The last thing anyone wants to do is leave their home; however, in the event of a big storm coming - you may have to. Operation Stormwatch reminds you to not leave your furry friends home to weather the storm.
Be Prepared:
- Keep your pet's vaccinations up-to-date.
- Place your contact information, including the name of an out-of-state contact, on your pet's ID tag. microchip registration, and licenses.
- Prepare an emergency kit.
- Your pet's medications and medical records
- A written description of your pet, and a photo of you with your pet.
- Leashes or harnesses sturdy enollgh to allow you to control your pet if he is stressed.
- Pet carriers or crates that are large enough for your pet to comfortably stand or lay.
- Food (pop-top cans or fresh dry food) and water for at least three days for each pet; bowls; and if you have a cat, include cat litter and a litter box.
You can bring your pets to one of many of Tampa Bay's pet-friendly shelters:
Hillsborough County Pet Friendly Shelters
- Burnett Middle School
- Sgt. Smith Middle School
- Bartels Middle School
- Shields Middle School
Pinellas County Pet Friendly Shelters
- Oak Grove Middle School
- John Hopkins Middle School
- Dunedin Middle School
Note: Pinellas residents must preregister themselves and their pets for these pet-friendly shelters, as space is limited. Mobile home residents are given first priority. Call (727) 582-2150
Pasco County Pet Friendly Shelter
- Mike Fasano Regional Hurricane Shelter
Hernando County Pet Friendly Shelter
- D.S. Parrott Middle School
Manatee County Pet Friendly Shelters
- Braden River High
- Manatee High School
- Mills Elementary School
In addition, there are several hotels within the state of Florida that allow pets. To search for a pet-friendly hotel outside an evacuation area, please visit Officialpethotels.com or PetFriendlyTravel.com.