Cat owners in Broward and Miami-Dade should prepare before each Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30. The essentials are a sturdy carrier your cat will enter calmly, at least a week of food, water, litter and medications, copies of vaccination and medical records, current identification such as a microchip and county registration tag, and a plan for where you and your cat will go. Both counties open pet-friendly shelters during some storms, but space is limited and rules change, so check your county's current guidance every season.
Why cats need a specific plan
Cats hide when they sense stress. On the day an evacuation order is issued, many owners lose precious time trying to coax a frightened cat out from under a bed. A cat that bolts during a storm may not find its way back. Planning ahead turns a chaotic departure into a five-minute routine.
Build a cat emergency kit
| Item | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Hard-sided carrier, one per cat, labeled with your name and contact details | Shelters require pets to be contained; keeps the cat secure |
| At least a week of food and bottled water, plus bowls | Stores may be closed and tap water unsafe after a storm |
| Medications and a written dosing schedule | Pharmacies and clinics may be closed |
| Small litter box, litter and scoop | Shelters may ask owners to bring their own |
| Rabies certificate, vaccination and medical records, in a waterproof bag | Often required for pet-friendly shelters and boarding |
| Recent photo of you with your cat | Helps prove ownership if you are separated |
| Harness and leash | Extra control when the carrier is opened in an unfamiliar place |
| Towel or blanket with a familiar scent | Comfort and a cover to make the carrier feel safer |
| Cleaning supplies: paper towels, trash bags, pet-safe wipes | Accidents happen under stress |
Identification
- Microchip: make sure the chip is registered and the contact details are current. Ask your veterinarian to scan it at the next visit.
- County registration tag: in Broward County, cats four months and older must be vaccinated against rabies, registered with the county and wear the county tag, and Broward's shelter guidance asks pet owners to be ready to show it. Tag types, renewal rules and fees have changed in recent years, so confirm the current details with Broward County Animal Care. Miami-Dade's evacuation-center rules ask for current rabies vaccination and medical records for cats.
- Collar tag: a breakaway collar with your phone number helps anyone who finds your cat.
Pet-friendly shelters in Broward and Miami-Dade
Both counties designate pet-friendly shelters or evacuation centers, but not all of them open for every storm, space is limited, and requirements such as pre-registration, accepted pet types and the number of pets per household have changed over the years. Rather than relying on old news articles, check the county's emergency management or animal services pages each season and again when a storm approaches. In Miami-Dade, evacuation centers are announced as needed when a storm threatens; the county's pet-preparedness page has said that pet-friendly centers serve residents of evacuation zones, unsafe structures and mobile homes, that pets must be crated or leashed, and that a family member must stay with the pet. Check the county's emergency website or its 311 information line for current details.
Generally, you should expect to bring your own carrier, supplies, food and records, and to care for your cat yourself at the shelter. Shelters are a last resort; staying with friends or family outside the evacuation zone, or booking pet-friendly lodging early, is often easier on a cat.
The federal Ready.gov guide to preparing pets offers a general checklist that complements county guidance.
Get your cat comfortable with the carrier now
- Leave the carrier out all year in a room the cat uses, door open, with a soft blanket inside.
- Drop treats or feed meals near and then inside it.
- Close the door briefly while the cat eats, then open it again.
- Practice short car rides around the block.
- Reward calm behavior every time.
The same gradual approach is used to help cats accept grooming; see grooming anxious or aggressive cats. If your cat becomes extremely distressed in a carrier, ask your veterinarian before storm season whether a calming medication plan is appropriate.
Grooming before storm season
A matted, long-haired cat can become miserable during days in a carrier or shelter with no air conditioning. Getting the coat in good shape early in the season helps. A short sanitary trim reduces messes, and trimmed nails make handling safer for everyone. For heavily matted cats, a short clip such as the lion cut may be worth considering. Book well before a storm, because groomers and clinics get busy when a hurricane is forecast. Keep up flea prevention too, since a shelter or temporary home brings cats into contact with other animals; see fleas and ticks in Florida.
During and after the storm
- Bring indoor-outdoor cats inside well before the weather turns, and keep them in one closed room so you can find them quickly.
- Keep cats away from windows and doors during the storm.
- After the storm, check the home for broken glass, debris, chemicals and openings before letting the cat roam.
- Watch for heat stress if the power is out; offer water and the coolest room available.
- Keep the cat indoors while the area is cleaned up, as familiar landmarks may have changed.
- If your cat is lost, contact your county animal services and check shelters in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is hurricane season in South Florida?
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. The best time to prepare your cat's kit and carrier routine is before the season begins.
Can I take my cat to a hurricane shelter in Broward or Miami-Dade?
Both counties designate pet-friendly shelters, but not all open for every storm and space is limited. Check your county's current guidance each season and bring a carrier, supplies and your cat's records.
What documents should I bring for my cat?
Bring proof of rabies vaccination, other vaccination and medical records, a list of medications, a recent photo of you with your cat and, in Broward, the county registration tag. Keep them in a waterproof bag.
How much food should I pack for my cat?
Plan for at least a week of food and water, plus medications. Stores, pharmacies and clinics may be closed for days after a major storm.
How do I keep my cat calm during a hurricane?
Keep the cat in a small, closed interior room with its carrier, bed and litter box, cover the carrier with a familiar blanket and stay calm yourself. Ask your veterinarian ahead of time about options for very anxious cats.