With the unusually high number of damaging tornadoes hitting the US in the past few weeks, many pet owners may be wondering how to best keep their dogs, cats, and other pets safe from harm during tornadoes and severe thunderstorms.

We’ve gathered some of the best expert advice and compiled the following tornado safety tips for pets.  (Be sure to create a disaster plan for your pets, no matter what types of natural disasters your region of the world may face.)

• Make sure all your pets are microchipped and have up to date ID tags.
• Your emergency supply kit for severe weather should also include items for your pets, such as food, water, bedding, and leash.

• Keep dogs and cats indoors during any severe weather event.  During tornado warnings, bring your pets to safe locations in the house.  It’s best to keep cats crated.
• In the event your pet escapes, make sure you have a current identifying photograph, and know the locations of all local animal shelters.
• Small pets like guinea pigs and rabbits should be placed in carriers in a tornado-safe location in the house.

• Birds can be especially sensitive to stress.  Monitor your bird’s health for several days after a severe weather event.  Always keep your birds caged so they don’t escape.
• Aquariums should be moved under tables or covered with padding to keep the glass from breaking.
• If you have advance warning that severe weather is on the way, the best plan is to evacuate with your pets until the threat is over.