

• Take a photo of your pet, as well as a photo of you with your pet to keep stored on your phone in case you are separated from one another.  
• Also, consider printing out a few photos to have in case your phone isn’t available, loses power or access to social platforms is not possible. This will help to ensure identification, and a successful reunion should your pet(s) go missing.

For additional details on preparing pets for weather-related emergencies, visit bestfriends.org.