What would happen to your pet business if a hurricane forced you to close for two weeks, or worse, destroyed your facility entirely?
Are you confident your insurance would cover the costs to rebuild, replace lost income, and protect the animals entrusted to you?
This step-by-step guide was built for Florida pet business owners who understand the emotional and financial toll hurricanes can cause. Preparing your facility, your team, and your operations is crucial. However, even the best plans cannot stop nature. That is why your most powerful defense is a well-designed insurance policy that works when you need it most.
In this article, you will learn:
- The unique risks hurricanes pose to pet care facilities
- How to create a storm-ready plan for your people and animals
- What to do before, during, and after a hurricane hits
- Why the right insurance coverage is your financial safety net
Why Hurricane Preparedness Is Different for Pet Businesses
Most hurricane guides focus on homes and families. However, pet businesses face a unique level of responsibility. You are protecting not only property, but also live animals, anxious clients, and often, round-the-clock operations.
No other type of business depends more heavily on electricity, climate control, and physical safety.
Without preparation, and without the right insurance, a storm could leave you unable to care for animals, reopen quickly, or recover from financial losses.
Step 1: Understand the Risks
Florida’s hurricane season runs from June through November, with September and October seeing peak activity. Pet businesses face compounding risks:
- Facility Damage: Wind and water can destroy fencing, tear roofing, and flood indoor areas.
- Power Loss: Without air conditioning or refrigeration, animals face health threats and medications can spoil.
- Mandatory Evacuations: You may be forced to evacuate animals quickly with little notice.
- Staff Shortages: Team members may be unavailable due to road closures or their own family needs.
- Unplanned Closures: If you are shut down for days or weeks, lost income can add up fast.
Without business interruption coverage or property protection, the financial aftermath can be just as devastating as the storm.
Step 2: Build Your Hurricane Preparedness Plan
1. Facility Risk Assessment
- Are you in a flood or evacuation zone?
- How well do your windows, doors, and roof hold up under pressure?
- Are surrounding trees or signage potential hazards?
2. Communication Plan
- Collect and regularly update contact info for staff and clients.
- Set communication protocols in advance.
- Use alert systems like Everbridge or Nixle for emergency updates.
3. Evacuation Plan
- Identify safe relocation partners such as vet clinics or boarding facilities outside the threat zone.
- Label and prepare travel crates for every animal.
- Pre-authorize transport arrangements and practice the plan.
4. Shelter-in-Place Plan
- Stock at least 72 hours of food, water, and medication.
- Install and maintain a backup generator to power climate control and lighting.
- Designate a secure area within your building for animals and essential staff.
5. Emergency Supply Inventory
- Flashlights, batteries, extra leashes, sanitation supplies, and first aid kits
- Printed medical records and contact sheets stored in waterproof containers
Pro tip: Inventory documentation is important for safety and for filing accurate insurance claims later.
Step 3: Take Action Before Hurricane Season
Start preparations early and revisit them every spring.
- Reinforce Your Facility: Install storm shutters, secure rooftop equipment, and trim back trees.
- Test Your Generator Monthly: Keep fuel safely stored and systems operational.
- Back Up Your Records: Use a cloud-based system for insurance, veterinary records, and permits.
- Train Your Team: Run drills and ensure every employee knows the plan.
Insurance Review: Your Most Important Prep Task
Take time now to review your insurance. A single gap in coverage could leave you exposed when it matters most. You should have:
- Property Insurance to cover physical repairs and equipment
- Flood Insurance, which must be purchased separately since most commercial policies exclude flood damage
- Business Interruption Insurance to replace lost income if you are forced to close
Many policies also offer spoilage protection, which is essential if you store medications or refrigerated food.
Speak to a licensed advisor before storm season starts. You need to know what is covered and what is not before it is tested.
Step 4: During the Hurricane
If authorities call for evacuation, act early. Roads fill quickly and delays increase risk.
If sheltering in place:
- Move animals to a secure, interior location away from windows.
- Ensure staff members have sleeping arrangements and enough food and water.
- Use battery-operated radios to track weather updates and emergency announcements.
Keep records updated and capture photos of animal conditions if possible. This is helpful for client communication and documentation.
Step 5: After the Storm
1. Inspect for Safety Before Reentry
- Watch for gas leaks, downed power lines, and roof collapse risks.
- Only enter when it is safe and cleared by local officials.
2. Document Damage Thoroughly
- Take photos and video of everything, including building, equipment, and supply losses.
- This documentation is critical for your insurance claim.
3. File Claims Immediately
- Contact your insurance provider right away.
- Be ready with inventory lists, receipts, and before-and-after photos.
4. Assess Animal Health
- Check each pet for signs of stress, illness, or injury.
- Notify owners of their pet’s condition and any care provided.
5. Reopen Strategically
- Clean and sanitize thoroughly.
- Communicate with clients about service status and adjusted hours.
- Prioritize transparency. Clients will appreciate knowing you are taking safety seriously.
Building Resilience Starts with the Right Protection
You cannot prevent hurricanes, but you can prevent one from becoming a financial disaster. Facility hardening and team readiness are essential, but they are not enough on their own.
You now have a clear action plan to prepare your business, protect the animals in your care, and recover more quickly after a storm. The final step is making sure your financial safety net is in place.Get a quote today to confirm your insurance is ready before the next storm hits. Your facility, your team, and your clients are counting on it.
