June always feels like a fresh start—sunny mornings, warm evenings, and here on the East Coast, the official kickoff to hurricane season. It also happens to be National Pet Preparedness Month, which is one of my favorite times of year to remind all my fellow pet parents that keeping our furry family members safe doesn’t have to be scary. In fact, with a little planning, it can feel downright comforting.
If you listen to The Doggy Diva Show, you already know I love talking about preparedness. It’s not just about storms or wildfires—it’s about giving our pets the same sense of security they give us every single day.
So today, I’m sharing my own coast-to-coast inspired guide, filled with practical and totally doable steps to help you and your pets stay safe no matter where you live.
East Coast Lessons: Hurricanes, Flooding & Nervous Noses
Living in Florida means I’ve had my fair share of “grab the go‑bag!” moments. Over the years, I’ve learned that pets feel calmer when we feel prepared. You’ll find the full go-bag checklist later in the article.
Here’s some things to always keep ready:
1. The Always-On Collar Rule
Every pet in my home wears a collar with updated ID tags. I even added an out-of-state contact—a trick I learned after a storm knocked out our local cell towers. And yes, microchipping is a must.
2. The Cozy Crate & Comfort Kit
I keep collapsible crates in our “go room,” each with:
- A favorite blanket
- A toy that smells like home
- A photo of me with each pet tucked in a waterproof sleeve
It’s amazing how much comfort a familiar blanket brings during a stressful evacuation.
3. Food, Water & Meds—Packed and Ready
I store freeze-dried food, long shelf‑life water packs, and all medications in waterproof containers. My pups also have their calming chews and thunder shirts ready to go. If your pet gets anxious during storms, you might want to explore calming options.
4. A Plan for Where We’ll Go
I keep a list of pet friendly shelters and hotels saved in my phone. Trust me—calling around during an evacuation is no fun. Planning ahead is the sweetest gift you can give your pets as well as the peace of mind it gives you.
West Coast Realities: Wildfires & Quick Escapes
My dear sister and fellow dog mom, Colleen from California, has some tips for West Coast preparedness. Wildfires move fast—sometimes faster than you can grab your keys. Her advice has shaped how I think about readiness for any sudden emergency.
1. Keep Your Go‑Bag Packed Year‑Round
Wildfires don’t wait for a season anymore. A ready‑to‑grab bag means less panic, a quicker exit, and more protection.
2. Know Multiple Escape Routes
Fires can block roads or reduce visibility. Even if you don’t live in a fire zone, this is smart advice for floods, tornadoes, or earthquakes too.
3. Use Realtime Alerts
Apps like Watch Duty help West Coast families stay ahead of danger. If you want to explore similar tools, you can learn about emergency alert apps.
The Sweet & Simple Pet Go‑Bag I Keep Ready All Year
Here’s the part everyone always asks me about: what exactly goes in my pet go‑bag? I keep mine packed in a bright tote with paw prints on it—because preparedness can be cute, too.
Inside my go‑bag, you’ll find:
- Collar & ID tags — with an out-of-state emergency contact
- Microchip info — printed and stored in a waterproof sleeve
- A harness & extra leash — because anxious pets can slip out of collars
- A soft muzzle — just in case nerves run high
- A collapsible crate or carrier — with a blanket and favorite toy
- Photos of my pets — before and after grooming, plus photos of us together
- Freeze-dried food & treats — enough for five days
- Long shelf‑life water packs — lightweight and easy to carry
- Bowls — collapsible ones fit perfectly
- Medications — stored in waterproof containers
- Medical records — printed and sealed
- Waste bags, disinfectant, paper towels — and a few sturdy trash bags
- For kitties: litter, scoop, and a small makeshift litter box
- A first aid kit — for both pets and humans
It’s amazing how much peace of mind comes from knowing everything is packed and ready.
For the Gentle Giants: Horses, Goats & Livestock
Large animals need extra love and planning. If you’ve ever tried loading a nervous horse into a trailer, you know it’s not something you want to figure out during an evacuation.
Here’s what I’ve learned from Colleen’s experience:
1. Practice Loading—Even When You Don’t Need To
A calm horse is a safe horse. Regular practice makes emergency loading smoother.
2. Keep Trailers Road Ready
Brakes, lights, hitch—everything should be checked often.
3. Know Your Evacuation Sites
Fairgrounds and livestock centers are common safe zones. Your local animal services department can help you find them. If you’re unsure where to start, explore local animal services.
4. Pack a Big Animal Go Kit
Hay, feed, water, medical records, halters, lead ropes, gloves—plus waterproof photos of you with your animals.
After the Disaster: Healing Hearts & Happy Tails
Once the storm passes or the fire is out, pets may still feel unsettled. I’ve lived through a tornado with my pets in crates beside me, and when we stepped outside afterward, everything looked different. They felt it too.
Here’s how I help them recover:
1. Walk the Yard First
Check for debris, chemicals, sharp objects, or displaced wildlife. It’s always good to inspect what might have unexpectedly ended up around your house.
2. Keep Pets Close
Leashes help them feel secure and prevent them from wandering into danger.
3. Offer Extra Comfort
A little cuddle time goes a long way. If anxiety lingers, your veterinarian can help. You can explore post disaster pet behavior tips.
A Sweet & Simple Recap: From My Heart to Yours
National Pet Preparedness Month is more than a checklist—it’s a chance to show our pets how deeply we care. Whether you’re preparing for hurricanes, wildfires, earthquakes, or just life’s surprises, a little planning brings a lot of peace.
Here’s what I hope you take away:
- Preparedness is love in action.
- Pets feel the most safe when we stay calm and organized.
- Large animals need extra coordination, but it’s worth every minute.
- After a disaster, patience and reassurance help pets heal.
- And as we say on The Doggy Diva Show, you can never be too prepared when it comes to your furry family
For more information about keeping your dog safe around during natural disasters, please listen to Episode 189 of The Doggy Diva Show Podcast
