Living near the water in Coastal Virginia offers beautiful scenery, but it also comes with a heightened risk of floods and storms. If you share your home with pets, your emergency planning must include them to ensure their safety in the event of unforeseen emergencies. Here’s how to manage floods and pets in Coastal Virginia, namely Yorktown, Poquoson, Newport News, and Hampton, VA.
Understand the Risk
Coastal Virginia experiences a variety of flood types, including fluvial (riverine), pluvial (flash or street flooding), and coastal (storm surge) flooding. While flash floods can occur, especially in low-lying and urban areas, they are less common than coastal flooding and street flooding.
Our area leads the nation in coastal flooding events, with hundreds of incidents each year due to high tides, storm surges, and rising sea levels. Even if your home isn’t in a designated high-risk flood zone, you could still be affected by sudden water intrusions.
Make a Pet Emergency Plan 
ID & Microchip
If your pet is microchipped, ensure that your contact information is up-to-date in the registry. Prepare collars with ID tags for each of your pets to wear.
Stay Informed
Sign up for weather alerts and emergency notifications specific to our area. York County has a weather hotline at 890-3501, for example.
Evacuation Includes Pets
Never leave pets behind during an evacuation. If it’s not safe for you, it’s not safe for them. Familiarize yourself with local evacuation routes and shelter locations in Coastal Virginia.
Know Where to Go
Research pet-friendly shelters, hotels, or friends and family who can accommodate your pets in an emergency. Not all public shelters allow animals, so plan as many alternatives as you can think of.
Practice Evacuating 
Get your pets accustomed to their carriers and practice evacuation drills with the entire family so everyone knows what to do in case you need to leave quickly.
Set Up a Buddy System
Arrange with neighbors or friends to help each other evacuate pets in case someone is away from home when a disaster strikes.
If our team is caring for your pets, we will work with you to coordinate efforts with your emergency contacts and pet guardians until your return.
Build a Pet Emergency Kit
Prepare a waterproof, grab-and-go kit for each pet. Your pet emergency kit should include the following:
- Several days’ supply of food and water in airtight containers
- Medications and copies of medical records
- Leash, collar with ID tags, and harness
- Sturdy carrier or crate with your contact info attached
- Recent photos of your pet (in case you’re separated)
- Waste bags, litter, and a portable litter box for cats
- Comfort items like toys, bedding, or blankets
- Pet first aid kit
During Heavy Rains or a Threat of Severe Weather
Bring Pets Indoors
Move all pets inside before a storm hits. Never brush off a storm threat, especially if you live in a flood zone or experience flooding in your area.
Seek Higher Ground
Move to the highest level of your home with your pets. Never leave them in basements or low-lying areas.
Avoid Driving
During a flood emergency, the safest course of action is to avoid driving and seek higher ground. If you are caught in a flood while driving, do not attempt to drive through standing or moving water. Instead, turn around and find an alternate route or, if that’s not possible, abandon your vehicle and move to higher ground with your pets.
Keep Documents Safe
Store important pet documents in a sealed, waterproof bag. Keep them handy in case you need to suddenly evacuate.
Leash and Supervise
Always keep pets on a leash or in a carrier at an elevated location in the event of a severe weather emergency. Floodwaters can rise quickly, and frightened pets may try to escape.
Don’t Let Pets Drink Floodwater
Only use bottled or clean water for your pets until officials declare the water supply safe. Floodwater can be contaminated with bacteria, debris, sewage, and other pollutants.
After the Flood
Check for Hazards
Inspect your home and yard for sharp debris, downed wires, or other dangers before letting pets outdoors.
Watch for Illness
Floodwaters can expose pets to bacteria, chemicals, and parasites. Monitor your pets for signs of illness and contact your vet if needed.
How to Manage Floods and Pets in Coastal Virginia
Preparation is the best way to protect your pets and yourself from the dangers of floods. By making a plan, building a kit, and staying informed, you can face emergencies with confidence, knowing your whole family is ready, paws and all.
For more resources, visit your city or county’s emergency management website or contact your local animal services for guidance on pet-friendly shelters and disaster planning.
Proactive Care for Your Pet Family
Hearts at Home Pet Sitting offers dog walking, pet sitting for several pet species, and dog hiking adventures. To register your pet(s) or home with us, please complete a new client questionnaire here. Existing clients may request services here. Those outside our service area are encouraged to find a pet sitter near you at the Pet Sitters International or National Association of Professional Pet Sitters websites.
Please visit our website or contact us by email at Hello@HeartsAtHomePetSitting.com or by phone at 757-745-9868 to learn more.
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