Our Hurricane Preparedness: What Pet Parents Should Know

You have been planning this trip for months! Everything is set. Flight plans, hotels, concert tickets, reservations for your pup at Red Fern Pet Lodge are confirmed… Oh no!  A hurricane is growing in the Atlantic and is predicted to affect Ocala! Your flights are on time and you need to leave now! Except your dog will be at Red Fern! In the hurricane! Should you go?!

We say yes! At Red Fern Pet Lodge, your dog’s safety and comfort are always our top priority—especially during Florida’s unpredictable hurricane season. We know how stressful storms can be, not only for pet parents but also for the pups who may sense the change in the environment. This is why we have a comprehensive hurricane preparedness plan in place to ensure every dog left in our care is safe, secure, and as comfortable as possible.

Red Fern’s Hurricane Preparedness Plan

First priority: Communication to pet parents

First and foremost, we will strive to keep you informed. In the face of a hurricane we will make regular updates using normal means of communication, which is text messaging through the Gingr portal or standard emails. If the municipal fiber network is disrupted and prevents messaging through the portal, we will attempt texting through the cellular network. If all communications go down, we will be at the mercy of the providers until communications are restored. This is rare.

All customers are encouraged to maintain emergency contacts, which should be individuals capable of picking up and caring for dogs if circumstances require this.

Whole Facility Generator

Our 10,000+ sqft facility is equipped with a powerful generator that will automatically and seamlessly switch to back-up power to continue running essential systems such as air conditioning and lighting if the grid goes down. This generator is serviced and tested twice per year by a certified technician.

Management On-Site

If our area is projected to be affected by a storm, our trained hurricane team will stay overnight at the facility. This means that no matter the weather, your pets will always have responsible, familiar caretakers right by their side.

Stocked Emergency Supplies

Our facility is served by municipal water services, which are rarely disrupted. However, if a hurricane is approaching, we keep ample amounts of fresh water in stock to ensure all dogs and staff have plenty on hand in case the water supply is disrupted.

Comfort for Storm-Anxious Pups

We know many dogs experience storm anxiety. For pets with known anxiety (and in advance of a hurricane), we do our best to communicate with and encourage pet parents to consult with their veterinarians in advance of the stay to find the most effective treatment options and make these available to us. Some options include calming medications, calming supplements, thunder jackets, and such.

Otherwise, during hurricanes and severe weather events, we go the extra mile to keep pups active, with regular indoor play and cuddle time. We also use “whole house” calming music and/or white noise to attempt to suppress cracks of lighting and grumbling thunder. Our small pups staying in our Quiet Cottages also get to enjoy our calming lavender scent diffuser.

Extra Food Request

It’s always a good idea to pack a few extra bags of food in case your trip is delayed, especially during hurricane season. We recommend packing 2-3 days worth of extra meals just in case your trip is delayed by inclement weather. Rest assured Red Fern stocks ample food just in case.

Peace of Mind for Pet Parents

We hope hurricane season passes quietly, but if it doesn’t, and your pet is staying at Red Fern Pet Lodge, you can rest assured that your dogs are cared for in a safe, climate-controlled environment with a team that treats them like family.

Because at Red Fern, your pets aren’t just our guests—they’re part of our pack.

– Dick Andrews, Proud Owner of Red Fern Pet Lodge & Certified Professional Animal Care Operator