Hurricane Dog Safety- 7 Must-Know Tips for Houston Homes

When storms hit Houston, it’s not just your roof or windows at risk it’s your peace of mind. And for those of us with dogs? The stakes feel even higher.

In this business, I’ve walked into homes days after a hurricane; ceilings collapsed, carpets soaked, power still out. And in the middle of that chaos, I’ve seen the things that really shake people. Not just the damage to the house, but the gut-punch moments when someone says, “We lost him during the evacuation,” or “She bolted when the thunder started, and we haven’t found her yet.”

It’s the kind of regret that lingers long after the insurance check clears.

Most people think they’ll have more time. They’ll pack the pet bag tomorrow. That their dog will stay calm. That their phone will still work when it’s time to find a shelter.

But hurricanes don’t work on our timeline.

So, this post isn’t just about prepping your house; that’s our job, if it comes to that. This is about protecting something you can’t replace. Because when it’s go-time, the last thing you want to be doing is scrambling for a leash, calling down hotels, or watching your dog panic because they don’t know what’s happening.

Let’s walk through how to stay ahead, starting with the evacuation plan most folks overlook.

1. Make Your Dog Part of the Evacuation Plan

It sounds simple, but in real life, adrenaline doesn’t make people think clearly; it makes them reactive. That’s when mistakes happen. That’s when people leave gates open, forget the meds, or realize too late their go-to hotel has a no-pet policy.

If you wouldn’t leave your wallet behind, don’t treat your dog like an afterthought.

Start here:

• Make a list of pet-friendly hotels or shelters in and out of town, and don’t rely on memory. Confirm their policies now, not when you're on the road.

• If you’ve got friends or family outside the storm zone, talk now about whether they can host you and your dog.

• Print physical directions. Cell towers go down. GPS fails. Have a map with a backup plan.

• Run a drill. Crate, leash, car. Do it twice. Make it muscle memory. The calmer and quicker you are, the safer everyone, including your dog, is.

I've seen too many people learn the hard way that good intentions aren’t the same as real preparation. So don’t wait until the sky turns gray. Build your plan. Practice it. Because your dog’s safety deserves more than a guess.

2. Pack a Pet Emergency Kit That Lasts

A good plan is only as strong as the gear that goes with it. When the power's out and the roads are blocked, you're not going to run to the store for dog food or meds. You’re going to wish you packed like you meant it.

I’ve seen families stuck without basics, no food, no leash, no vet info, because the focus was all on boarding up windows. Understandably so. But when your dog is looking to you for safety, you want to be ready.

Your emergency kit isn’t just a “nice-to-have.” It’s what keeps things functional when everything else around you isn’t.

Here’s what to include for a solid 7 to 14 days:

• Dry dog food (in sealed bags or containers) and bottled water

• Bowls (collapsible ones save space)

• Any medications your dog takes, plus dosage instructions

• Printed vaccination records and recent vet contact info

• A couple of toys and a blanket that smells like home

• Waste bags, paper towels, and disinfectant wipes

• Extra collar with ID tags

• A basic pet first-aid kit (gauze, tweezers, saline, gloves)

And whatever you do, pack it in something waterproof. A dry bag, sealed bin, or even a heavy-duty plastic tote works. Floodwater doesn’t care how neatly you packed if it soaks through everything.

This isn’t about overpreparing. It’s about maintaining stability in the middle of stress. That old chew toy? The one your dog always sleeps with? Bring it. It’s not sentimental, it’s smart. Because when the lights go out and the wind picks up, small comforts become anchors.

If you’ve got kids, you already know how chaos feels in tight quarters. Now, imagine adding a stressed-out dog to the mix. Your future self will thank you for taking the time now.

3. Update Their ID Tags and Microchip Info

Storms don’t just knock down trees—they knock out fences, shake open gates, and scare even the calmest dogs into flight mode. If your dog ends up lost, the only thing standing between a fast reunion and a long, uncertain search is clear identification.

That tag on your dog’s collar? Make sure it’s not rusted, worn out, or missing half the digits. It should have a current cell phone number, not your home line, and it needs to be easy to read at a glance.

Now, let’s talk about the microchip. It’s great that your dog has one, but when was the last time you checked that the contact info was updated? Go into the registry, double-check your phone number, and add a secondary contact while you’re at it.

Pack a printed photo of your dog, along with your vet’s contact info and microchip number, and seal it in a waterproof pouch. You might never need it, but if you do, you’ll need it fast.

Small steps like this don’t feel urgent until they’re all that matters. When the power’s out and stress is high, the details are what bring dogs home.

4. Bring Pets Inside Early—And Keep Them There

Here’s where timing makes all the difference. You don’t wait for hail to go grab the car, and you shouldn’t wait for hurricane winds to go find your dog.

Bring them inside early before the weather shifts. Not when the storm is on top of you. Not when the thunder has already started. By then, your dog’s adrenaline is up, and their sense of direction is gone.

Choose a quiet, windowless room inside the house. It should be away from glass and distractions. Set up their crate there with some food, water, and familiar bedding. If you don’t use a crate daily, now’s the time to get your dog comfortable with one.

In the middle of a storm, a sturdy crate doesn’t just keep your dog safe—it keeps them from panicking and bolting. And once they bolt, getting them back isn’t guaranteed.

I’ve had clients tell me they thought the back door was latched. They thought the gate would hold. Don’t leave it to chance. Bring them in. Secure the room. And keep it calm.

5. Protect Your Yard and House from Hazards

Your backyard can go from play zone to danger zone in a matter of minutes during a hurricane. Wind doesn’t discriminate; anything loose becomes a projectile.

Start by anchoring or removing outdoor items: grills, patio furniture, tools, even lightweight planters. Check your fence and gates. Reinforce anything that looks weak. If it can’t take pressure, it won’t survive the gusts.

Next, prep your indoor space to stay functional if water gets in. If you’re in a flood-prone area, raise your dog’s crate off the floor and stock pee pads or tarp sheets. Keep everything they need in one location because when the storm hits, you’re not going to be hunting for supplies.

And this part is critical: don’t let your dog drink standing water after the storm passes. Floodwater is filled with chemicals, bacteria, and who knows what else. It may look like a puddle, it may even feel like relief, but it’s not safe.

We’ve been called into homes where contaminated water sat for days before anyone realized the damage. Mold set in fast. Floors buckled. And unfortunately, more than a few pets got sick.

If your home takes damage, such as roof leaks, broken windows, or water inside, call Bang It Services. We offer 24/7 emergency restoration to get you secured, cleaned up, and safe again. For you. For your dog. For the people and pets that make that house your home.

6. Keep Calm. Your Dog Feels What You Feel.

Dogs are built to read us. The moment your energy shifts, they feel it, whether you say a word or not.

In the middle of a storm, they don’t understand what’s happening. All they know is the world sounds wrong. The lights flicker, the air pressure changes, and the people they trust most start moving differently.

So yes, stock up on supplies. Pack the kit. Prep the crate. But once that’s done, the most powerful thing you can give your dog is your calm.

Breathe deeper than you want to. Speak slower than you feel. Sit with them. Don’t underestimate the comfort of your presence, especially in that quiet, windowless room you set up. A blanket, their favorite toy, a familiar smell, that’s how you hold the line between panic and peace.

And if you have calming sprays or anxiety wraps? Now’s the time to use them. But the real work isn’t the product. It’s you showing up steady in a moment that’s shaking everything else.

7. After the Storm: Stay Vigilant

When the worst of the weather is over, it’s tempting to exhale and open the door. But the danger doesn’t end when the winds die down.

Don’t let your dog outside unsupervised. The backyard you knew yesterday might be filled with broken glass, downed power lines, sharp metal, or even displaced wildlife. Floodwater might still be rising in spots that looked dry an hour ago.

Give your dog a controlled space to move, but inspect everything first. Look for signs of injury, such as limping, trembling, vomiting, or hiding. Watch for signs of dehydration or stress that weren’t there before.

This is when instincts can lie to you. You’ll want to believe everything is back to normal. But if something feels off, call your vet. Don’t wait for it to get worse.

And while you're checking on your dog, check your house too. Look for signs of hidden water damage, soft walls, leaks, or anything that doesn’t feel right. Some damage is obvious. Some creeps in slowly, then compounds overnight.

If you see something that needs attention or you’re not sure what you’re seeing, Bang It Services is here for that part. We handle emergency restoration not just to patch things up, but to protect everything that lives under your roof.

Storms don’t get to decide what happens next. You do.

Don’t Wait to Prepare

I’ve walked through homes where people got lucky and homes where they didn’t.

You can always replace drywall. You can’t always undo panic, injury, or loss.

So take the time now. Prep your space. Prep your dog. Build the kit, run the drill, secure the yard. These are simple moves that make a massive difference when the pressure’s on.

And if the storm still hits hard? If you find yourself dealing with leaks, damage, or the aftermath of rising water?

We’ve got your back.

Call Bang It Services When the Storm Hits

If your home experiences storm damage, don’t wait. Call Bang It Services for:

• 24/7 Emergency Restoration

• Fast, reliable Water and Mold Remediation

• Expert Roof and Structural Repair

• Clear, no-nonsense communication from real people who understand urgency

We’re based here in Houston. We’ve lived through these storms. And we know that when everything else feels uncertain, you need someone you can count on to help you restore what matters.

Let’s make sure your home—and your best friend—stay safe this hurricane season.

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