From supply tips to pet-friendly SC hotels: A Hilton Head guide to protect pets after a hurricane

Sarah Claire McDonald
·3 min read

May is Hurricane Preparedness Month. Have you done anything to prepare yet?

It is essential for pet owners to keep their beloved animals’ best interests in mind as hurricane preparations are being made.

If you have a pet, bringing them with you in the case of an evacuation is the best thing you could and should do.

Making arrangements prior to the day before or the day of an expected hurricane can help maximize safety efforts for both you and your pet.

If you are unable to bring your furry friend with you, animal shelters are available in such an event and are operated by the American Red Cross here in the Lowcountry. These shelters are available in Beaufort County only during tropical storms. If a tropical storm is upgraded or projected to make landfall as a Category 1 hurricane or above, no shelters will be open.

Given this information, it is crucial to always be one step ahead. Pets are not allowed in these shelters unless they are a designated service animal.

The Town of Hilton Head Island recommends that you provide and prepare the basic necessities for yourself and your pets at least three days prior to the expected storm.

The municipal government website also recommends to absolutely not leave your pet behind and to follow a checklist specific to the needs of your pet or service animal in the case of a natural disaster.

The supply list provided on the Town of Hilton Head’s website covers all basic needs for your animal.

  • Food and water bowl

  • Manual can opener (if needed)

  • Proof of vaccinations and copy of medical records

  • Veterinarian emergency plans and emergency contact information

  • Contact information for a nearby veterinarian at your set evacuation location

  • Certification or documentation for Service Animals

  • Current photograph of the animal with their owner(s)

  • First aid kit

  • Extra leash and collar for your animal

  • Crate, bed, and/or blanket

  • Litter, pan, plastic bags and/or waste bags

  • Favorite toys for entertainment and comfort

Dog preparing to fly
Dog preparing to fly

In the event of an evacuation, the website https://www.bringfido.com/lodging/state/south_carolina/ offers a list of pet-friendly hotels in South Carolina, as well as other states, which can better help you prepare to bring your pet along with the family in the safest manner possible.

In the event that you and your family do not evacuate, keep your pets inside at all times during the storm.

Keep the animal(s) up to date on their vaccines, know the location of their medical records, stock up on food and water for your pet prior to the expected dangerous weather, talk to your veterinarian if your pet suffers from any storm-related stress and keep a comfortable space inside for your animal to wait out the storm with you and your loved ones.

In addition, pet owners should have their animals’ current identification tags on their pets at all times and consider scheduling an appointment to implant a microchip and register their pet(s). If in a location other than your permanent address, attach the phone number and address of the temporary shelter, or a friend or relative outside the disaster area.