Monsoon Season in Tucson: Is Your Pet Ready for an Emergency?
A rainbow in the sky over Jackpot Veterinary Center
Living in Southern Arizona means preparing for more than just the summer heat. Monsoon season can bring powerful dust storms, flash flooding, lightning, wildfires, extended power outages, and even air conditioning failures with very little warning.
While many families have emergency plans for themselves, it's easy to overlook one very important family member: your pet.
A little preparation today can make all the difference if an emergency happens tomorrow.
Include Your Pets in Your Emergency Plan
If you need to leave your home, your pets should leave with you. Never assume you'll be able to return quickly or that it's safe to leave them behind. Emergency officials recommend including pets in every family disaster plan because animals left behind are at greater risk of injury, getting lost, or worse.
Talk with your family ahead of time:
Who is responsible for each pet?
Where will you go if you need to evacuate?
Do you know which hotels, friends, or boarding facilities accept pets?
If you own horses or livestock, identify multiple evacuation locations before you need them. Practice loading trailers, make sure your truck and trailer are ready to go, and know at least two evacuation routes from your property.
Build a Pet Emergency Kit
Keep your pet's supplies together in one easy-to-grab container. Experts recommend including:
At least two weeks of food and water
Medications and prescriptions
Copies of vaccination and medical records
Rabies certificate
Recent photos of your pet
Collar, leash, harness, or carrier
Food and water bowls
Blankets or bedding
Favorite toy or comfort item
Waste bags or litter supplies
First aid supplies
Don't forget to check your kit every few months and replace expired food or medications.
Make Sure Identification Is Current
During disasters, even indoor pets can become frightened and escape.
Now is a great time to:
Verify your pet's microchip information is up to date.
Make sure collars have current ID tags.
Keep recent photos of each pet on your phone in case you become separated.
Get copies of vaccination records
Tucson Specific Tips
Monsoon season brings unique challenges for Arizona pet owners.
Power or A/C Outages
Temperatures can become dangerous indoors surprisingly fast after the air conditioning stops.
Move pets to the coolest area of the home.
Provide fresh water at all times.
Never leave pets in vehicles, even during cloudy weather.
If your home becomes unsafe, relocate to a pet-friendly location as soon as possible.
Locate a pet friendly cooling center in your city
Dust Storms (Haboobs)
When visibility drops and dust fills the air:
Bring pets indoors immediately.
Keep windows and doors closed.
Limit outdoor activity until dust settles.
Watch for eye irritation or breathing difficulties afterward.
Flash Flooding
Even shallow moving water can be dangerous.
Never allow pets to walk or swim through floodwater.
Keep dogs leashed after storms, as debris and contaminated water can create hidden hazards.
Watch horses carefully around washed-out fencing or damaged pastures.
Wildfires
If smoke is visible or air quality declines:
Limit outdoor exercise.
Keep animals indoors whenever possible.
Be prepared to evacuate early if officials recommend it.
Help First Responders Help Your Pets
One simple step many pet owners don't think about is placing a pet alert sticker near your home's main entrance.
These stickers let firefighters and first responders know that pets may be inside if they arrive during an emergency. While they can never guarantee a rescue, they provide valuable information when every second counts.
We're giving these emergency pet stickers away free at Jackpot Veterinary Center while supplies last (available starting 8/1/2026). Stop by the clinic and pick one up during your next visit.
A Few Minutes Today Can Make a Big Difference Tomorrow
We hope you'll never need your emergency plan, but if disaster strikes, you'll be glad you took the time to prepare.
Whether you share your home with a dog, cat, horse, or another beloved companion, having a plan helps keep every member of your family safer.
If you have questions about preparing your pet for an emergency, updating vaccinations before evacuation season, or making sure your pet is travel ready, our team is here to help.
Call Jackpot Veterinary Center at (520) 999-3888 if you need copies of your pets records and be sure to stop by the clinic to pick up your free emergency pet sticker (available starting 8/1/2026).