Hurricane season pet grooming prep
Florida hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30. If a storm hits, you may lose power for days or evacuate inland with little notice. Get grooming done before a named storm forms — not after.
Schedule a full groom in early June and again in early August. A well-groomed dog handles evacuation better: shorter coats stay cleaner in shelters, trimmed nails don't scratch evacuation crates, and clean ears reduce stress-related infections.
Build a grooming go-bag now: a 2-week supply of any medicated shampoo, a slicker brush, nail clippers, ear cleaner, and unscented baby wipes. Pack it with your hurricane kit. Pet-friendly shelters are required to accept your dog under Florida law (since 2019), but they're cleaner experiences when your dog arrives groomed.
If your dog has anxiety around storms — and many do, especially small breeds — talk to your groomer about thundershirts or calming sprays. Some Florida groomers stock them. A dog already groomed and bathed before a storm is one less stress source for both of you.
After a storm, watch for paw injuries from debris and skin issues from contaminated floodwater. A bath within 24 hours of any wading through standing water is non-negotiable.