How to Prepare for Hurricane Season with Exotic Pets
- Kaitlin Saxton
- Sep 3
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 13
Hurricane season can bring sudden evacuations, long power outages, and unpredictable conditions. As an exotic pet parent, it's essential to prepare in advance—not just for yourself, but for your feathered, furry, or scaly companions, too. From creating emergency kits to knowing where you can go with your pets, preparation is key to keeping everyone safe.
Emergency Planning 101
The first step in protecting your pets is having a plan. Exotic animals often have unique needs, so planning ahead is especially important.
Evacuation Planning
Identify pet-friendly shelters, hotels, or friends/family outside the storm’s path.
Make a checklist of what to bring for each pet (carriers, food, heating pads, etc.).
Keep travel cages and carriers accessible and labeled with your contact info.
Contact List
Keep a laminated contact sheet in your emergency kit that includes:
Your exotic vet’s info
24/7 emergency vet hospital
Local animal shelters or rescues
Your boarding provider (like Bird Girl Pet Services!)
Build a First Aid & Emergency Kit
Make sure each type of pet—bird, reptile, or small mammal—has supplies tailored to their needs. Store everything in a waterproof container.
First Aid Kit Must-Haves
Gauze pads and vet wrap
Q-tips and cotton balls
Tweezers and hemostats
Nail clippers
Styptic powder or cornstarch (for bleeding nails)
Yunnan Baiyao powder (for emergencies—ask your vet first)
Pedialyte
Towel or blanket for wrapping/restraint
Triple antibiotic ointment
Alcohol or hydrogen peroxide (only for disinfecting surfaces—not wounds!)
Eye irrigation solution
Comfort & Essentials
Backup food and clean water (3-5 days’ worth)
Species-specific supplements or medications
Battery-powered heat sources or hand warmers for reptiles
Clean substrate or bedding
Enrichment toys or familiar items
Emergency Carriers & Housing
Each pet should have a designated emergency carrier that’s escape-proof, well-ventilated, and labeled.
Quick Tips:
Line carriers with paper towels or disposable bedding for easy cleanup.
For reptiles, use deli cups or plastic tubs with ventilation holes and secure lids.
Birds may need a smaller travel cage they’re familiar with to reduce stress.
If you’re evacuating to a location without power, remember that some exotics—like reptiles—need temperature regulation. Bring portable heat options and monitor temps closely.
Hurricanes are unpredictable, but your response doesn’t have to be. With a solid emergency plan and the right supplies, you can help keep your exotic pets safe and comfortable, no matter what the weather brings.
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