1. Hurricane Preparedness for Pet Owners with Special Needs
The purpose of this presentation is educate the public about the new Special Needs Pet Transportation Program developed by a collaboration between the Bay Area Disaster Animal Response Team (DART), SPCA of Tampa Bay and Pinellas County Animal Services.
By Megan White, Ph.D. Student
Walden University
PUBH
Instructor: Dr. Raymond Thron
Winter 2010

2. Facts and Figures
There are over 72 million pet dogs and 81 million pet cats, with many households owning more than one pet (U. S. Census Bureau, 2010).
A study by Heath, Kass, Beck, and Glickman found “owning pets appeared to be the most significant reason why households without children failed to evacuate” (2001, p. 663).
A study on Hurricane Katrina survivors reported “pet loss was found to be associated with significantly higher levels of psychopathology, including acute stress and peri-traumatic dissociation, as well as symptoms of depression and PTSD” (Hunt, Al-Awadi, and Johnson, 2008, p. 117).

3. PETS Act of 2006
The Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act of 2006 was passed after Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
“The PETS Act authorizes FEMA to provide rescue, care, shelter, and essential needs for individuals with household pets and service animals, and to the household pets and animals themselves following a major disaster or emergency” (American Veterinary Medical Association, n.d., para. 4).
State and local governments, non-profit agencies, and private companies work together to develop and implement policies and procedures that protect the welfare of animals during a disaster.

4. Sheltering in Pinellas County
Pinellas County hurricane shelters will not accept pets.
Animal shelters will not accept your pets for boarding.
There are 3 pet-friendly shelters in Pinellas County:
Oak Grove Middle School in Clearwater
Thurgood Marshall Middle School in St. Petersburg
Dunedin Middle School in Dunedin
Boarding Kennels
Make sure it is in non-evacuation zone
Requires advance registration
Pet-friendly hotels

5. Special Needs Pet Transportation Program
In cooperation with Pinellas County Animal Services and the SPCA of Tampa Bay, the Bay Area Disaster Animal Response Team (DART), will arrange to pick up your pet, transport the pet to an animal shelter for care, and return your pet when you return home after the storm.
This program was designed to provide you with peace of mind about your pets when you are ordered to evacuate.
You can be assured that your pet will be safe and cared for during the storm and returned to you after you have returned home.

6. Special Needs Program Registration
You must pre-register for the Special Needs Program.
Call Pinellas County Emergency Management at for registration paperwork.
Visit this link for the Special Needs Registration Form to fill out the online version or download, print, and fax to
You should also contact your local fire department or home health agency.
Once registered, you will be assigned a Special Needs Volunteer who will be responsible for transporting your pet to an animal shelter for care during the storm.
The Special Needs Program requires pre-registration and you must qualify for this service. Once registered, a medical review will assess your eligibility. If you don’t qualify for a special needs shelter, other options will be discussed with you. If you are registered and need transportation to a shelter, your local fire department will contact you before an evacuation.
You are encouraged to get to know your Special Needs Volunteer before the storm strikes.

7. Be Prepared Make a Plan Build a Disaster Kit Register for the Program
Stay Informed
Be Safe

8. Make a Plan
Make your evacuation plan well in advance of the start of hurricane season (June 1st).
Make sure your pet has proper identification –
Collar and ID Tag with current information
Microchip and/or tattoo
Make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up-to-date and keep that information handy.

9. Build a Disaster Kit Enough pet food and medication for two weeks
Vaccinations and medical history records
Food and water dishes
Crate or carrier (1 per pet) – labeled with your name
Cat carriers must be able to house a litter pan
Dogs must be able to stand up and turn around
Leashes and collars
Litter pan and scoop for cats
Favorite toys, blankets, or beds
Current photo of you with your pet
Pinellas County Animal Services and the SPCA of Tampa Bay will provide water, litter and plastic bags for animal waste.

10. Before the Storm
Be sure to have all necessary items for your pet disaster supply kit in advance of the evacuation order.
Bring your pet indoors at first sign of a storm. They may get scared or confused and wander off.
When the evacuation order is given, your Special Needs Volunteer will call you to make arrangements to pick up your pet.
Please put your pet in the crate and place the pet disaster supply kit next to it.
If the fire department arrives before the Special Needs Volunteer, do not worry, the fire department will take your pet to either the SPCA shelter or Pinellas County Animal Services.

11. During the Storm
At the shelter, the pets will be safe and cared for until they can be reunited with their owners.

12. After the Storm
When you have returned home, contact your assigned Special Needs Volunteer and they will transport your pet home from the shelter.
When you walk your animals outside for the first few days, keep them on a leash as once familiar sights and smells may have changed. Keep your cats safe inside your house.
Watch for unusual behavior in your pets – stressful situations can cause your pets to act differently.
Be careful of wildlife that may have been displaced by flooding.
Watch where you walk - downed power lines and stagnant water are harmful to your pets.

13. Pinellas County Animal Services
If you have additional questions about the Special Needs Pet Transportation Program,
contact
Pinellas County Animal Services
12450 Ulmerton Rd
Largo, FL 33774

14. Additional Resources
American Red Cross – Pets and Disaster Safety Checklist
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Pet Safety Resources
Federal Emergency Management Agency - Information for Pet Owners
List of Pet-friendly Hotels
The Humane Society of the United States – Disaster Preparedness Tips for Pet Owners

15. Your Pets Will Thank You
Created for
Bay Area DART SPCA of Tampa Bay
Pinellas County Animal Services
Background by Christina Povall

16. References
American Veterinary Medical Association. (n.d.). PETS Act FAQ. Retrieved from Heath, S. E., Kass, P. H., Beck, A. M., and Glickman, L. T. (2001). Human and pet-related risk factors for household evacuation failure during a natural disaster. American Journal of Epidemiology, 153(7), Hunt, M., Al-Awadi, H., and Johnson, M. (2008). Psychological sequelae of pet loss following Hurricane Katrina. Anthrozoos, 21(2), doi: / X United States Census Bureau. (2010). Statistical Abstract of the United States: 2010 [Table Household Pet Ownership: 2006]. Retrieved from