Hurricane season in South Florida can escalate quickly, and our pets depend on us to be ready long before the wind picks up or the lightning starts. Powerful storms, sudden evacuations, and even neighborhood fireworks can frighten animals into bolting, leaving families desperate to reunite. At Kendall Animal Medical Center, we want to help you build a clear plan that keeps your pets safe, identified, and with you—no matter what the forecast brings.

Why Storms, Fireworks & Evacuations Lead to Lost Pets

Loud, unfamiliar sounds and pressure changes during hurricanes and severe thunderstorms can trigger panic in even the calmest pets. Doors blow open, fences fail, and frightened animals may dig, jump, or squeeze their way out of yards. Fireworks—common around summer celebrations—cause a similar flight response; many shelters report spikes in lost pets after noisy holidays and major weather events. Making sure your pet is secured indoors, wearing ID, and backed up with a registered microchip dramatically improves your chances of reunion if you’re separated.

Build Your Pet Emergency Plan Before the Storm

Preparedness starts with a written plan. Decide where you’ll go if an evacuation is ordered, and confirm whether your destination accepts pets—many public shelters and hotels do not, so having pet-friendly alternatives is critical. Identify a backup caregiver (neighbor, friend, or family member) who can transport your pets if you’re away when warnings are issued. Keep vaccination and medical records together, and include your pet’s microchip number and current contact information so responders or shelters can reach you quickly.

Need help updating your pet’s vaccines? Our team can make sure your pet is current on core vaccinations before hurricane season hits. For more tips on creating a disaster plan, check out the AVMA’s guide on pets and disasters.

Pack a Hurricane Go‑Bag for Your Pet

A ready-to-grab pet emergency kit can save precious minutes when weather alerts turn into evacuation orders. Pack enough supplies to last at least several days; if you can plan for a week, even better. Include:

• 3–7 days of food in airtight containers
• Bottled water and collapsible bowls
• Regular medications (with dosing instructions)
• Copies of vaccination and medical records
• A sturdy leash, harness, and backup ID tag
• A crate or carrier labeled with your contact info
• Litter, waste bags, cleaning supplies, and gloves
• A recent photo of you with your pet (proof of ownership)
• Familiar bedding, toys, or treats to reduce stress

For a complete checklist, review the ASPCA’s disaster preparedness tips for pets.

Microchipping: The Lifeline When Collars Fail

Storm surge, debris, and frantic movement can tear off collars and tags. A permanent, scannable microchip gives your pet an “internal ID” that links to your contact information—even if external tags are lost. Just be sure to register the chip and keep your phone number and address updated; an unregistered chip slows reunions. Pets separated during storms or evacuations are far more likely to make it home when a chip is in place. Kendall Animal Medical Center offers microchipping and can help you verify or update your pet’s registration before peak storm activity.

Helping Pets Stay Calm Through Thunder, Lightning & Fireworks

Noise-sensitive pets may pace, hide, vocalize, salivate, or attempt escape during fireworks or severe weather. Create a quiet, interior “safe room” with white noise or calming music; close windows and draw curtains to soften flashes. Stay with anxious pets when possible, and ask us if calming supplements, pheromone products, or prescribed anti-anxiety medication may help—especially for pets with a history of severe noise phobia. For additional tips on keeping pets safe during fireworks, see American Humane’s fireworks safety guide.

Stay Connected Locally: Know Where to Go in a Hurricane

South Florida counties—including Miami-Dade—activate pet-friendly evacuation centers during major storms, but space, entry requirements, and species allowed can vary. You’ll typically need proof of residency, current vaccination records (including rabies), and to maintain control of your pet in a crate or on leash. Because policies may change as storms approach, check Miami-Dade County’s official pet hurricane preparedness page early in the season and again when a system forms.

Our team at Kendall Animal Medical Center can review your pet’s vaccines and provide microchipping so your pet has reliable identification before any evacuation.

Be Ready—Schedule Microchipping & Storm Prep Support

Whether you’re in Pinecrest, Glenvar Heights, South Miami, Sunset, Olympia Heights, Coral Gables, Richmond Heights, Coral Terrace, or anywhere across the greater South Florida area, planning ahead is the best way to protect the pets you love. Let us help you get storm-ready: confirm vaccines, assemble medical records, discuss anxiety support, and microchip your pet (or update registration) before the next storm threat.

Schedule your microchipping and pre-storm preparedness visit with Kendall Animal Medical Center today. Your pet’s safety starts now.