Severe Weather Pet Safety Tips

With the recent tornado warnings across the state, the Humane Society of Missouri would like to take this time to remind pet owners of several essential safety tips to ensure that you and your furry friends are safe during tornadoes and other severe weather. Below are a few safety tips to keep in mind:

Stay Up-To-Date

• Stay informed with weather alerts and warnings. Have a weather radio or a mobile app that can alert you to severe weather conditions. Also ensure that your pets have identification tags and microchips that are up to date with your current contact information. This greatly improves your chance of recovering your pet if you are separated or lose track of them in an emergency.

Make a Plan

• The first step in preparing for a tornado is to create an emergency plan that includes your pets. Make sure your pets are wearing collars with identification tags and have a safe and secure place to go during a tornado. If you live in an area prone to tornadoes, consider installing a storm shelter or having a designated safe room in your home.

Create an Emergency Kit

• Just like humans, pets should have a kit full of supplies to be used in an emergency. Include food, water, medication, and important documents (veterinary records, identification tags, etc.) in a waterproof container. Make sure to have enough supplies for at least three days.

Keep Pets Secure

• During a tornado, it is essential to keep your pets indoors and away from windows, as flying debris can be extremely dangerous. If you are sheltering in place, ensure that your home is secure and that your pets cannot escape through open windows, doors, or other openings. If you must evacuate, take your pets with you and make sure they are secured in a carrier or on a leash.

After the Storm

• After the tornado has passed, inspect your property for any hazards that may harm your pets, such as downed power lines, broken glass, or sharp debris. Make sure your pets have access to clean water and food and seek veterinary care if they are injured or showing signs of distress.

The weather can be frightening and unpredictable, but with proper preparation, we can ensure our furry companions remain protected during tornadoes and other extreme weather events. To learn more about pet safety, or to make sure your pet is properly microchipped, please visit AMCMA.org to schedule and appointment.

Need a ThunderShirt? Some animals find them extremely helpful in uncomfortable situations like thunderstorms. Like swaddling an infant, ThunderShirt applies a gentle, constant pressure to your dog or cat’s torso. Research on both humans and animals suggests that this type of pressure can release a calming hormone like oxytocin or endorphins. This calming pressure is helpful for a large percentage of pets. ThunderShirts may be purchased at AMCMA’s retail area in the lobby.