Brevard County Animal Services Natural Disaster Information for Pets

Remember, if a disaster leaves you homeless, it also leaves your pets homeless. While many agencies will help you find temporary housing, finding housing that accepts pets is a low priority. Furthermore, when disaster strikes- be it a house fire or tornado- you won't have time to pack or plan.

If you must evacuate your home, don't leave your pet behind. Many people leave their pets behind on the mistaken assumption that animals can fend for themselves. These reasons are why having an emergency plan can make the difference between your pet's safety and a tragic loss.

• Never leave your pet / pets outside during a storm.
• Never leave a cat with a dog, even if they are normally friends.
• Confine and keep small pets (birds, hamsters, etc.) away from cats and dogs.
• Frightened animals can quickly slip out open doors, broken windows or other damaged areas of your home opened by the storm.
• If you bring plants into your home before a storm, be careful not to allow pets access to them, as many plants are poisonous.
• If you must evacuate, then conditions are not only unsafe for you but for your pets as well.
• Remember that public shelters will not accept pets.
• A disaster plan will help you and your pet / pets survive. Determine a safe location to evacuate to such as friends or relatives.
• If you plan to go to a motel, determine in advance whether pets are welcome and if any special rules are applicable.
• If you plan to shelter your pets at a kennel or clinic, call before evacuating to determine if space is still available.
• If you must evacuate, all animals should have secure carriers (or collapsible cages for large dogs) as well as collars, leashes, ID tags, rabies tag, as well as immunization records. If your pet becomes lost, proper ID will help ensure their return to you.
• Carriers should be large enough for the animals to stand comfortably and turn around. Train your pets to become familiar with their carriers ahead of time. Then the carrier will be a secure and comforting refuge if the animal is required to live in it for days after a storm.
• Throughout the evacuation and the storm, your pet(s) will need reassurance from you. Remain calm, keep as close to normal routine as possible and speak to them regularly in a calm, reassuring voice.
• Place your pet food and medications in watertight containers and store adequate water for your pets.
• If you have exotic pets, contact local pet stores or zoological gardens, in a safe area, for assistance in sheltering your pet.
• Prepare a survival kit.

 

Pet Survival Kit

Like your family's disaster preparedness kit, your pet's supplies should be kept in an accessible place where they can be grabbed quickly. You also should review the kit contents regularly and replace stale supplies.

Many of these items can be stored in the carrier. Vaccination papers can be sealed in a plastic bag. Plastic-sealed packages of dry food, bottled water, and first aid kit can be placed in the carrier. Litter pans can hold items secured them with duct tape.

1. A secure carrier or collapsible cage for larger animals.
2. Ample food and water for your pet, at least a 2-week supply.
3. Non-breakable food and water bowls.
4. Medication & care instructions.
5. Kitty litter & pan, cleansers, disinfectants & trash bags for waste.
6. Brushes, combs, and other hygiene items.
7. Toys and other comfort items.
8. A manual can opener.
9. Muzzles, if necessary.
10. First aid supplies for your pet.
11. Leashes, collars, ID tags & immunization record.

There are three vital steps to ensuring your pet's safety in an emergency:

1. Identification - According to SPCA, 93 percent of pets in shelters end up there because they lack identification. If your pet becomes lost during an emergency, proper identification may be your only hope of being reunited.
2. Vaccination
3. Transportation

 

Pet Friendly Evacuation Shelters

Brevard County Animal Services & Enforcement operates three pet friendly evacuation shelters for Brevard county residents during coastal evacuation periods.

Keep in mind the Pet Friendly Shelter is first come first serve and there is limited space

• Shelters are for those in Evacuation Areas only.
• Shelters should be used as a "Last Option". If possible, you should evacuate to areas further inland (in or out of state).
• All animals brought to the shelter must have current shots, license, and must be kept in a cage/carrier.
• Owners should bring food, water, cleaning supplies, medications, and other items required to sustain their animals for the time they will be at the shelter.
• The pet friendly shelters listed below are to be utilized during mandatory evacuation only orders.

 

Pet friendly evacuation shelters in Brevard County:

Heritage High School (321) 722-4178 2351 Malabar Road NW Palm Bay, Florida	View Larger Map
Port St. John Community Center (321) 633-1904 6650 Corto Road Port St John, Florida	View Larger Map
Viera Regional Park (321) 433-4897 2300 Judge Fran Jamieson Way Viera, Florida 32940	View Larger Map

Brevard Animal Services

Officer Assistance: 321-633-2024
Director: Karla Torpy

Customer Service Feedback:
321-633-2027

Admin Phone: 321-633-2105
Fax: 321-633-2011

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