Planning ahead is the key to keeping your furry family members safe should a hurricane or disaster strike.
Without proper preparation, pets are at high risk of becoming injured, lost, or worse.
Even if you intend to stay at home during a storm, authorities may issue an evacuation order with little notice.
Find a safe place In Cayman, there are two designated pet-friendly shelters: John Gray High School and Clifton Hunter High School.
Pets must remain secured and are not permitted to roam freely. Space is limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Because of this, it is best to identify a safe alternative location for your pets well before an emergency occurs.
- Identify a safe, secure place where you can take your pet if evacuation becomes necessary.
- Check whether your workplace has a hurricane shelter and if pets are permitted.
- Research pet-friendly hotels or ask friends and family if they can host you and your pet.
- Create a list of boarding facilities and veterinarians who may shelter animals in an emergency.
- Remember: If it isn’t safe for you, it isn’t safe for your pets. Never leave animals behind to fend for themselves. You may not be able – or allowed – to return for them, and pets left in disaster zones can easily be injured, lost or killed.
- If you are remaining at home, choose a safe interior area to ride out the storm.
- Keep dogs and cats separated, leashed or in carriers. Even well-behaved pets may panic or act unpredictably during an emergency. After the all-clear Although it may be a relief to go outside after being indoors for an extended period, proceed with caution.
- Keep all pets on leashes.
- Watch for hazards such as downed power lines, contaminated water, and debris.
- Familiar landmarks may be damaged or missing, which can disorient pets, especially dogs.
Leaving the island with pets
Contact the Department of Agriculture well in advance to confirm requirements for taking your pet out of the country and for bringing it back into Cayman. Also, be sure to find out the requirements of the country to which you want to take the pet. Different countries have different requirements such as microchips, rabies vaccination and a rabies titer blood test.
DOA contact
w: doa.gov.ky
e: [email protected]
t: 947-3090
Note: Pitbulls, even if born in Cayman, are a banned breed and cannot return to the island once they leave
Pet emergency kit checklist
Assemble a pet supply kit with medication, food and water for at least five days, stored in a watertight container. Be sure to include:
- ID collar and a recent photograph (include your cell number on the tag)
- Medication and basic first-aid supplies
- Up-to-date vaccination and medical records, plus veterinarian contact information
- At least a five-day supply of food and water
- Leash or safety harness
- Carrier or cage large enough for your pet to turn around in
- Newspapers, cat litter, scoop, and plastic bags for waste
- Manual can opener
- Food dishes and a few comfort items (toys or a blanket)
This article originally appeared in Compass Media’s 2026 Emergency Guide.
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