Hurricane Planning for Pets: Horses and Dogs

When a hurricane is in the forecast, your first thought might be boarding up windows or grabbing supplies—but for those of us with animals, the real worry is keeping our pets safe. Whether you have a dog curled up at your feet or a horse out in the pasture, storm prep takes a little extra planning. This guide is here to help you stay ahead of the chaos with practical, peace-of-mind tips for protecting the animals who rely on you most.

Build a Pet Emergency Kit

Have photos laminated of your animals

This will come in handy if your pets are displaced the photos will not be damaged and you will be able to post them around.

Understand your local evacuation routes and shelters that allow pets

Having a plan of how you will evacuate or where you will go will expedite the evacuation process. Make sure the trailer maintenance and inspection is up to date- check out our Comprehensive Safety Checklist for Trailering Horses here.

Make sure your pet is microchipped

Microchipping your pet allows for vet offices to easily identify pets in the case of them being displaced and found.

Preparing Horses for a Hurricane

Safe Shelter or Turnout?

One big question during hurricane prep is whether to keep your horse in the barn or turn them out into the pasture. The right answer depends on your setup and the storm’s severity.

A strong, secure barn can protect against flying debris and keep horses contained. But if the structure isn't hurricane-rated, there's a risk of collapse or flooding—which can trap them inside.

Turning horses out lets them move naturally to avoid danger. If the pasture is open, high-ground, and cleared of trees or debris, it can be safer than a weak barn. But there's still risk of injury, escape, or exposure.

Whichever you choose, be sure to prep the space. It’s about minimizing risk—not finding perfect safety.

Hurricane-Prep Your Barn

Secure feed, hay, equipment, and tools
Fill water troughs ahead of power loss
Label halters with name, phone number and any allergies
Use breakaway equipment on animals
Make sure you have extra bedding and first aid

Equine Evacuation Tips

Create a loading plan—practice trailer loading in advance
- If you don't have your own trailer, find someone you can count on to trailer your horse in the case of emergency.
Grab your Emergency Kit (see above checklist) or "Go Bag"
Know your destination—find horse-friendly evacuation centers

Preparing Dogs for a Hurricane

Safe Spaces at Home

If you're sheltering in place during a hurricane, create a secure, quiet area inside your home for your dog—ideally away from windows and in an interior room like a bathroom or laundry room. Stock it with their bed, food, water, and a few comfort items like toys or blankets that smell like home.

Crate-training can be a huge help during storms. A crate offers your dog a familiar, enclosed space that feels safe, especially during high winds and loud noises. If your dog is already crate-trained, keep it nearby and open so they can go in and out as needed. For dogs that aren't used to crates, even a small space with a blanket-covered crate can reduce anxiety.

If you need to evacuate, plan ahead for how to transport your dog safely. Use a well-ventilated crate or harness them in the back seat with a pet seatbelt. Bring food, water, medications, leash, ID tags, and something comforting—like their favorite toy or blanket. Keep your dog leashed or crated at all times when outside the car to avoid any unexpected escapes during the chaos of travel.

Canine Evacuation Tips

If evacuation becomes necessary, having a plan in place can make all the difference. Here are key tips to help you evacuate safely with your dog:

Grab your Emergency Kit (see above image) or "Go Bag"
Use a crate or carrier if possible—it keeps your dog secure and helps reduce stress during transport.
Keep your dog leashed or crated at all times when outside—storms are disorienting, and even well-trained dogs may try to run.
Bring comfort items like a favorite toy or blanket to help ease anxiety in unfamiliar environments.
Know where you’re going—map out pet-friendly hotels, shelters, or friends' homes in advance.