Pets and animals
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Now is the time to start calling kennels, veterinarians, friends and family members to arrange safe lodging in a non-evacuation zone for pets.
Some motels in the area allow pets year-round and some make exceptions during storm situations.
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Pinellas County has information on its Web site, www.spcafl.org, to assist in planning for pet needs, or call 586-3591. The SPCA recommends the Web site, www.petswelcome.com, for an up-to-date listing of pet friendly lodging.
The county now has three pet friendly shelters. Pre-registration is required, download the registration form here (PDF).
Pet friendly shelters
Dunedin Middle School
70 Patricia Avenue, Dunedin
Oak Grove Middle School
1370 S. Belcher Rd., Clearwater
Thurgood Marshall Middle School
3901 22 Ave. S, St. Petersburg
Pets should never be left at home. Pets also should not be released as they could be hurt or killed.
"Pet owners who are forced to evacuate must consider the best choice for them and their pets," the SPCA Web site said. "Friends and relatives in a safe area are the best choice. An alternative might be hotels or motels outside the area, which are "pet friendly." Check their policies on accepting pets, and any restrictions on number, size or species. Call ahead for reservations.
Make sure that the evacuation facility is not located in a storm surge zone. Call before evacuating to determine if space is available and allow sufficient time to travel."
People relocating their pets should take an adequate supply of food and water, including any special foods or medicines required, to last at least two weeks. Also remember to take a leash, muzzle, collar with identification and rabies tag, carrier or cage, food and water bowls, newspapers and garbage bags, cat litter, pet identification, up-to-date immunization records and any special instructions.
Large animals
People with large animals, such as horses, should contact the SPCA at 586-3591 or the county's emergency management office at 464-3800 for assistance with making plans.
Large animals should be identified in some way and evacuated if possible. Vehicles and trailers, along with people familiar with hauling large animals, should be made available. Make sure the place the animal is being taken has adequate supplies of food, water, veterinary care and handling equipment.
Large animal evacuation sites
Lessons learned from Hurricane Andrew were that horses and livestock have a better chance for survival and reduced injury when turned out in clean pastures with native vegetation. Walsingham Park, located at 102nd Ave. and 125th St. in Largo, is a mid-county site that is ideal for this purpose and has been selected based on its location, native vegetation, available water, perimeter fencing, and protection from flying debris.
According to information posted on the county's Web site, www.pinellascounty.org/animalservices/hurricane-prep.htm, in a disaster situation, temporary collection points for all large animals are established if travel and access to the county is severely restricted. A 36-hour holding period would allow recovering owners to more easily locate their pets. Animals would then be moved to designated shelters. Temporary collection points were selected based on county population demographics, pet population density, and consideration for major thoroughfares. Only the fenced ball fields would be used around the designated emergency shelters.
Designated temporary holding areas are:
MEADOWLAWN SCHOOL
5900 16th St. N., St. Petersburg
DIXIE HOLLINS HIGH SCHOOL
4949 62nd St. N., St. Petersburg
BOCA CIEGA HIGH SCHOOL
924 58th St. S., Gulfport
LAKEWOOD HIGH SCHOOL
1400 54th Ave. S., St. Petersburg
CLEARWATER HIGH SCHOOL
540 S. Hercules Ave., Clearwater
PALM HARBOR MIDDLE SCHOOL
1800 Tampa Rd., Palm Harbor
EAST LAKE HIGH SCHOOL
1300 Silver Eagle Dr., Tarpon Springs
DUNEDIN HIGH SCHOOL
1651 Pinehurst Rd., Dunedin
After the storm
Take caution in allowing pets outdoors after the storm has passed.
Familiar scents and landmarks may be altered and your pet could easily be confused and become lost. Downed power lines and reptiles brought in with high water could present real dangers to your pet.
Take precaution not to allow your pet to consume food or water which may have become contaminated.
The following agencies may be able to assist in locating a missing pet.
Shelter and Adoption Center
12450 Ulmerton Road, Largo 33774
582-2600; TDD 582-2636
HOURS:
Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Closed Sundays and holidays
Animal shelters in Pinellas County
HUMANE SOCIETY
3040 SR #590, Clearwater
SPCA
9099 130th Ave. N., Largo 34643
PINELLAS COUNTY ANIMAL SERVICES
12450 Ulmerton Rd. Largo 33774
FRIENDS OF STRAYS
2911 47th Ave. N. St. Petersburg 33714
Other important phone numbers
Lost and Found Pets Hotline: 582-2604
Rabies/Bite/Quarantine Line: 582-2608
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