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Hurricane Information for Pet Owners
The Broward County Animal Care and Regulation Division (ACaRD) offer the following Hurricane Tips for Pet Owners.
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Before A Hurricane
General Preparations
Prepare a pet survival kit that includes the following items:
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Crate or carrier for each pet that is large enough for the animal to stand and turn around. Help your pet adjust to the carrier by placing it in the carrier along with a treat or toy. Start with short periods of time then slowly increase the time. |
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Litter Pan |
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List of emergency phone numbers
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Veterinarian |
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Local animal shelters that will shelter lost pets in an emergency (Animal Care and Regulation Division 954-359-1313 and the Humane Society of Broward County 954-989-3977)
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Photos of the pet(s) with you to prove you are the owner
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Rabies certificate with current license tag number |
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Tattoo number or microchip number
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Two-Weeks Supply of the following items:
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Food (moist or canned) |
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Medications with instructions |
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Cat Litter |
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Cleaning Supplies (newspaper, plastic bags, disinfectant, paper towels, metal ties to close bags)
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Store items that will be damaged if wet, in waterproof containers. Store all the items of the pet survival kit in transportable containers that won't easily tear or break. Avoid containers such as bags made of paper or plastic and pillow cases.
Be sure each pet has current vaccinations, especially rabies.
For identification purposes, make sure each cat or dog is wearing a collar with its current county animal license tag. We recommend a second method of identification, such as a tattoo or implanted microchip just in case the license tag is lost. Also, attach to the pet's collar a phone number of a family member or friend not in the evacuation zone. Anyone who finds your pet will be able to call a person who knows how to reach you.
Spay or neuter your pet so it won't become pregnant or impregnate other animals if it escapes or is lost during a hurricane.
If you will evacuate to a public shelter, make early arrangements to board your pet with another family member, foster home, kennel, animal clinic, or friend's home. A list of boarding kennels is available on our web site or by calling Animal Care at 954-359-1313 ext. 227.
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Evacuating With Your Pet
If you evacuate your home, DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PETS BEHIND! If your pets survive the storm, they could escape through broken windows or doors and become lost. Even a familiar neighborhood will change after the storm, disorienting your pets, and increasing the chances they will become lost.
Don't forget the pet survival kit when you leave.
Hotels/Motels Accepting Pets
If you will evacuate to a hotel/motel, call first to locate one that allows pets. Many will take reservations. Some may change their no pet policy in evacuation situations.
A list of pet friendly hotels/motels in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach Counties is available by calling Animal Care at 954-359-1313 ext. 227.
The following sites contain listings of hotels and motels accepting pets:
Boarding at a Kennel
Make your reservation early, well before hurricane starts. Private kennels have limited space. Most kennels require that pets have current vaccinations.
Make sure each pet is wearing a collar with current county animal license tag and the pet has a tattoo or microchip.
Boarding at a Friend's or Relative's Home
Another option is for you and your pet to stay at a friend's or relative's home not in the evacuation zone.
Bring your pet survival supply kit and use the supplies for your pet's sanitary and food needs.
For safety, select a safe room such as a closet or interior room without windows or the bathroom, utility room, or enclosed garage. Keep the pet away from windows if at all possible.
For easier cleaning of the safe room, line the entire floor or portion of the floor with newspaper or plastic.
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During A Hurricane
Remaining at Home
Noise from a storm can frighten a pet. If possible, keep the pet within sight of the family.
Use the supplies in your pet survival kit for your pet's sanitary and food needs.
Never leave your pet chained outside.
Never tranquilize your pets. They need to use their survival instincts to escape any potential danger.
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After A Hurricane
Protecting Your Pets
Keep your pets inside after a hurricane.
If you take your pet outdoors, leash your dog, and keep your cat in a carrier.
Pets are more easily lost and confused when outdoors after a storm because of altered scents and landmarks.
Downed electric power lines or reptiles brought in with high water could endanger your pet.
Don't allow your pet to drink water or eat food that may have been contaminated.
Returning A Lost Pet To Its Owner
After a hurricane, there may be many lost pets. To find the owner of a lost pet, you can access the ACaRD's Pet License Information Database. The database contains more than 700,000 records of dogs and cats registered in Broward since 1997. You enter the license tag or tattoo number and the owner information will appear on the screen. It also has a search function if you only have a partial license or tattoo number.
If you don't have access to the web, you can call the Division at 954-359-1313 and we will trace the license tag for you. Phone lines may be down after the storm.
Finding Your Lost Pet
Animal Care officers and citizens will bring many lost cats and dogs to our shelters after the hurricane. If your pet has identification such as a license tag, tattoo or microchip, we will call you if the phones are operating. If your pet has no identification or you cannot be reached, you need to visit one of our shelters. Call first at 954-359-1313 for post-hurricane operating hours and information.
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Pet Friendly Hurricane Shelter
If a hurricane emergency is declared in Broward County, residents with pets living in an evacuation area (including mobile home residents) will have the option of relocating to a “pet friendly” shelter. The shelter is located at a school in Tamarac.
The shelter will house pets in one area of the school and their owners in a separate area. Only pet owners and their pets will be allowed in this shelter. The pet owner must stay in the shelter and cannot just drop off their pet. The American Red Cross will run the shelter section for the pet owners and the Humane Society of Broward County will be responsible for the pet section.
Pet owners should use this pet friendly shelter only as a last resort. Preferred options include going to a friend/relative home not in the evacuation area, a motel/hotel that accepts pets, or boarding pets at a private kennel.
Because of space limitations, those who want to use the shelter during declared emergencies must pre-register in person. Registration begins June 8 at the Humane Society, 2070 Griffin Road, Fort Lauderdale (one block west of I-95) between the hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday.
To pre-register, you must bring with you in person the following items:
- Valid proof of residence in an evacuation area (including mobile home residents) such as an electric, water, or cable bill.
- A driver's license will not be sufficient proof.
- Valid proof of rabies vaccination and county animal license tag for your pets.
- The name, address, and phone number of your veterinarian.
- A current photo of the pets you are planning to bring to the shelter. These photos will not be returned and will be attached to your registration.
Criteria to be allowed into the shelter are:
- Pets must be pre-registered with the Humane Society of Broward County.
- Pets must be crated and will be housed in the same area as other pets.
- Pet owners must stay at the emergency shelter.
- Pet owners by appointment only, will provide care for their animals (i.e., walking, feeding, cleaning).
- Pet owners will not be allowed to sleep or stay in the room where their animals are housed.
Contact the Humane Society of Broward County at 954-989-3977, early during hurricane season to determine if any space is still available.
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Safety Tips For Other Pets
Tropical Fish
The electrical power could go off and stop the aeration pump in the fish tank. If the tank has an adapter, the pump can be operated by battery.
Small Mammals
Transport hamsters, gerbils, ferrets, and other small mammals in carriers that can maintain the animals while at the boarding location. Take food, water, bowls, bottles, bedding, and other necessary items.
Birds
Transport birds in secure travel cages or carriers without water. Keep the cage in a quiet area. Don't let the bird out of the cage. Take a photo for identification and either leg band or microchip the bird. Bring medicine, medical records, water, food, toys, newspaper/cage lining, and cleaning supplies.
Reptiles
A pillowcase makes an excellent transport carrier for snakes but immediately transfer it to a more secure cage when you reach the boarding location. Bring adequate food (especially if the reptile requires frequent feedings), a water bowl, and heating pad.
To transport a lizard, follow the same directions as for birds.
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