Being located on the Gulf Coast of Florida, hurricanes are always a potential threat for our population and pets. Being prepared both for yourself and your pet may be vital in case of a hurricane. One aspect is to know which pet shelters have been designated as “pet friendly”. Pinellas County has designated three shelters as such:

• Oak Grove Middle School – 1370 S. Belcher Road, Clearwater

• Thurgood Marshall Middle School – 3901 22nd Ave. S., St. Petersburg

• Dunedin Middle School – 70 Patricia Ave., Dunedin

[quote style=”grid”]The facilities are substantially-built, have large indoor gyms and separate air handlers to ensure the comfort and safety of allergic citizens who shelter there. Residents must preregister themselves and their pets for these pet-friendly shelters, as space is limited. Mobile home residents are given first priority. [/quote]

Call (727) 582-2150 or you can download a registration form by clicking here.

Mail or fax the completed form to:

Pinellas County Animal Services
12450 Ulmerton Road
Largo, FL 33774

Fax (727) 582-2637

If you require special needs, you will need to register. The registration form can be downloaded by clicking here.

 [quote style=”grid”]This registration is for citizens that are classified special needs evacuees and are already registered with their local fire department and have a pet which they need help evacuating. They should call Pinellas County Animal Services at (727) 582-2600 to register pets for pick-up or fill out the form and sent to Animal Services at the above address. The Fire Station that is closest to them will be the one that evacuates them in an emergency. For more information they can call their local Fire Department or Emergency Management at (727) 464-3800. If they have not done so yet, they must do so in order to register for PCAS pickup. [/quote]

Animal Shelters

You should try to arrange where you will  shelter your pet before a disaster happens. If you wait too long, there you most likely will not be able to get your pet in an animal shelter location. Please be aware that Pinellas Animal Services, the SPCA and the Humane Society cannot shelter your pet.

[quote style=”grid”]Animal shelters, such as Pinellas County Animal Services, the Humane Society and the SPCA, cannot accept your pets. Also don’t assume that a boarding kennel or hotel/motel will accept your pet. Check ahead and look for kennels in non-evacuation zones. For pet-friendly hotels/motels call the St. Petersburg/Clearwater Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at (727) 464-7200 or during an evacuation go to www.visitstpeteclearwater.com[/quote]

Here is a disaster supply kit list yo ucan use:

[quote style=”grid”]

• Proper identification
• Immunization records
• County license rabies tag
• Food and water (2 wks. supply)
• A carrier or portable kennel
• Medications
• Muzzle, collar and leash
• Manual can opener
• Current photo of pet
• Feeding and water bowls
• Favorite toys and blanket
• Cat litter/pan and scoop
• Grooming items
• Plastic bags to handle wast[/quote]

For more complete information and resources, visit the Pinellas County website by clicking below:

Pinellas County Emergency Operations Center
Department of Emergency Management
Citizen Information Center
(727) 464-3800 –  (during an emergency activation call (727) 464-4333)