Pets At Hurricane Shelters

Be Prepared with a Pet Plan

In the event of a disaster, if you must evacuate, the most important thing you can do to protect your pets is to evacuate them, too. Leaving pets behind, even if you try to create a safe environment for them, is likely to result in their injury, loss, or worse. So, prepare now for the day when you and your pets may have to leave your home. All Monroe County general population shelters are pet-friendly.  

Pet-Friendly Shelter Registration

To pre-register your pet, you must complete the online registration form. Pre-registrations are only valid for the calendar year in which they were submitted.

• Pet-Friendly Shelter Registration
• Pet-Friendly Shelter Agreement
• Pet-Friendly Shelter Checklist

Requirements

• All pets must be properly caged.
• The medical history and current vaccination records for each pet must be presented upon checking in to the shelter.
• Monroe County Code requires that all dogs be collared. All dogs, cats, and ferrets must have a Monroe County pet license.
  • Licenses are available through Monroe County Animal Control contractors, which include the Florida Keys SPCA in Key West and Marathon and the Humane Animal Care Coalition in Key Largo. Detailed information, including licensing fees, replacement tags, and additional regulations, can be found at www.fkspca.org/what-we-do/animal-control/pet-licenses/ or https://humaneanimalcoalition.com/.
• Proof of Monroe County residency must be provided at mainland shelters.
• See the checklist above for a complete list of pet sheltering provisions. These items MUST accompany your pet; otherwise, it will not be granted access to the shelter.

Pets Accepted

• Dogs, with license and vaccination records
• Cats, with license and vaccination records
• Ferrets, with license and vaccination records
• Pocket Pets (hamsters, gerbils, mice, rats, guinea pigs, and rabbits under 10 pounds)
• Birds
• Reptiles (In-county shelters only. Mainland shelters do not accept reptiles)

Transportation of Pets

The Pet Evacuation and Transportation and Transportation Standards Act of 2006 (H.R.3858) has mandated that such evacuation plans “take into account the needs of individuals with household pets and service animals before, during, and following a major disaster or emergency.” Pets must be adequately caged before boarding public transportation.

Dogs, Cats, Ferrets, and Pocket Pets  

Mammals should be transported in secure carriers that are suitable for maintaining the animals while they are sheltered. Take bedding materials, food bowls, and water bottles.

Birds

Birds should be transported in a secure travel cage or carrier. Bring a blanket to cover the carrier, if needed. During warm weather, carry a plant mister to mist the bird’s feathers periodically. Do not put water inside the carrier during transport. Provide a few slices of fresh fruits and vegetables with high water content. Have a photo for identification and leg bands. If the carrier does not have a perch, line it with paper towels and change them frequently. Do not let the birds out of the cage or carrier.

Reptiles

Snakes can be transported in a pillowcase, but they must be transferred to more secure housing when they reach the evacuation site. If your snakes require frequent feedings, carry food with you. Take a water bowl large enough for soaking, as well as a heating pad. When transporting other reptiles, such as lizards and turtles, follow the same directions as for birds.