It’s inevitable, every year at this time, we have to prepare for strong winds and heavy rain. But for Michigan native and now Florida resident Brianna Shears and her pup Biscuit, this is a new environment. 

Shears said, “She loves the rain, she loves water, any puddle she will lay in it…the thunder, not big on the thunder, if there’s a particularly big loud boom.”

While not much can be done with the noise, she said she can be prepared to make the experience as smooth for Biscuit as possible.

“We’ve got food and water bowls, dog food, water,” the essentials she said while packing a big backpack, in case they both have to evacuate. 

Experts say be sure to have enough food for a couple weeks.

Dr. Shane Henry is a veterinary medicine doctor at River Region Animal Hospital in Citrus County. He advised, “If I was on the road, I’d take a lot of food and water.”

He knows too well what it’s like having to evacuate, he had to do it twice. 

Also, he said, “I would make sure their vaccines and their health records were up to date and I would want written paper and have it emailed to me.” 

As she continues to pack, Shears puts “Flee, tick and heart worm medicine, just in case we miss a dose.” 

Dr. Henry said to also pack something to calm your pet down, and their favorite toy as well.

He suggests to microchip your furry friend if you simply can’t take ‘em with you

“The large animals even worst because most people leave them if it’s coming right at them and they can’t trailer them anywhere,” the doctor said.  

Shears said she’s definitely making sure she’s preparing Biscuit so that they can ride out this wet season with each other by their side. 

Experts also say to be sure you have a list of shelters near by that do allow animals, preparing ahead of time is crucial.