Hurricane kit for your pet: Here's a list of what you'll need when a storm is brewing

HOUSTON — During hurricane season, it’s important to prepare in advance as much as possible. And that applies to four-legged family members too.

During Hurricane Harvey, thousands of people and their pets were rescued from flooded neighborhoods. 

Other animals were separated from their families during the chaos and ended up in shelters.

Don’t wait until there’s trouble brewing in the Gulf to prepare your pet. You should prepare a hurricane kit for them now. 

“Most importantly, you wanna make sure you have your pet vaccinated, up-to-date on its vaccines,” said Angelina Saucedo with the Houston Humane Society. “If there’s a flooding situation and there’s standing water, there’s just a lot of bacteria that can easily be spread to your pet, that could be potentially fatal.”

RELATED: Hurricane supply list: What you’ll need if a storm threatens the Texas Gulf Coast

Make sure your pets are microchipped and the chip is registered — just in case.

“That chip is registered with your contact information in the instance where you’re separated from your pet during a natural disaster and your pet ends up at a shelter, they’re able to scan that chip and contact you,” explained Saucedo.

Be sure and put the vaccine records and microchip papers in a plastic bag, seal them inside a plastic container and take them with you.  

Here’s a list of other essentials you should include in your pet’s hurricane kit. 

• Pet carrier
• Medications and medical records
• Leash or harness
• Bottled water
• 2-week supply of food
• Bowls 
• Litter and litter box for cats
• Bed 
• Toys

“You wanna make sure you take a blanket, as well,” Saucedo said. “Keep your pet comfortable. I’ve seen people use the thunder shirts to put on their pet and help them become more relaxed.”