Sheltering with Pets

Escambia County has identified a pet-friendly shelter for household dogs and cats only. During a disaster, the shelter location will be posted on the Escambia County Storm Center. The pet-friendly shelter should be a last resort – identify other locations to shelter pets before a disaster.

Space is limited at the pet-friendly shelter. Pet owners will be required to shelter in the Red Cross shelter adjacent to the pet-friendly shelter so they will be available to care for their pets as required. The people and pet shelters are separate facilities, but are adjacent to each other.

For the protection of people and other pets at the shelter, animals brought in without proof of current vaccinations will be vaccinated by Escambia County Shelter staff. We highly encourage making arrangements to move your pets from the shelter into other safe housing as quickly as possible.

Owners will be issued a wristband or card that will be used to verify their ownership of their pets so that they can come visit them or care for them while they are staying at the shelter.

Have a plan. Do not wait until the last minute to form an evacuation plan when you have the additional responsibility of planning for your pet(s).

Confirm your plan 24 hours before you will need to evacuate in the event things have changed.

Bring all pets inside the house so you will not have to search for them should you need to leave in a hurry.

Make sure all pets are wearing their collars and I.D. tags. Be sure the I.D. tag has your cell phone number on it in the event you and your pet become separated.

Keep all dogs securely leashed and cats in sturdy carriers during travel. Even a usually calm pet may panic and try to escape or bite in a stressful situation.

Service animals are allowed in any building accessible by the person and to the extent of federal, state or local laws. Service animals may accompany their owners in general or special needs shelters.

Upon arrival at the public shelter, a person must register at the general population shelter and must also register their pets as they are received in the pet shelter facility.

Cats and dogs will be separated as much as possible to minimize the stress of the animals.

All pets without proof of vaccinations will be vaccinated on site.

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