Hurricane Preparedness – Animals Domestic and Farm Animals

During Hurricane season the Department of Agriculture is asking all farmers with adult and young livestock to ensure they are adequately identified and properly secured in pastures. Livestock animals should be placed on the highest pasture ground possible.

Adult livestock – Cattle and horses must not be physically restrained and should be loose in pastures that are not prone to flooding or swept by storm surges. Other domestic adult livestock such as pigs, goats, and chickens should be kept safe in their pens & cages above flood level.

Young livestock – aged two months or less should be secured with their mother in a pen, or kept loose with their mother in a safe, sheltered area that is not prone to flooding or storm surge. Young livestock five weeks old or less can be prone to illness if drenched in heavy rain fall. As best as possible, they should be kept confined to a dry, sheltered area.

Chickens – Secure in dry, sheltered areas (cage, box, or pen) above flood level. Baby chicks should be kept indoors in a warm dry place.

For Livestock emergencies call DoA Veterinary Services on 345-916-2218 (Grand Cayman) / 345-925-5765 (Cayman Brac) or email: ci.agricultureVS@gov.ky

During Hurricane season the Department of Agriculture is asking all homeowners with domestic pets to ensure they are permanently identified with a microchip and secured indoors, in a garage, or in a dry sheltered area.

Traveling with your pets, please ensure animal permits are obtained from the Department of Agriculture. Email: ci.agricultureVS@gov.ky for permit application and DOArabiesvaccines@gov.ky for scheduling rabies vaccinations before travel.

Currently, all rabies vaccination appointments on Thursday, July 4th are cancelled due to the approaching hurricane.

Pet exports go to your local vet to start the process – payment can be taken at our AHIS and Warehouse locations.

Pet owners are reminded that for re-entry you need to provide the completed import permit application and meet all the requirements including all vaccinations and the mandatory titre test, rabies test, and have a microchip.

Keep animals calm and reassure their safety. Dogs with “thunder phobia” or other anxiety disorders should be monitored closely for their safety and yours. In advance of a pending storm, discuss with your local veterinarian regarding the best approach to handling these anxiety disorders during a storm.

Note to all pet owners it is an offence to tether, confine, or keep any animal on a lead outside during hurricane conditions, or in any situation that may cause the animal unnecessary suffering or injury to themselves. They should be moved indoors. Keep animals calm; do not agitate them by rough handling, or shouting. Ensure an adequate supply of clean drinking water and animal feed is provided during and after the storm. Stock up on any prescription diets or medications well in advance of a pending storm.

Email: reportanimalscruelty@gov.ky / call: 947-3090