Before

After

Disaster Planning for Pets

How to protect your

pets during an emergency

SERVPRO of North Sarasota knows that your pets are family to! So here's how to keep them safe in a disaster.

PROVIDE - Provide a Safe Place

If you do have to take shelter with your pet in a

public shelter know that you must provide your

own transportation to the shelter and you may

not be permitted to leave during sustained winds

of 45 mph or higher for your safety. Be prepared

with your supplies and your plan, so that you

can provide you and your pet with a safe place.

Pet Shelter Rules:

• Sarasota County pet shelters allow cats and dogs ONLY. No other species of animal may be kept at these shelters.
• Pet owners must show current medical records of their pets when requested.
• Pets are to be leashed at all times when outside of their carriers.
• Owners are responsible for the daily care of their pet(s).
• Pets are to be fed and exercised twice daily.
• Owners must dispose of waste immediately.
• Cage doors must be latched and secured.
• Animals that are diseased, have parasites or are unruly are not allowed in public shelters.
• Animals abandoned at the shelter will be relocated to Sarasota County Animal Services (SCAS). Disposition is at the discretion of SCAS.
• Pet owners are liable for damages or injury caused by their pets to any person, other animals or property.
• People are not permitted to reside in “petdesignated” areas. (There are separate “living areas” for pets at the shelter.)
• Pet owners/representatives are required to sign a release upon arrival at the shelter.
• Sarasota County reserves the right to refuse admittance to any animal that poses a risk to other animals or people.

Things To Consider:

Don’t leave your pet behind and don’t use your

pet as an excuse not to evacuate.

Don’t put yourself, your family and your pet at

risk! You are responsible for planning for your

pet. If you are ordered to evacuate, take your

Pet-Emergency Kit if you go to friends, relatives

or a hotel. Unless there are pet-friendly shelters

in your county, shelters cannot accept pets.

After the storm has passed, be careful allowing

your pet outdoors. Familiar scents and

landmarks may be altered, and your pet could

easily be confused and become lost.

Downed power lines, other animals and insects

brought in with high water could present real

dangers to your pet. Take care not to allow your

pet to consume food or water which may have

become contaminated.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Sarasota County Contact Center

941- 861-5000

scgov.net

Sarasota County Animal Services

941-861-9500

sarasotasheriff.org/animal.asp

Humane Society of Sarasota County

941-951-4131

hssc.org

American Red Cross

941-379-9300

southwestflorida.redcross.org