Hillsborough County Government Online - Animal Services

"A major failing of all Floridians has been the apparent inability to learn and retain the important lessons previous hurricanes should have taught us. Andrew's most obvious lesson was that we were not prepared for this hurricane, neither as individuals nor as a community. This mistake must not reoccur. "

As most public shelters do not accept pets, you should develop an emergency plan that will help get you, your family and your pet(s) safely through a hurricane. Keep in mind that when the weather conditions are unsafe, evacuation may be necessary for you, your family, and for your pets. It is possible that household pets left inside or outside the home will die of exposure, starvation, predators, and/or contaminated food and water. It is also possible that animals may bite or attack others as the stress induced by the storm can cause distinct behavior changes.

The survival of you and your pets could depend on your personal disaster plan. Write it down. In times of emergency, overlooking important tasks is easy. Know if you are in an evacuation zone, and when you will evacuate (NOTE: ALL mobile home residents are required to evacuate at any level of a hurricane.) Even if you live in a non-flood zone, have a contingency plan in case you are required to evacuate for other types of emergencies.

List all the survival items you will need for your pets. Purchase supplies for at least two weeks. Travel will likely be very difficult and unsafe. Getting any additional supplies after the storm arrives maybe impossible for several days.

When you are planning for your evacuation, the location you are planning to go to should be as close to home as is safely possible. The highways will be crowded, making long distance travel difficult. Some motels and hotels will allow pets during declared evacuations if they are properly confined in a carrier or cage. Check with your preferred motel or hotel before evacuating to be sure your pet will be welcome. A limited number of private boarding facilities are available for your pets if you cannot evacuate with them. Remember to choose a boarding facility located close to your evacuation route as travel will be at best, difficult.

Hillsborough County currently has four designated public Pet Friendly Shelters. Remember, public shelters are not resorts…and should only be considered your LAST RESORT! The owner must be registered at the public shelter in order to utilize the services of the Pet Friendly Shelter. Space is limited and you must remain at the shelter to provide care for your pet(s). *Bring proof of current rabies vaccination, a sturdy carrier, and supplies for your pet. No reservations will be accepted – first come/first served.

Advance planning is essential. It could save your pet's life and make your life easier during a storm emergency. Consider the following essential items you will need:

Get a pet carrier (portable kennel) or a crate for each household pet. These are available at most pet supply shops and some veterinarians clinics. It should be large enough to allow your pet to stand up and turn around inside. To reduce stress on your pet, take the time to acclimate your pet to the carrier.
Have a leash and a muzzle on hand to help control your dog.
Have newspapers, plastic bags, cleansers, kitty litter, and disinfectants available to handle pet wastes.
Have sufficient amounts of pet food, water, and special medications on hand. Don't forget a non-electric can opener for canned foods.
Be sure your pet's rabies and other vaccinations are current. Boarding kennels will require proof of these vaccinations before accepting your pet.
Your pet's collar should be properly fitted with a Hillsborough County license tag. Consider having your pet micro-chipped also to help identify your pet should it become lost.
Gather your pet's identification records and medical information into a water proof package. Include a recent photograph of you and the pet with a detailed written description, current owners' copy of Hillsborough County rabies registration certificate, and micro-chip or tattoo identification records.
Large portions of the county could be evacuated, plan where you and your pets will go. Know your options, public shelters will not accept your pets, and leaving them alone will not be safe.
Consider going to a dependable friend or relative's home.
Find motels or hotels away from flood areas. Call them to see if they will accept pets.
Find veterinary clinics or boarding kennels in safe areas.

WHEN A STORM EMERGENCY IS DECLARED . . .

Put your personal disaster plan into action.
Get your pet into their pet carrier or crate as soon as possible. To reduce stress and to keep them from becoming lost, transport them in their carrier.
Evacuate your family and pets as early and safely as possible.

Inspect your home and yard for dangers left over from the storm before allowing your family or pets in. Caution should be taken in allowing your pet outdoors. The usual scents and landmarks familiar to your pet may have changed, causing confusion. Debris and downed power lines as well as contaminated food or water could be dangerous to your pet.

Your plan should be reviewed, exercised, and updated regularly with your family.

Disaster preparedness will bring you peace of mind when you know you have done everything you can to protect your family and your pets.

Please note that by choosing one of the links below you will be leaving the Hillsborough County Website. These sites are not maintained by Hillsborough County and the County has no responsibility for the content of these sites.

Due to the devastating hurricane seasons over the past two years, your local government alongside representatives of the agricultural and animal community have been working to improve disaster plans for the upcoming hurricane season. The people involved with this effort have created a not-for-profit organization, The Community of Hillsborough Animal and Agricultural Response Team ( CHAART ). This newly formed organization is a county level counterpart to the State Agricultural Response Team ( SART ). One of the objectives of this effort in Hillsborough County is to facilitate a means to help local residents build networks and develop or improve emergency plans to better cope with various agricultural emergencies.

For a listing of boarding facilities found within Hillsborough County that are not in the flood zones send a stamped self-addressed envelope requesting a copy of a brochure entitled "Hurricane Preparation for Your Pet" to:

For information on disaster preparations for large animal owners and a searchable Emergency Evacuation Resource List please visit the Sunshine State Horse Council's website.

For a list of guidelines for large animal hurricane preparations please refer to the brochure, "Hillsborough County Hurricane Guidelines for Large Animals." This brochure can be obtained by contacting the Cooperative Extension Service at (813)744-5519.

For a listing of some hotels that will accept pets during an emergency, please visit PetsWelcome.com also check out These other hot deals on hotels for pets.

For more information on disaster preparedness visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency .

IF YOU HAVE LOST A PET, VISIT THE FOLLOWING . . .

Hillsborough County Animal Services
440 Falkenburg Rd.
Tampa, FL 33619
(813) 744-5660

The Humane Society of Tampa Bay
3607 N.Armenia Ave.
Tampa, FL 33607
(813) 876-7138