Here are some things that you'll want to make sure to gather up in your emergency evac kit for your animals -

Make sure that you have a way of identifying every animal, should you somehow be seperated from them. Whether this is freeze branding, microchipping, names on halters, whatever it takes to try and make them as identifyable as possible.

At least 1 week's supply of feed (and water if you can get it... you'd be surprised how hard 'strange' water can be on an animal's digestive track).

Listing of who's who, including description and any feeding/medicating instructions.

Medications for any animals.

An emergency first aid kit for your animals, as well as yourself.

Up-to-date photographs of your animals as a means of proof of ownership/identification.

Important paperwork/documents/registration papers.

Health and veterinary records on all animals.


These are just a few things... you should also be prepared and bring along "extras" of important items such as extra halters and lead ropes, just in case. Extra sheets and blankets, etc. Plan ahead and have as much as you can set aside and ready, should an evacuation be called. Remember that, sometimes, storms can strike quickly and with very little warning (as Florida has already realized, this year, with the quick strike of Tropical Storm Barry).

Having lived in Houston and dealt with a few evacuations in my time, try to line up multiple points of safety for your animals. If it is a minor storm and you want to leave but without the horses, set up with someone you know who is staying to at least go out and check when they can. My sister lost horses to some thieving humans during a storm, simply because she left and didnt tell me or her neighbors. She came home to no horses.

If you are going to evacuate, then you are going to want to have shelter arranged ahead of time, not try and do it on the fly while you are stressing about everything else. Check with fairgrounds in the direction you are planning on heading. Also when you check with your vet, see if they know anyone who might be willing to put up horses. Also pull out the Yellow Pages, find breeders in the area you are going. They almost always have plenty of space and feed to help. And offer your labor while you are there, it may be the cheaper price at the time than paying out cash.

Another piece of advice: plan for multiple directions, just in case the way you plan on getting out has issues and you have to head the other way. It never hurts to be over-prepared. I learned that lesson during Katrina and Rita.

Jax