All the animal welfare groups have tips on your dog an hurricanes. And what they say is good, but not always practical. You may have three kids, a wife (or husband, but wait that makes for kids doesn’t it?) The list I will give you is not to contradict the welfare organizations, but to compliment it.

First, make a copy of your pets health record including shots! You may know it all, but if you get separated, the rescue group will want to see that he is up to date. Keep this with the other important papers you will take. Insurance, mortgage, phone numbers, etc.

A crate or carrier is great to have for transport and to act as a temporary bed or dog house. Make sure your dog will go into it, and take a trip in the car. Do not let him have run of the car while you are driving. For his sake and yours. Everyone is stressed, tired, worried, and you do not need him moving around distracting everyone. Not to mention if you are in an auto accident, he becomes a projectile. Buck up or crate up!

A towel, blanket, pillow or something to sleep on.

Any medications we might need. Including a “relaxing” agent if needed.

Food, water, bowls. Last thing you want to do is to have to run out and find dog food!

An extra leash, in case one is lost or you don’t remember where your dog’s is. An extra (even old) collar with an ID tag and you cell phone number on it.( you won’t be home, remember?)

Toys to keep us entertained

Treats, so we feel like we are not left out.

Stain and odor remover( for accidents in the car or hotel).

A “doggie” schedule so everyone knows whose turn it is to walk, feed, play etc. Remember, you know what is happening, the dog does not!

A current (this year) photo.

“Doggie Bags” for waste pickup on the road and at your destination. Always think of the other pooch!

A first aid kit. You can make your own using lots of OTC products. If you’d like a list just e-mail me and I’ll fire one off to you.

I recommend putting all this in a special “Travel Kit”, including a 5lb bag of food. Then at the end of the season, use the food and next year all you have to do is add the new bag, check the ID tag and health record and you are all set.

Most of these you can use even if you do not evacuate. The extra bag of food will keep you from having to run out. The crate will make us secure during the storm, and the other items act as a backup in case our regular stuff is damaged.

I hope this helps, and that we never need any of it.