When hurricane season arrives in Florida, preparation is essential — and that includes preparing for your pets. At Humane Society of Sumter County, we know pets are family, and having a plan in place before a storm can make all the difference during an emergency.
Every pet owner should create a hurricane preparedness kit that includes food, bottled water, medications, vaccination records, leashes, carriers, waste supplies, and comfort items like blankets or favorite toys. Make sure your pets wear updated identification tags and have a microchip with current contact information. If evacuation becomes necessary, remember that many shelters and hotels may have pet restrictions, so identifying pet-friendly locations ahead of time is critical.
During severe weather, pets should always remain indoors in a secure, quiet area away from windows. Loud winds, thunder, and changes in pressure can create stress and anxiety for animals, so maintaining a calm environment helps them feel safe.
The Humane Society of Sumter County is committed to supporting local families and their pets throughout hurricane season. We provide guidance on emergency preparedness, educational resources for pet owners, and assistance connecting families with local pet-friendly emergency options when storms threaten our community. Our team also works tirelessly after storms to help reunite lost pets with their owners and provide care for displaced animals in need.
A part of the Sumter County community since 1982, we know firsthand the impact hurricanes and severe weather can have on the area. This is why we are working hard to raise funds through our Capital Campaign to build a new hurricane-ready shelter. We want to ensure we have the space and resources to provide a safe place for pets and families during uncertain times.
Preparation saves lives. Taking steps now ensures your pets remain safe, comfortable, and protected if a hurricane impacts Sumter County. Together, we can help our entire community weather the storm safely — including the four-legged family members who depend on us most.
Interested in learning more? Visit our shelter on June 20th for our Mega Adoption & Rummage Sale where we will have local businesses and emergency service experts on site.
Hurricane Preparedness Resources for Pet Owners
- FEMA Hurricane Preparedness Tips — Guidance on building emergency kits, evacuation planning, and protecting your household during hurricanes.
- ASPCA Disaster Preparedness for Pets — Comprehensive checklist for pet emergency planning, evacuation kits, microchipping, and shelter preparation.
- ASPCA Pet Disaster Checklist — Printable disaster preparedness checklist specifically designed for pet owners.
- FDA Pet Safety During Hurricanes and Floods — Federal guidance for keeping pets safe before, during, and after hurricanes and flooding.
- Ready.gov Pet Emergency Kit Information — Official emergency preparedness recommendations for families with pets.
- Humane Society of Sumter County — Local support, adoption information, volunteer opportunities, and community resources in Sumter County, Florida.
Key Hurricane Pet Safety Tips
- Prepare at least 7–10 days of pet food and water.
- Keep medications and vaccination records in waterproof containers.
- Ensure pets have updated ID tags and microchips.
- Identify pet-friendly shelters or hotels before a storm approaches.
- Never leave pets behind during an evacuation.
These recommendations are supported by national emergency preparedness organizations and animal welfare experts.
Ways you can help
Become a Stormtrooper!
Foster
Donate supplies
Donate unopened pet food
Donate to our Capital Campaign
