Pet Evacuation Plan: Keep Pets Safe During Oklahoma Storms

Oklahoma weather likes to keep us on our toes! From scary spring thunderstorms to flash floods and those heart-pounding tornado warnings — we really get the full show. You may have even spent time in your storm shelter recently, crossing your fingers and waiting it out.

But let me ask you: did you have a plan for your pets, too?

A friend of mine shared a story that sums this up perfectly — it involved trying to coax her 85-pound boxer into their storm shelter for the first time. Long story short? He was not having it. 😂 Luckily, she practiced with him over the weekend before the next round of storms hit. A few treats and some patience worked a lot better than trying to carry him down those stairs during an actual tornado warning!

If you’re a pet owner here in Oklahoma (or really anywhere disasters are possible), it’s time to make sure your furry family members are included in your emergency plan. And don’t worry — creating a pet evacuation plan isn’t complicated, but practicing it ahead of time can make all the difference when every second counts.

Here are 5 simple steps to help you get started:

1. Assign Pet Evacuation to One Adult

In high-stress situations, clear roles matter. Make sure one adult in your household is specifically responsible for the pets during an evacuation. That way, everyone else can focus on their own tasks — and there’s no last-minute scramble when time is critical.

2. Keep Pet Carriers and Evacuation Supplies Handy

Know exactly where your pet carriers, leashes, and emergency supplies are stored. If your pets need crates or carriers, make sure they’re in a spot that’s easy to grab quickly. Pro tip: keep extra leashes and collars near your main exit points.

3. Practice Your Plan (Treats Encouraged!)

Include your pets in regular home evacuation drills. Trust me — getting your dog into a storm shelter or convincing your cat to cooperate is not something you want to figure out in the moment. Practice now using treats or toys to help things go smoothly later.

4. Be Ready in Case You Get Separated

Even with the best plan, emergencies are chaotic. Make sure your pets are microchipped and their ID tags have up-to-date contact information. For extra peace of mind, consider a GPS pet tracker that can help you locate them quickly if you get separated.

5. Pack an Emergency Kit for Your Pets Too

If you’re prepping go-bags or stocking your storm shelter, don’t forget about your pets. Pack food, water, medications, leashes, a favorite toy or blanket, and waste supplies. And yes — stash some treats in there too! It’ll help comfort them during stressful times.

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Stay Safe & Plan Ahead
Oklahoma’s storm season isn’t going anywhere, but with a little preparation, you can make sure every member of your family — two-legged and four-legged — stays safe. 💙

Stay safe out there, friends — and give your fur babies some extra snuggles tonight.

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