From the Orange County Newsroom
In Summary:
Orange County officials are reminding residents to prepare pets for hurricane season by including them in evacuation and emergency plans. Rick Hunyadi said families should prepare pet emergency kits, practice crate transportation, and monitor official updates as storms approach. The County operates multiple pet-friendly shelters, staffed by Animal Services personnel, to help residents stay with their animals during emergencies.
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As hurricane season approaches, Orange County officials are reminding residents to include pets in their emergency preparations. Planning ahead can help families keep their animals protected, comfortable, and by their side during severe weather.
Rick Hunyadi, Program Coordinator for Training and Special Projects, emphasizes that pets should always be part of evacuation plans.
Related: Paws on the road: Tips for a dog-friendly vacation.
“Assume your pets are part of your family,” he said. “We want you to evacuate and go somewhere secure, but we also want you to take your pets with you.”
Orange County operates multiple pet-friendly shelters during emergencies, providing options for residents who may need to leave their homes. The County may open up to six general-population shelters that accommodate pets, along with additional pet-friendly shelters for residents participating in the People with Special Needs (PSN) program.
Families evacuating with pets should prepare an emergency kit in advance. Recommended items include pet food, medications, veterinary records, blankets, toys, and appropriate crates, carriers, or leashes. Familiar items can help reduce anxiety for animals during stressful situations.
Hunyadi also encourages pet owners to make sure their animals are comfortable being transported in crates or carriers before a storm threatens the area. Crate training can make evacuations easier and help pets adjust more quickly in shelter environments.
Residents are also encouraged to monitor Orange County’s website and official social media channels for updates on shelter availability and emergency information as storms approach.
“Don’t wait — plan,” asserted Hunyadi. “Always have a plan in place. It can be adjusted, but having one earlier helps families make quicker decisions if conditions change.”
Preparing early helps prevent pets from being left behind and allows families to evacuate with confidence. Orange County’s pet-friendly shelters are staffed with Animal Services personnel who support both residents and their animals throughout the storm.
“We have plenty of space at our pet-friendly shelters,” said Hunyadi, “and we want families and their pets to remain together.”
For more information on hurricane preparedness and pet-friendly shelter options, visit the Hurricane Safety Guide.
Key Points:
- Orange County encourages residents to include pets in all hurricane evacuation plans.
- The County may open up to six general-population shelters that accept pets during emergencies.
- Officials recommend preparing pet emergency kits with food, medications, records, blankets, and carriers.
- Crate training before hurricane season can reduce stress and improve evacuation readiness for pets.
- Pet-friendly shelters are staffed by Animal Services personnel to support both residents and their animals.
