The safety of your family and pets depends on preparing a family disaster plan. In an emergency, if it is unsafe for you to stay in your home, it is unsafe for your pets to stay. If you are told to evacuate, do so immediately. Public sheltering should be your last resort. Sarasota County has four pet-friendly public shelters that accept only cats and dogs with current vaccination records. You can learn the zone you are in and obtain evacuation info at scgov.net or by calling the Sarasota County Emergency Management Office at 861-5000.

•  Friends or family in a safe location
•  Pet-friendly hotels
•  Veterinarian’s office or boarding kennel

• Collar with a leash
• ID tags, rabies tag, microchip ID
• Any necessary medications
• Two-week supply of food in watertight containers
• Two-week supply of water
• Manual can opener for canned food
• Food and water bowls
• Plastic bags
• Cat litter, liners, and a pan
• Newspaper, paper towels, disinfectant
• Plastic trash bags
• Toys and special comfort items
• Muzzle, if necessary. In a disaster, animals may not act normally.
• Proper ID on all your pet’s belongings
• Out of area contact name and phone number
• Current photo of each pet with the owner
• Secure carrier or cage and bedding. Carriers should be large enough to stand comfortably and turn around in. Let your animals become familiar with their carriers ahead of time

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No reservations for the pet-friendly shelter

area....first come first served.

Making arrangements for your pets is part of your household disaster planning. If you must evacuate your home - plan for your pet, too!

DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PETS HOME!

Make sure your pets have current immunizations and take these records with you if you evacuate. If you plan to go to a hotel, determine in advance if the hotel is "pet friendly" and if any special rules apply.

All animals should have secure carriers that are large enough for the animal to stand and turn around comfortably. Familiarize your pets with the carrier ahead of time, that way the carrier will become a secure and comforting refuge if your pets need to live in it for days or weeks after a disaster.

If you evacuate - leave early! An unnecessary trip is far better than waiting too long to leave safely! Long distance evacuation is not recommended as roads will be crowded. Local friends or relatives (in a safe area) are the best choice. If they are unable to house both you AND your pets, arrange to shelter your pets at a veterinarian, kennel or boarding facility close to your evacuation location.

Airline Approved Carrier

Proper ID collar w/rabies tag & license attached

Photo Identification

First Aid Supplies

Water/Food Bowls, Manual Can Opener

Medications/Food (2 week supply)

Specific Care Instructions

Toys/Comfort Items/Towels/Blankets

Muzzle (if necessary)

If you must let your pets outside, walk them on a leash. Familiar scents and landmarks may be altered and your pet may become confused and lost.

Poisonous snakes and other reptiles may be brought into the area due to high water.

Downed power lines and other debris also pose real dangers to your pets.

The behavior of your pets may change after an emergency. Normally quiet and friendly pets may become aggressive and defensive. Watch your pets closely! Be patient, reassuring and provide lots of love!! ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥