Animal Services

Frequently Asked Questions about Pet Disaster Preparedness

• Is there a checklist available to make sure that I have everything I need for my pet in case of a disaster?
• Are there any pet friendly evacuation centers?
• Who Can Participate in the Pet Friendly Evacuation Centers?
• What are the requirements to participate in one of the Pet Friendly Evacuation Centers?
• What types of pets are accepted at the centers?
• How do I pre-register for one of the pet friendly centers?

Is there a checklist available to make sure that I have everything I need for my pet in case of a disaster?

Yes, view the Disaster Preparedness Animal Supplies Checklist for more information on how to prepare your pet for emergencies (English, Spanish and Creole).

Pet owners are reminded that pets require special consideration.  Pet owners must be prepared to care for and maintain control over their pets at all times. In order to avoid injury to response personnel or the public from anxious or aggressive pets, owners are required to:

• Maintain their pets in a crate, on a leash, or otherwise controlled.
• Muzzle aggressive or anxious pets.

Additional information pet owners must be aware of includes:

• Should there be a need to monitor pets for contamination, owners must maintain control of the pet and follow the directions of the responders providing the emergency services.
• Should there be a need to wash contaminants from pets, owners shall be expected to conduct the wash down under the direction of emergency responders.
• Pets that become a threat to responders or the public will be placed under the control of an animal control officer.
• Owners presenting at shelter locations shall remain with their pets in the area of the shelter designated for pet care.
  

Are there any pet friendly evacuation centers?

Yes, there are currently two centers who accept pets during emergencies:

• E. Darwin Fuchs Pavilion
  10901 S.W. 24 Street, Miami
• Dr. Michael M. Krop Senior High
  1410 NE 215 Street, North Miami  

Who Can Participate in the Pet Friendly Evacuation Centers?

Pet owners residing in evacuation zones, unsafe structures or trailers can participate.

What are the requirements to participate in one of the Pet Friendly Evacuation Centers?

• Pre-register pet(s)
• Provide proof of residency within an evacuation zone
• Present medical and current vaccination records for each pet
• Pet owners must bring supplies for themselves and their pet(s)
• Limit four (4) pets per household
• Family member must remain in the PHEC with the pet(s)

What types of pets are accepted at the centers?

• Dogs
• Cats
• Gerbils
• Guinea pigs
• Hamsters
• Mice/rats
• Rabbits (small-sized, under 10 pounds, such as California or Dutch breeds)
• Ferrets
• Birds

How do I pre-register for one of the pet friendly centers?

Call 3-1-1 to request an application, or download the Pet-Friendly Evacuation Center Application . Submission of the Pet Friendly Hurricane Evacuation Center Application Package does not guarantee acceptance into the shelter. A tentative acceptance letter will be sent upon receipt and verification of eligibility.

Please be sure to complete both sections of the application.

Miami-Dade County Animal Services does not board animals during emergencies.The shelter will be crowded due to displaced animals immediately after a storm, and it is not possible to kennel owned animals prior to a emergency event.

Annual rabies vaccinations and a visible Miami-Dade County dog license are required by Miami-Dade County Code. Strict enforcement concerning these violations is essential to ensure a rabies-free community. Cats are also required to have annual rabies vaccinations.

Back to Top Page Last Edited: Mon Dec 12, 2011 2:14:12 PM