Pet Shelters available during a Hurricane
Tuesday, July 24th, 2007Pets are forbidden at storm evacuation shelters, except one — West Boynton Recreation Center at 6000 Northtree Blvd.
The center was created because of concerns about the many residents who won’t leave their homes if it means leaving behind their dog or cat. During past storms, many people also decided to bring their pet to the county’s animal care center before leaving town. The center is in a county-owned gymnasium and is designed to hold about 300 cats and about 250 people. Two large rooms will hold 150 to 250 dogs, but no people. A third area will hold “pocket pets” and birds.
The shelter will open when others do and will close immediately after the storm has passed. A veterinary technician will be on hand during the storm. Space is limited! To preregister your pet now or for more information, call Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control, (561) 233-1266. Web page: www.pbcgov.com/animal
PET SHELTER RULES
• Only people living in mandatory evacuation zones and mobile homes in Palm Beach County are allowed. Proof of residency required. So far, Martin and St. Lucie counties have no such shelter.
• You must stay with your pets! You are responsible for caring for and feeding them. Don’t just drop them off.
• The shelter should be your last resort. Your first option should be a friend’s home or a pet-friendly hotel.
• You must have a pet to be admitted. No extended family members allowed.
• The shelter will provide people food. You must bring your own pet food and bedding.
• Dogs must be on a leash. You must bring kennels large enough for them to stand and turn around. Pocket pets, birds and cats must arrive in cages or carriers. No large parrot cages.
• All dogs and cats must have identification microchips, current rabies vaccinations and rabies tags and must have flea/tick medications.
• No aggressive dogs or dogs with a known bite history or previously classified by the Division of Animal Care and Control as ‘dangerous’ or ‘potentially dangerous.’
• No wolves, wolf hybrids or jungle cats. No reptiles.
• Birds must be accompanied by ‘bands’ and health certificates showing they are free of disease and have been tested for psittacosis.
• Bans applying to other shelters (alcohol ,weapons, drugs, bad behavior) apply.
Tips on the Web
Humane Society of the United States offers free information about disaster preparedness and evacuation planning for animals at www.hsus.org/prepare
Pet health card: www.hsus.org/shop/my_pets_health_card.html
Palm Beach County Horse Industry Council: www.thebarnbook.com/pbchic.html
SOURCE: Sun-Sentinel
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
<-- -->