With the threat of Hurricane Mathew, the Humane Society of Broward County is preparing to open its “Pet Friendly Shelter” located at The Millennium Middle School in Tamarac, 5803 NW 94 Avenue. HSBC staff will set up the school to accommodate the two and four legged evacuees Wednesday evening.

For those individuals who are in evacuation zones or mobile homes and who have pre-registered, you can report to the shelter with your pets starting at 9:00 P.M. If you have not pre-registered, you do not have a friend or relative you can stay with who would welcome your pet(s), or you do not feel safe in your home you can go to the “Pet Friendly Shelter” after 9:00 P.M.

Please bring with you:

• Valid proof of residence.
• Valid proof of rabies vaccination and license tag for your pets.
• The name, address and phone number of your veterinarian.

No reptiles will be permitted at the shelter, only dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, ferrets and pocket pets. Space is limited. While at the pet-friendly shelter:

• Pets will be crated and housed in the same area as other pets.
• Pet owners must stay at the emergency shelter. We will schedule an allotted time for you to care for your animals (i.e. walking, feeding, administering medications, and cleaning up after).
• Pet owners will not be allowed to sleep or stay where their animals are housed.
• It is suggested that owners supply the food that their pets are currently eating, to minimize digestive issues.
• If your pet may have separation and/or stress issues when crated, visit your vet NOW to determine if sedatives may be necessary for future crating.

The “Pet Friendly Shelter” was created specifically so pet owners can bring their pets during declared emergencies and be sheltered in the same facility. The pet friendly shelter is the creation of the Humane Society of Broward County (HSBC), in cooperation with the Broward Chapter of the American Red Cross and the School Board of Broward County. The project is supported by the Broward County Emergency Management organization. When stocking up on hurricane supplies for your family, remember to include your pet’s needs as well.

You will need:

• Two week supply of food and water for each pet
• Proper collar and leash
• Rabies license tag
• Personal identification tag with 2 phone numbers listed (one of the numbers should be an emergency contact number)
• Litter and litter box, toys, and towels
• Medications
• Travel crate
• A recent photo of your pet (s)
• Newspapers and plastic bags for handling waste

You can also find a link to pet friendly hotels on the Humane Society’s web site at http://humanebroward.com/pet-friendly-lodging/

DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES LEAVE YOUR PET(S) OUTSIDE, BRING THEM IN! PREPARE NOW!!!

Note: The shelter can accommodate 500 people and 350 animals (will vary depending on the types of pets). Dogs are housed in one area, cats and other pets in another. People stay at the facility as well, this is not a drop off service. Pet owners will be responsible for feeding and cleaning up after their pets.