Act now: Pre-register for pet-friendly hurricane shelter in your county
June 1 marks the start of hurricane season. Have you pre-registered for your countys pet-friendly hurricane shelter?
Many Florida counties require residents topre-register before arriving to a pet-friendly shelter. Many also haveguidelines on how many pets residents can register and what they should bring tothe shelter.
If you are a pet guardian and live in one of the counties below, you will need to pre-register as soon as possible to ensure that you and your furry family have a safe place to go if a hurricane strikes.
Palm Beach County: The gymnasium at the West Boynton Recreation Center in Lake Worth has been designated as the countys pet-friendly hurricane shelter. County residents are required to pre-register. You can do so online. You can also download the pre-registration form and mail it in. If you do register online, you will still need to sign the Waiver and Canine Influenza Form and bring it with you to the shelter.
Broward County: Residents in an emergency evacuation zone are required to pre-register for the pet-friendly shelter at Millennium Middle School. You can do so in person at the Humane Society of Broward County. Space at the shelter is limited and is on a first come, first serve basis. According to the Humane Society of Broward County, upon arriving at the shelter, you will need to have valid proof of residence in an evacuation zone such as an electric, water or cable bill; valid proof of rabies vaccinations and license tags for your pets; the name, address and phone number of your veterinarian; and a current photo of your pets. You also must be able to provide proof that you live in an evacuation area. Pets must be crated and will be housed in the same area as other pets. You must stay at the emergency shelter and provide care for you animals (walk, feed and clean up after them), but you will not be allowed to sleep or stay in the room where your pets are housed.
Pasco County: The Mike Fasano Regional Hurricane Shelter has been named the Pasco County pet-friendly shelter. Complete the pre-registration form and mail it in with proof your pets vaccinations. Pre-registration is required. Pasco Emergency Management reminds pet parents that they must stay at the shelter with their pets. Also note that pre-registration does not guarantee acceptance, only two pre-registered pets per residence will be accepted, dogs must be at least4 months old and have a Pasco County license and pets cant have a history of aggression.
Collier County: Pre-registration is required. Note that pre-registration does not guarantee acceptance into the shelter, as pets are admitted on a first come, first serve basis. The shelter can house 75 dogs and cats. Pet guardians are asked to provide crates, food, medications, supplies and water for their pets. You must also have photo IDfor admission into the shelter and proofthat your pets are up to dateon vaccinations at the time of the storm. Call (239) 530-PETS (7387) for more information. VisitCollier County Domestic Animal Servicesfor more information and to fill out a registration form.
Hardee County: You can pre-register for the pet-friendly shelter by printing and completing the registration form and the attachedCanine Influenza and Waiver forms and mailing them to the Hardee County Emergency Operation Center. Call (863) 773-6373 for more information. Emergency Management requires pet guardians to bring a kennel or carrier, food for two to three days, bedding, bowls, toys and any medications. Birds must have a health certificate and a carrier cage with cover. All dogs and cats must be current on rabies vaccinationsand have documentation of guardianship.
Miami-Dade County: Two shelters have been designated pet-friendly. According to Miami-Dade County Animal Services, pet guardians must pre-register, provide proof of residency within an evacuation zone, provide medical and current vaccination records for each pet, bring adequate supplies for their pets and stay in the pet-friendly shelter. Dogs and cats are required to have annual rabies vaccinations. Dogs must also have a dog license. Residents may register up to four pets per residence, including dogs, cats, gerbils, guinea pigs, hamsters, mice, rabbits under 10 pounds, ferrets and birds. Download the application here. You will receive a tentative acceptance letter upon receipt and verification of eligibility; however, pre-registration does not secure acceptance into the shelter.
Escambia County: Pre-registration is required for the countys pet-friendly shelter. The shelter will admit dogs and cats on a first come, first serve basis. Go here to find the registration form, along with instructions on where to mail, fax or email it. According to the Division of Emergency Management, you must provide proof of vaccinations; proper ID collars and current rabies tags; identification on all pet items; current picture of your pet; pet carrier with your and your pets name and address; leash; pet food and water; food and water bowls; medications; bedding; plastic bags for handling waste; and litter and litter boxes. You must stay in the shelter for people, located next to the pet shelter. You areresponsible fortaking care of your petswhile at the shelter.Review afull list of pet guardian responsibilities here.
Pinellas County: The county has three pet-friendly shelters. Residents must pre-register for the shelters since space is limited. Mobile home residents receive first priority. You can find the application and information about where to mail it here.
Santa Rosa County: Only pre-registered pets will be admitted into the pet-friendly shelter. You can register two pets per residence. Pre-registration, however, does not guarantee entry into the shelter, as pets will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis. Complete the pre-registration form online. You must have proof of your pets current vaccinations. You will also need to print and sign the Pet-Friendly Evacuation Shelter Use Agreement form and bring a copy with you. Santa Rosa County Animal Services requires all dogs over the age of4 months to wear their rabies tags when arriving at the shelter and also advises that cats have ID tags, as well. You must give your pets flea/tick control before arriving at the shelter. Pet guardians are also responsible for bringing their pets medications and a three-day supply of food and water.
Photos courtesy of FEMA/Andrea Booher as seen on Wikimedia Commons, FEMA/Liz Roll as seen on Wikimedia Commons andFEMA/Win Henderson as seen on Wikimedia Commons.