+ Hurricane Preparations and Pet-friendly Shelters +
Events arising from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita have highlighted the need for pet owners to prepare for their pet's care prior to a hurricane or other natural disaster. Basic preparations include:
- Microchip your pets and register them with alternative phone numbers.
- Pack food, water, medications, feed & water bowls, leash, collar with rabies tag/ID, carrier/cage, and special care instructions in case you become seperated from your pet.
- Mark and identify all belongings if you go to a public shelter.
- Shelters may require proof of vaccination
- Consult with your veterinarian if you have a pet who becomes hyper-anxious from storms or changing locations, especially cats.
Most public shelters will not allow pets, for various health and safety reasons. The best approach is to transfer your pets to a safe private residence, pet-friendly hotel, or boarding facility.
Fortunately, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties have established special pet-friendly shelters, intended as a last option. As of Fall 2005, Pasco county has not established a pet-friendly shelter.
Pinellas county has at least two pet-friendly shelters for dogs and cats during mandatory evacuations from hurricanes or other storms. In St. Petersburg, the shelter is located in The St. Petersburg Judicial Building , at 545 1st Ave. N.. In Palm Harbor, people with dogs and cats can go to Harbor Hall Community Center, located at 1190 Georgia Avenue. Space is limited, pre-registration is required, and certain requirements must be met. So pre-register online at www.pinellascounty.org or call 727-582-2150 to request one by mail.
Hillsborough county has one pet-friendly shelter. Burnett Middle School has been designated a Hillsborough County pet-firendly hurricane evacuation shelter. The school is at 1010 Kingsway Road, on the corner of US 92 and Kingsway Road North, just south of I-4 in Seffner. Call Animal Services of Hillsborough County for more information, (813) 744-5660.
The website FloridaPets.net has a good discussion about pet-friendly shelters & hotels in Florida counties. As a storm approaches, check Animal Emergency's Blog for updates.
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