As Hurricane Dorian becomes a catastrophic Category 5 storm over the Bahamas and headed toward the southeastern United States, the rush is on to keep pets and other animals safe.
The National Hurricane Center bulletin Sunday morning has pegged sustained winds near 175 mph (280 km/h) with the eye of catastrophic storm now reaching the Abaco Islands.
Calling it “a life-threatening situation,” wind gusts could soared over 200 mph and with it a storm surge of 15 to 20 feed above normal tide levels with “destructive waves.”
That’s why the Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League in West Palm Beach, Florida is now “hunkering down.”
“Today, 900 animals are in our care as we prepare for Hurricane Dorian to make landfall,” the animal shelter posted on Twitter heading into a scary long weekend. “Staff & volunteers will be staying at the shelter to provide essential care to our animals during this critical time of need.”
Today, 900 animals are in our care as we prepare for Hurricane Dorian to make landfall as a Cat 4 storm. Staff & volunteers will be staying at the shelter to provide essential care to our animals during this critical time of need. Give now to help: https://t.co/vsCX5ekYCj pic.twitter.com/7mOWHJYdyX
— Peggy Adams ARL (@PeggyAdamsARL) August 30, 2019
Our Storm Riders – staff and volunteers – will be hunkering down with the animals at the shelter starting tonight. Please give now to help 👉🏼 https://t.co/l4iDwTUbDJ #HurricaneDorian https://t.co/9K5xcL7ohv
— Peggy Adams ARL (@PeggyAdamsARL) September 1, 2019
Other homeless animals are being moved out of harm’s way.
The animal rescue group, Paws N Pilots, said pilot Jeff Wall had some animals from a Florida shelter aboard his plane to get them safely to Tennessee.
Otherwise, the animals would face euthanasia due to the coming hurricane.
#PNP Pilot Jeff Wall provides freedom flight for pets in Florida shelter facing euthanasia due to #hurricanedorian – honored to fly these fur babies to a safe shelter in Tennessee where they get a chance to live and find fur-ever families.https://t.co/0QTjyqpNpo
— Pilots N Paws (@PilotsNPaws) September 1, 2019
Officials and animal lovers are urging people not to leave their pets behind if they have to leave their homes.
NEVER EVER LEAVE YOUR PETS BEHIND: Plz share as a reminder not to leave precious animals behind during storms to fend for themselves. The result is often tragic. Pets are scared out of their minds when abandoned. Take them to a shelter & get them after the storm #HurricaneDorian pic.twitter.com/GvgMrE3FQO
— Pilots N Paws (@PilotsNPaws) August 30, 2019
FEMA reminds people in storm zones to plan for pets.
As you make a plan for #Dorian, include your pets.
✅ Have a go-kit ready in case you need to leave quickly
✅ Look up hotels & shelters that accept pets
✅ Keep photos to help identify your pet in case you become separatedMore: https://t.co/4ARIZS7wds pic.twitter.com/D24AdUkm3D
— Readygov (@Readygov) August 30, 2019
Local emergency officials also set out a plan for fur babies and other household critters.
Whatever emergency plans you make for yourself for Hurricane #Dorian, remember to include your pets!
Check out this helpful infographic on how to prepare for a disaster, what goes inside your pet’s emergency kit and what to do during a disaster. #StormReadySoFla pic.twitter.com/Zcmt0fWUU7
— Miami-Dade County EM (@MiamiDadeEM) August 29, 2019
The Best Friends Society also spells out disaster planning for pets.
That includes having the animal’s identification on its collar with multiple points of contact, microchipping and having current photos in case one is lost.
On top of that have a go-bag ready with food, medication, bowls, litter, treats and be ready with the right sized carrier.
And find pet-friendly places to hold up while the storm passes.
Southeast friends, prepare yourself for #HurricaneDorian with our pet natural disaster checklist and emergency plan: https://t.co/6UbkebS3UH. #Dorian #HurrianDorian2019 ^ND pic.twitter.com/p9V7Stt70j
— Best Friends (@bestfriends) August 30, 2019
Natural disasters can be scary for pets — and their people.
“Be aware that your pets’ behavior during and after an emergency evacuation may be different from the normal daily behavior you know and expect,” writes Sherry Woodard, Best Friends animal behavior consultant. “Pets may panic as the danger nears and become lost before they are safely evacuated.”
People are also working to protect zoo animals and other wildlife.
With some 950 animals representing 195 species, Brevard’s zookeepers have a well-practiced plan in place for hurricanes. https://t.co/SRKsycUPnO
— Florida Today (@Florida_Today) August 30, 2019
“As we hurriedly prepare our homes and businesses for Hurricane Dorian, it’s easy to overlook the impact these storms can have on wildlife,” the Brevard Zoo notes. “But in the days leading up to and following Dorian’s landfall, there’s a good chance we’ll see an increase in sea turtle strandings.
You may want to help, but by putting them back in he water you may be hurting them.
It’s illegal to touch them. Instead, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-FWCC.
Be careful out there.
Alligators & snakes may be observed more frequently in areas with flooding. Keep them at a distance & give them space! #Dorian #Florida #Wildlife pic.twitter.com/16NY1VMCK0
— MyFWC (@MyFWC) August 29, 2019
And, help where you can.
Grateful to the more than 300 volunteers who stepped up to foster 400 animals from our affiliate, the South Florida Wildlife Center, in anticipation of #HurricaneDorian https://t.co/TtADXrOqrj
— Kitty Block (@HSUSKittyBlock) August 31, 2019
Main photo Best Friends Society/Twitter
