Pet owners need to have a pet plan in place prior to the storm. Most public shelters in our area do not allow pets; however after the 2004 Storm Season Polk County Emergency Management established three pet shelters in the County:
- Philip O’Brien Elementary, 1225 East Lime Street, Lakeland
- Lake Region High School, 1995 Thunder Road, Eagle Lake
- Alta Vista Elementary, 801 Scenic Highway, Haines City
Each pet shelter is staffed by an Animal Control Officer from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Only County-registered dogs, cats and birds are accepted at County-run pet shelters To register your pet for this service please contact Polk County Emergency Management. at (863) 534-5600, petshelter@polkfl.com or by mail to:
Polk County Emergency Management
ATTN: Pet-Friendly Shelter • 1295 Brice Blvd. • Bartow, Florida 33830
If you take your pet to one of the county-run pet-friendly shelters you must take the following with you for your pet:
- An airline approved carrying case
- Enough pet food for three days
- Shot record (for each pet)
Pet Survival Kit
Consider bringing these other items for your pet:
Collar with tags and a leash for dogs
Harness with tags and a leash for cats
Current photo of your pet with your name, address and email address on the back
Manual can opener and plastic sealable bags
Cat litter, liner and a pan
Plastic trash bags and scoop for waste
Newspaper and paper towels for cleanup
Toys and other comfort items
Please visit www.polksheriff.org for more comprehensive pet disaster planning tips.
If you do not wish to take your pet to one of the county-run pet-friendly shelters, several of the area kennels, as well as area motels accept pets during a storm. However, each facility accepts the pet on a case-by-case basis and prior arrangements are necessary.
- For more information,
download our "2011 Hurricane Guide" (
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