Keeping Pets Safe in a Storm: Lessons from Alaqua Animal Refuge & Laurie Hood
- GoVetted
- Aug 11
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 12
If you live anywhere near Florida’s Gulf Coast, you know hurricane season is no joke. You also know that when a big storm’s on the way, there’s a mad dash to stock up on bottled water, batteries, and peanut butter. But what about your pets?
Laurie Hood, founder of Alaqua Animal Refuge in Freeport, Florida, has seen firsthand what happens when people forget to plan for their furry (or feathered, or hoofed) family members. Over the years, she’s led emergency rescues through major hurricanes, taking in everything from dogs and cats to horses and farm animals that had nowhere else to go. Her advice is straightforward: “Plan now, because when the storm’s coming, it’s too late.”
Recently, Laurie Hood sat down with The Weather Channel to share her expert advice on keeping pets safe during hurricane season. In the interview, she discussed real-life rescue stories, the importance of preparedness, and simple steps every pet owner can take before a storm hits. View the video below to watch the full interview and hear Laurie’s lifesaving tips firsthand.
Meet Alaqua and Laurie Hood
Alaqua Animal Refuge isn’t your average shelter. Founded by Laurie Hood in 2007, this 100-acre safe haven in Northwest Florida is a no-kill refuge for domestic and farm animals, as well as injured wildlife. Laurie started Alaqua with a dream to create a sanctuary where animals in need could heal and find new homes, and she’s turned that dream into one of the Southeast’s leading animal welfare organizations.
When hurricanes hit, Alaqua transforms from a peaceful refuge into a hub of emergency response. Laurie and her team have coordinated massive rescue efforts, sheltered hundreds of displaced animals, and even cared for livestock and horses during and after storms. Beyond the hands-on rescue work, Laurie is a vocal advocate for animal welfare laws and a passionate educator, reminding pet owners that preparedness isn’t optional, it’s a responsibility.
Her leadership during crises has earned Alaqua a reputation for not just saving lives, but also bringing the community together. Whether it’s partnering with local authorities, recruiting emergency fosters, or opening their gates to animals with nowhere else to go, Alaqua and Laurie prove time and again that compassion and quick action can change the outcome of a disaster.
The Power of the Crate
If you think crates are just for trips to the vet, think again. Most public and emergency shelters require animals to be in crates or carriers, and for good reason, it’s safer for everyone. Hood recommends having a sturdy, well-fitting crate ready for every pet you own. If your pet isn’t used to being in one, start practicing now. Turn crate time into treat time so it becomes a safe and familiar spot, not a last-minute panic box.
Identification is Your Pet's Ticket Home
When a hurricane hits, animals can get separated from their families in the chaos. Microchipping is one of the fastest ways to reunite pets with their owners, but only if the contact info is up to date. Old phone number? New address? Fix that now. Also keep an ID tag on your pet’s collar, and store copies of vet records, rabies certificates, and recent photos in a waterproof bag. Bonus points if you also have them saved on your phone and in cloud storage.
Don't Assume You Can Just "Figure It Out" Later
Not every emergency shelter takes pets, and hotels fill up quickly when evacuation orders go out. Have a plan that includes where your pets will go if you have to leave home: pet-friendly hotels, boarding facilities, or friends and family outside the storm zone. And if you have horses or livestock, arrange large-animal sheltering well in advance. Alaqua has been a lifesaver for animals of all sizes, but space is always limited when disaster strikes.
Build a "Pet Go Bag" You Can Grab in Seconds
Think of it as your pet’s hurricane suitcase. It should have enough food and water for at least three to seven days, medications, a leash or harness, waste bags or litter, a blanket or toy for comfort, and those all-important ID tags and records. Keep it somewhere easy to reach so you’re not digging through the garage while the wind’s already picking up.
Work With Your Community, Not Against It
In a big storm, animal rescues like Alaqua work closely with county agencies, volunteer groups, and other shelters. They have systems in place to take in animals, find fosters, and reunite lost pets with their owners. Follow their instructions and stay plugged into their updates on social media. If you can foster temporarily, sign up before hurricane season so you’re ready to help.
Hurricane Preparedness for Pets: Your Checklist
Before the Storm:
Microchip your pets and update the contact info.
Keep ID tags current and on the collar.
Build a Pet Go Bag with food, water, and supplies up to a week.
Crate-train your pets so they travel calmly.
Identify two evacuation spots that allow animals and save their phone numbers.
Photograph your pets (full body and face) and store copies digitally and on paper.
When Evacuating:
Transport pets in secure crates or carriers.
Bring food, water, meds, ID and comfort items.
Never leave pets behind thinking you'll be back in a few hours; storms are unpredictable.
If You Can't Leave:
Keep your pets in a safe interior room without windows.
Provide fresh water and comfort items.
Alert local animal control or rescue if you need assistance.
After the Storm:
Watch for hazards like broken glass, contaminated water, and downed power lines.
Keep pets leashed or crated until you're sure the area is safe.
Monitor rescue groups and shelters for lost and found updates.
The Bottom Line
Laurie Hood and Alaqua Animal Refuge have weathered enough storms to know this: hurricanes are stressful enough without worrying about whether your pet is safe. A little preparation now can save you heartache later.
And if you want to go one step further, consider supporting your local animal rescue. Whether it’s donating supplies, volunteering, or fostering, your help could be the reason a family and their pet get to ride out the next storm together.
Laurie Hood:
These animals have a "look" of complete despair deep in their eyes. We give them the time, love, and patience needed to overcome what has happened to them, and their eyes once again have a spark of life in them. I will not lie. It is heartbraking at times.
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