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The Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League
(561-686-3663) or your veterinarian can provide information including
action plans and seminars on preparing your pets for an emergency. The
leagues website also has a list of animal shelters and guidelines under its
Disaster Preparedness section.

The Palm Beach County shelter at 6000 Northtree Blvd., Lake Worth, accepts
dogs, cat, birds and small pocket pets and their owners as a
last-resort option. Call Animal Care and Control at 233-1200; register in
advance with the county.

Before a hurricane

• Make sure pets are current on their vaccinations. Pet shelters may require
  proof of vaccines.
• Have a current photograph.
• Keep a collar with identification on your pet and have a leash on hand to
  control your pet.
• Have a properly sized pet carrier or cage for each animal carriers should
  be large enough for the animal to stand and turn around.
• Plan your evacuation strategy to include your pet. Specialized pet shelters,
  animal control shelters, veterinary clinics, and friends and relatives
  are all potential refuges for your pet.
• If you plan to shelter your pet, work the trip there into your
  evacuation-route planning.

During a hurricane

Animals brought to a pet shelter are required to have a proper ID collar and
rabies tag, proper identification on all belongings, a carrier or cage, a
leash, an ample supply of food, water and food bowls, any necessary
medications, specific-care instructions and newspapers or trash bags for
clean-up.

• Bring pets indoors well in advance of a storm reassure them and remain
  calm.
• Pet shelters will be filled on first-come, first-serve basis. Call ahead about
  availability.

After a hurricane

• Walk pets on a leash until they become re-oriented to their home often
  familiar scents and landmarks may be altered and pets could easily be
  confused and become lost. Also, downed power lines, reptiles brought in
  with high water and debris can all pose a threat for animals after a
  disaster.
• If pets cannot be found after a disaster, contact the local animal control
  office to find out where lost animals can be recovered. Bring along a
  picture of your pet if possible.
• After a disaster, animals can become aggressive or defensive monitor their
  behavior.

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