Hurricane Milton: Find Pet Friendly Evacuation Shelters in Florida
Check back often for updates on Hurricane Milton.
In the event of a hurricane or disaster, pet friendly evacuation shelters in Florida will be coordinated by county and local emergency management agencies. Please check with your local emergency management agency for information on pet friendly evacuation shelters in your county. Local and state health and safety regulations do not permit the Red Cross to allow pets in disaster shelters. (Service animals are allowed in Red Cross shelters.). It may be difficult to find shelter for your animals in the midst of a disaster, so plan ahead. Keep a list of pet friendly hotels in your area in case you have to evacuate and your local shelter is full.
Florida Division of Emergency Management – Shelter Information
Find info on local shelters. The information may vary from county to county.
Florida Division of Emergency Management – Shelter Status
Find info for currently open general and special needs shelters within the State of Florida.
Pet Friendly Evacuation Shelters in Florida Counties
Alachua County
Alachua County Emergency Management
Baker County
Baker County Sheriff’s Office
Bay County
Bay County Florida Emergency Services
Bradford County
Bradford County Emergency Management
Bradford County – Shelter Information
Pet shelter: Starke Elementary School, 1000 Weldon Street, Starke, FL 32091.
Brevard County
Brevard County Emergency Management
Broward County
Broward County Office of Emergency Management
Broward County – Hurricane Shelters
During an emergency, shelters are opened as needed, and not all of the shelters may open. Three shelters are designated as pet-friendly: Everglades High School, 17100 SW 48 Court, Miramar 33027; Lyons Creek Middle School, 4333 Sol Press Blvd., Coconut Creek 33073; and Falcon Cove Middle School, 4251 Bonaventure Blvd., Weston 33332. Pets accepted include dogs, cats, domestic birds, rabbits, gerbils, guinea pigs, mice and hamsters. All pets must be in a carrier/crate and all dogs must have a collar with leash. Residents should be prepared to show proof of rabies certificate for dogs and cats, and their pet’s Broward County Registration Tag. Bring supplies to care for your pet, including food and water, food/water bowls, cat litter and litter box, medicine, cleaning supplies, etc.
Calhoun County
Calhoun County, FL – Emergency Management
Charlotte County
Charlotte County Emergency Management
All hurricane shelters in Charlotte County are pet friendly.
Charlotte County – Shelter Listing
All hurricane shelters in Charlotte County are pet friendly. Charlotte County has no certified Red Cross shelters. In the event of a hurricane Charlotte County staffed shelters may be opened for citizens to take shelter. Charlotte County shelters of last resort may not be able to open depending on the size and direction of an approaching storm. Report to your designated shelter as soon as the shelter has been opened. Animals allowed are dogs and cats (domestic breeds only in cages; birds (domestic in cages only; rabbits, ferrets, hamsters, and gerbils (domestic in cages only). Pets are not permitted in “resident” areas. There are separate “living areas” for pets and for people. Charlotte County shelters are located at:
Liberty Elementary School, 370 Atwater St., Port Charlotte, FL 33954
Neil Armstrong Elementary School, 22100 Breezeswept Ave., Port Charlotte, FL 33952
Kingsway Elementary School, 23300 Quasar Blvd., Port Charlotte, FL 33980
Harold Avenue Regional Park Recreation Center, 23400 Harold Ave., Port Charlotte, FL 33980
Charlotte County 2024: Hurricane Preparedness
Citrus County
Citrus County Sheriff’s Office
Citrus County – Emergency Information
Pet-friendly Emergency Shelters:
Lecanto Primary
Forest Ridge Elementary is for citizens with special needs
Clay County
Clay County, Florida Emergency Management
Clay County – Animal and Pet Disaster Preparedness
The following animal species accepted into the shelters will be: Dogs, Cats, Rodents (such as hamsters, gerbils, etc.), Rabbits, and Birds. No reptiles will be allowed. Clay County does not have any accommodations to assist with housing or evacuation of horses or livestock in the event of a natural disaster. Horse owners should make arrangements in advance to have their horse trailered and a location to evacuate with them.
Collier County
Collier County Emergency Management
Collier County 2024: Hurricane Preparedness
Columbia County
Columbia County Florida Emergency Management
DeSoto County
DeSoto County FL Emergency Management
DeSoto County – Shelter Information
In the event of a hurricane, a shelter might be opened. Check local media to verify if a shelter is open. Pets are allowed.
Duval County
Duval County/JaxReady
Duval County/JaxReady – Pet Friendly Shelter Information
Animal Care and Protective Services provides support for the Pet-Friendly Shelters. The following animal species will be accepted into the shelters: dogs, cats, rodents (such as hamsters, gerbils, etc.), birds, rabbits. No reptiles will be allowed in the shelters.
Jacksonville, City of – Pet Emergencies
The City of Jacksonville launched the Pet Friendly Public Evacuation Shelter Program to meet the needs of the community during hurricane season. Pet friendly shelters are listed below:
Chimney Lakes Elementary School
Landmark Middle School
Legends Community Center
Mandarin Middle School
Atlantic Coast High School
Escambia County
Escambia County Emergency Management
Escambia County – Farm and Equine Animals Evacuation
James C. Robinson Escambia County Equestrian Center, 7750 Mobile Highway in Pensacola, may accept equine animals during an evacuation as a result of hurricanes, based on the severity of the approaching storm. Once the stalls have been filled, people may bring their animals and keep them in their animal travel trailers if desired. All care of the animals will be at the responsibility of the animal owners. No feeding or care services will be provided by the county or pet shelter managers.
Escambia County – Horse Evacuation
The Escambia County Equestrian Center, in times of severe weather in surrounding areas, can be opened by Escambia County to serve as a host shelter for horses. If opened for evacuees, stalls and RV sites are available at a nominal cost on a first come, first serve basis. Currently, the Equestrian Center, 7750 Mobile Hwy, Pensacola, FL 32526, is open as a host shelter for Hurricane Irma evacuees from south Florida or Hurricane Harvey evacuees from Texas or Louisiana. The Equestrian Center is located at 7750 Mobile Hwy, Pensacola, FL 32526.
Flagler County
Flagler County Emergency Management
Franklin County
Franklin County Florida Emergency Management
Gilchrist County
Gilchrist County Emergency Management
Glades County
Glades County Pubic Safety
Glades County Shelters
West Glades Elementary School (Animal Shelter) – 2586 CR 731, Building 500, Muse, FL
Gulf County
Gulf County Florida Emergency Management
Hamilton County
Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, Division of Emergency Management
Hardee County
Hardee County Emergency Management
Hendry County
Hendry County Emergency Management
Hendry County – Hurricane Evacuation Shelters
All of Hendry County’s evacuation shelters are pet-friendly. Bring a crate for your pet if you plan to stay in a Hendry County evacuation shelter. At the Public Shelters it is first-come, first-served, and there is no pre-registration required. You must shelter at the school with your pet (you cannot drop your pet at the shelter and leave). Owners are responsible for feeding, exercising and cleaning up after their pets.
Hendry County – Pets and Livestock
Hernando County
Hernando County – Shelter Information
Hendry County has two (2) General Population and one (1) Special Needs shelters that will be used for a major hurricanes, as primary shelters. Additional (secondary shelters) may be opened if warranted.
Highlands County
Highlands County Board of County Commissioners, Government
Highlands County – Pet Shelter
The pet shelter is available to Highlands County residents. Proof of residency is required. A maximum of two pet owners may stay at the shelter. Additional family members will be referred to a nearby human shelter. Livestock, reptiles, birds or pocket pets will not be accepted. Pets will be housed in a separate area from people. Pet owners will be given a schedule to attend to their animal’s needs.
Hillsborough County
Hillsborough County Florida Government
Hillsborough County – Emergency Shelters
Hillsborough County offers pet-friendly shelters during an evacuation emergency. When the shelter list is put out it will note which shelters are designated as pet-friendly.
Hillsborough County – Pet Disaster Planning
Hillsborough County’s pet friendly shelters are equipped to handle dogs and cats only. Limited space is available. Your pet will be housed separately from you and you will have limited access to visit your pet. You are responsible for the care and well-being of your animal. You will be scheduled a minimum of twice a day to feed, clean and walk your pet.
Humane Society of Tampa Bay
In Hillsborough County, the Humane Society of Tampa Bay’s building in Tampa is able to sustain a category 4 hurricane. Regan Blessinger, marketing and content manager for the shelter, said the building can house pets, their owners, foster humans and shelter staff.
Holmes County
Holmes County Emergency Management
Indian River County
Indian River County Emergency Services Department
Indian River County – Pet Evacuation Shelter
Indian River County has designated Liberty Magnet Elementary School, 6850 81st Street, Vero Beach, FL 32967 as the county’s pet-friendly evacuation shelter. To qualify for using the pet-friendly shelter, evacuees must reside in a mandatory evacuation area. They must bring with them an animal crate large enough to comfortably accommodate bedding, a litter pan, and food/water. Also, they are required to show proof of a current rabies vaccination and a county license for their pet, if applicable.
Indian River County Pet Friendly Shelter Registration Form
Jefferson County
Jefferson County Emergency Management
Lake County
Lake County Florida Emergency Management
All of Lake County’s evacuation shelters are pet friendly.
Lee County
Lee County FL Government
Lee County FL – Pet-Friendly Shelter
Pet-Friendly shelters will be open in every storm; locations may vary. Lee County Domestic Animal Services (LCDAS) manages this shelter; it is first-come, first-served, and there is no pre-registration required. You must shelter at the school with your pet; you cannot drop your pet at the shelter and leave. Owners are responsible for feeding, exercising and cleaning up after their pets. Your pet will need a Hurricane Disaster Kit, including water, non-perishable food, medications and clean-up supplies. You will need a crate or carrier, collar and leash, and up-to-date vaccination records for your pet. Having a recent photo of your pet will be helpful if you get separated.
Lee County 2024: Hurricane Preparedness
Leon County
Leon County Emergency Information
Levy County
Levy County Emergency Management
Liberty County
Liberty County Emergency Management
Madison County
Madison County – Emergency Management
Pets allowed in the following shelters:
Braden River High School
Freedom Elementary School
Mills Elementary School
Manatee County
Manatee County Public Safety Department
Manatee County – Emergency Shelters
Pet-friendly Shelters:
Braden River High School – 6545 State Rd. 70 E, Bradenton
Freedom Elementary School – 9515 State Rd. 64 E, Bradenton
Miller Elementary School – 601 43rd St. W, Bradenton
Mills Elementary School – 7200 69th St. E, Palmetto
Marion County
Marion County Sheriff’s Office
Marion County – Hurricane Preparedness
The only pet friendly shelter in Marion County is Vanguard High School, 7 NW 28th Street, Ocala, FL 34475. You can board your pet in a kennel in a safe location. You should keep paperwork documenting your pet’s immunizations because many kennels will not accept pets that are behind on their shots. Bring your pet in a carrier with sufficient food. If you don’t go to a public shelter, bring your pet with you in a carrying cage. Bring along a familiar toy, a leash and any medication. Have current identification for each pet in case of separation.
Martin County
Martin County – Emergency Shelter Information
A pet-friendly shelter will be made available for Martin County residents and their dogs and/or cats during an evacuation event. The location will be announced prior to the shelter opening.
Martin County – Humane Society of the Treasure Coast
Martin County Emergency Management, in conjunction with the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast (HSTC), has a Domestic Pet-Sheltering Program in place for the citizens of Martin County. The Humane Society of the Treasure Coast will house your pet(s) at their facility for residents who are recommended or ordered to evacuate. Space is limited! The Humane Society of the Treasure Coast can only house approximately 150 animals in addition to what is currently at the shelter. Pre-registration for domestic pet sheltering is required due to limited capacity. You must pre-register your pet via the HSTC website.
Miami-Dade County
Miami-Dade County Emergency Management
Miami-Dade Country – Pet Preparedness During a Hurricane
Pet owners residing in qualified evacuation zones, unsafe structures or mobile homes can participate in the Pet-Friendly Evacuation Centers (PEC). Pet friendly evacuation centers accept more than just cats and dogs. They also accept birds, ferrets, gerbils, guinea pigs, hamsters, mice, rats and rabbits (small-sized, under 10 pounds, such as California or Dutch breeds). Evacuation centers will be announced as needed.
Monroe County
Monroe County/Florida Keys – Pets at Hurricane Shelters
No shelters will be open anywhere in the Florida Keys for a Category 3-5 hurricane. Monroe County residents and their pets can seek public shelter at the E Darwin Fuchs Pavilion, 10901 SW 24th St., Miami, FL 33165.
Pet-Friendly shelters for Category 1-2 hurricane are located at:
Key West High School, 2100 Flagler Ave., Key West, FL 33040
Sugarloaf School, 225 Crane Boulevard, MM 19, Sugarloaf Key, FL 33042
Coral Shores High School, 89591 Overseas Highway, MM89.9, Tavernier, FL 33070
Marathon High School, 350 Sombrero Rd., Marathon, FL 33050
Pets accepted at pet-friendly shelters are: Dogs; Cats; Gerbils, hamsters, mice, and rats; Guinea pigs and small rabbits (small sized, under 10 pounds); Ferrets; and Birds.
Nassau County
Nassau County Emergency Management
Nassau County – Pet-Friendly Disaster Evacuation Shelters
Pet-friendly shelters are located at:
Yulee Elementary School, 86063 Felmore Road, Yulee, FL 32097
Callahan Middle School, 450121 Old Dixie Highway, Callahan, FL 32011
Hilliard Middle/Senior School, 1 Flashes Avenue, Hilliard, FL 32046 (This is the Special Needs pet friendly shelter).
All pets must have proof of vaccination and Nassau County license, be properly crated or caged and be maintained by their owners. Animals may be housed in a separate room from their owners. The pet owners must remain in the co-located general population shelter while their pets are in the pet shelter.
Okaloosa County
Okaloosa County – Shelter Information
Pet Friendly Shelters for Okaloosa County are located at:
Antioch Elementary, 4700 Whitehurst Lane Crestview, FL 32536
Davidson Middle School, 6261 Old Bethel Rd Crestview, FL 32536
Northwest Florida State College, Raider Stadium, 90 College Blvd East, Niceville, FL 32578
Pets are not kept with populace and are kept separately.
Okeechobee County
Okeechobee County Emergency Management
Orange County
Orange County, Florida Government
Osceola County
Osceola County Office of Emergency Management
Osceola County – Pet Friendly Shelters
Osceola County Emergency Management in partnership with Osceola Animal Services, the American Red Cross, and the School District of Osceola County offers pet friendly sheltering. Only certain shelter facilities are designated as “pet friendly”. As with all shelters, specific locations are announced prior to an event. The 3 pet friendly shelters are located at:
Harmony High School, 3601 Arthur J Gallagher Blvd, St Cloud, FL 34771
Kissimmee Middle School, 2410 Dyer Blvd, Kissimmee, FL 34741
Liberty High School, 4250 Pleasant Hill Rd, Kissimmee, FL 34746
Please contact the Office of Emergency Management for specific details regarding pet friendly shelters at 407-742-9000.
Palm Beach County
Palm Beach County Division of Emergency Management
Palm Beach County – Hurricane Info for Pet Owners
The Pet Friendly Shelter is located inside the West Boynton Recreational Center at 6000 Northtree Blvd., Lake Worth, FL 33463 and is only available to Palm Beach County residents who reside in a mandatory evacuation zone, in a mobile home, or in sub-standard housing. Proof of residency will be required. Pet owners will NOT be permitted to stay at the Pet Friendly Shelter. Owners may drop pets off at the shelter and after checking the pet(s) in, owners and family members may proceed to the general population shelter at Park Vista High School, which is adjacent to the Pet Friendly Shelter. Equines, livestock, small barnyard animals, exotic pets, and reptiles are not accepted.
Palm Beach County – Pets Plan
There is currently one shelter in Palm Beach County which take both pets and their owners. However, there is limited space available for housing pets during a disaster. For this reason, it’s very important that you plan ahead, and decide what you’re going to do with your pet when disaster strikes. Your choices include either boarding your pet in a Pet Shelter, or evacuating to a hotel or motel taking your pet with you.
Pasco County
Pasco County FL Government
Pasco County – 2024 Disaster Preparedness Guide
Pinellas County
Pinellas County – Emergency Shelters
Pet friendly shelters are located at:
Largo High School, 410 Missouri Avenue North, Largo, FL 33770
Gibbs High School, 850 34th Street South, St. Petersburg, FL 33711
Palm Harbor University High School, 1900 Omaha St., Palm Harbor, FL 34683
Animal shelters, such as Pinellas County Animal Services, the Humane Society, and the SPCA, cannot accept your pets. Please do not assume that a boarding kennel or hotel/motel will accept your pet. Check ahead and look for kennels in non-evacuation zones.
Polk County
Polk County Emergency Management
Polk County – Emergency shelters
Polk County has three pet-friendly shelters that allow residents who own pets to shelter with their pets. Pre-registration is strongly suggested to ensure you have a spot at the shelter and some limitations apply. ONLY dogs, cats and birds and their owners will be allowed to shelter in Polk’s pet-friendly shelters.
Putnam County
Putnam County Emergency Management
Santa Rosa County
Santa Rosa County Emergency Management
Sarasota County
Sarasota County Emergency Services
Sarasota County – Hurricane Evacuation Centers
All of Sarasota County’s evacuation shelters are pet friendly.
Sarasota County – Disaster Planning for Animals (Domestic and Rural)
All of Sarasota County’s evacuation centers are pet-friendly, but you must be prepared before you go. Bring a crate for your pet if you plan to stay in a Sarasota County evacuation center. If your pet is not accustomed to being confined, acclimate it to the crate before an emergency to help alleviate stress. Residents must bring their own bedding, food and water. Sarasota County evacuation centers accept only domestic dogs and cats.
Seminole County
Seminole County FL
Seminole County – Shelter Information
Seminole County provides two (2) different types of evacuation shelters – general population and medically enhanced (special needs). A “pet-friendly” designation is provided to specific shelters which are equipped to allow animals at the facility. Lyman High School at 865 S Ronald Reagan Blvd, Longwood, FL 32750 is the pet-friendly, general population shelter for Seminole County.
St. Johns County
St. Johns County Emergency Management
St. Johns County – Pet Friendly Evacuation Shelters
Pet friendly shelters are located at:
South Woods Elementary School, 4750 SR-206 West, Elkton, FL 32033
Timberlin Creek Elementary School, 555 Pine Tree Lane, St Augustine, FL 32092
Pre-registration is not required to go to a Public Pet Friendly Shelter. You only need to register if you need transportation assistance during an evacuation. Pet owners are required to shelter with their pets and care for them. You may not drop off your pets and leave. Farm animals and exotics (primates, snakes, spiders, insects, etc.) are not permitted at pet friendly shelters.
Sumter County
Sumter County – Shelters
All of Sumter County’s evacuation shelters are pet friendly.
Suwanee County
Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office, Division of Emergency Management
Taylor County
Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, Division of Emergency Management
Volusia County
Volusia County Emergency Management
Volusia County – Pet Planning
In the event of a disaster, owners and their animals will be provided shelter at the Volusia County Fairgrounds on S.R. 44, one-quarter mile east of I-4, or other Volusia County designated pet friendly shelters. All companion animals must have a current license, vaccinations, identification and rabies tags. They must be confined in pet carriers or crates and must be under control at the facility at all times. Some shelters in Volusia County have been designated “pet friendly.” Pet friendly means the owners and their animals can stay at the same shelter, but will be housed separately.
Walton County
Walton County Emergency Management
Washington County
Washington County FL Emergency Management
