Pet Preparedness Month: How to Keep Your Dogs and Cats Safe During Storm Season
June is Pet Preparedness Month, making it the perfect time for pet owners in Hampton Roads to think about emergency planning for the pets who depend on them every day.
From hurricanes and flooding to power outages and unexpected evacuations, emergencies can happen quickly in coastal Virginia. While many families prepare supplies for themselves, pet emergency preparedness is often overlooked until it is too late.
Why Pet Emergency Preparedness Matters
Living in Hampton Roads means hurricane season is a reality every year. Residents in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Portsmouth, Hampton, and Newport News know how quickly severe weather conditions can change.
During emergencies, pets can experience:
Separation from their owners
Stress and anxiety during storms
Limited access to food, water, or medications
Difficulty evacuating if no plan is in place
Increased risk of injury after severe weather events
Preparing before an emergency reduces stress and helps keep your entire family safe.
Start With a Pet Emergency Plan
Every pet owner should create a simple emergency plan before hurricane season peaks.
Ask yourself:
Where will you go if evacuation orders are issued?
Which hotels or shelters allow pets?
Do you have enough pet food stored for several days?
Are your pet’s identification tags current?
Is your pet microchipped with updated contact information?
These small steps can make a major difference during an emergency.
Build a Pet Emergency Kit
Having a pet emergency supply kit ready ahead of time can save valuable time when severe weather approaches.
A basic pet preparedness kit should include:
Food and bottled water for 5 to 7 days
Prescription medications
Leash, collar, harness, and carrier
Medical and vaccination records
Waste bags or litter supplies
Comfort items such as blankets or favorite toys
Recent photos of your pet
Local Risks for Hampton Roads Pet Owners
Because Hampton Roads is a coastal region, local pet owners should pay special attention to hurricane preparedness and flooding risks.
Common emergencies in Southeastern Virginia include:
Hurricanes and tropical storms
Flash flooding in low-lying neighborhoods
Mandatory evacuations during major storms
Extended power outages during severe weather
Heat emergencies during summer months
Emergency preparedness is not just about hurricanes. Having a plan helps during any unexpected event.
Pet Preparedness Month Is a Reminder to Plan Ahead
National Pet Preparedness Month serves as an important reminder that emergency planning includes every member of the family — including pets.
Taking time now to prepare can prevent panic later.
For a complete checklist and local emergency planning resources, visit our Pet Emergency Preparedness Resource Guide created specifically for Hampton Roads pet owners.