If you live in Bay County, Florida, you know hurricane season (June 1 – November 30) is part of life. And if you've been through Hurricane Michael, Sally, or any other major storm, you know pets are often an afterthought until it's too late. Here's a complete hurricane prep guide specifically for Panama City pet owners, based on our experience riding out storms with hundreds of boarding guests.
Build a pet emergency kit NOW — not when the storm is coming
Store-level urgency hits 24–48 hours before landfall and supplies disappear fast. Have your kit built and stored where you can grab it in 60 seconds. Minimum contents:
- 7 days of food in a waterproof container
- 1 gallon of water per pet per day (7-day supply)
- Any medications — at least a 14-day supply
- Current vaccine records (paper AND photo on your phone)
- Current photo of your pet (in case they get lost)
- Collar with ID tag + microchip info
- Leash, harness, or carrier appropriate for your pet
- Blanket or bedding that smells like home
- Disposable poop bags or litter + litter box
- First aid kit (cotton gauze, styptic powder, Benadryl with vet-approved dosing)
Decide: ride it out or evacuate?
Bay County evacuation orders vary by zone. Know your zone (check bayem.org) and what triggers your evacuation. If you're in a flood zone or mandatory evacuation area, do NOT stay. Pets die every year in Florida because owners underestimate storm surge. Evacuate early — traffic gets insane 24 hours before landfall and gas runs out.
Where to go with pets during an evacuation
Not all hotels and shelters accept pets. Plan ahead:
- Pet-friendly hotels: Book early on sites like bringfido.com — prices and availability change fast during storms
- Pet-friendly emergency shelters: Bay County activates designated pet shelters during major storms — check bayem.org for current list
- Family/friends out of the storm path: Often the lowest-stress option
- Boarding facilities in non-evacuation areas: We accept emergency boarding when possible. Call us at (850) 257-5776 as early as you can
If you're staying home, prepare for power outages
Post-storm power outages can last days or weeks in Bay County. Pets are more vulnerable than you might think to Florida heat without A/C. Prep:
- Identify the coolest room in your home (usually interior, no windows)
- Stock battery fans or a generator if possible
- Freeze water bottles — they stay cold for hours and pets love lying next to them
- Keep pets indoors before, during, and immediately after the storm — debris is dangerous
What to do if you get separated from your pet
Make sure your pet is microchipped AND the chip registration has your CURRENT phone number. Expired chip data is one of the biggest reasons lost pets don't make it home after storms. Bay County Animal Services and local rescue groups can help — report your pet lost and check their intake lists daily.
Post-storm safety
- Keep pets on leash — familiar landmarks may be gone, pets can get disoriented
- Watch for debris, broken glass, and exposed nails
- Avoid standing water — it can contain bacteria, oil, and dangerous wildlife
- Check for downed power lines before letting pets outside
Animal Friends Pet Care has been open through multiple hurricanes. Our facility is built to withstand Cat 3 winds and we have backup systems to keep boarding guests safe. If you need emergency boarding or advice during an approaching storm, call us as early as possible — we book up fast when a storm is named.