Animal Services 2000 ~Information for Putnam County, FL

Basic Information for Sheltering Pets with owners in American Red Cross Shelters or other Mass Care Shelters for People

Most emergency shelters such as American Red Cross shelters cannot accept animals other than Assistance (Guide, Hearing, Service) Dogs.

Per Federal Law, the ADA and Dept. of Justice Assistance/Service Dogs of any type do NOT have to be certified nor do the owners have to carry any proof of their dog being a trained Assistance/Service Dog.

Assistance/Service Dogs in training, retired Assistance/Service Dogs, ESAs (Emotional Support Animals), or Therapy Animals/Dogs are not allowed in these shelters. These animals must be placed elsewhere such as in a pet-friendly shelter.

Activation of Shelters

Like evacuation shelters for people, pet- friendly evacuation shelters are only activated during emergencies. And like evacuation shelters for humans, a pet-friendly evacuation shelter should never be considered as a first choice for a pet.

In Putnam County, FL our PFS is under the command and activation of:

Putnam County Department of Emergency Services
Putnam County Emergency Management
410 S. State Rd. 19
Palatka, FL 32177
Phone: (386) 329-0379

Under the Putnam County Emergency Services are the Emergency Services Functions (ESF). ESF-17 is the emergency function dealing with animal support. The group of volunteers formed by this function is Putnam County Emergency Animal Support and is led by the Emergency Animal Support Coordinator.

The PFS is a part of Emergency Animal Support and is overseen by the Putnam County Pet-friendly Evacuation Shelter Coordinator.

At this time Putnam County only has one PFS. The PFSs are set up in co-location with ARC shelters.

Only those pets whose owner(s) are registered and staying at the Red Cross Shelter will be allowed into the PFS. Any pets left after the owner checks out and leaves the Red Cross Shelter will be turned over to the Putnam Co. Animal Control Shelter.

During extreme weather conditions, such as an approaching tornado, members of the PFS Team will lock down the doors to pet rooms and will go to the human shelter. As soon as possible they will return to the pets.

Animals Allowed In A Pet-Friendly Shelter

Dogs - Friendly, No Aggressive Dogs
Cats - Friendly (no feral) Domestic Breeds
Birds
Ferrets, Rabbits, Pocket Pets
No Exotics
No Reptiles

PFS Required Items for Animals

Upon arrival at *Intake* owners must have a suitable cage or crate for each pet.

All dogs, cats, and ferrets brought to the shelter must be current on their rabies vaccine or show proof of a titer.

Please try to have all dogs and cats spayed or neutered before coming to the shelter. Males and females will be in the same room.

Animals must be freshly bathed and /or groomed according to species. Pets must be free of fleas, ticks, mites, and lice.

Owners must bring food, water, cleaning supplies, medications, and any other items required to sustain their pets while at the shelter. Bring enough supplies for a minimum of 5-7 days.
Toys are optional,
Collars, harnesses, and leashes (no chain) for appropriate species.
Bedding, newspapers, towels for cages.

Cats, Ferrets, and Litter Box Trained Rabbits: Litter box, litter, and scoop.

Dogs: "Poop bags" to clean up after visiting outside potty area.

Owners should bring water from home so as not to add another change for their pet in what will by its very nature be a stressful situation for the pet.

Owners should bring a picture of themselves with their pet for ID purposes.

Rules

Remember to not allow any unknown person (other than PFS team member) to approach your pet. Any dog, cat, or ferret bites or scratches must be reported to Putnam Co. Animal Control and pet will be under the county laws for rabies quarantine. Circumstances may have even gentle normally very-friendly pets more upset and more prone to nip or scratch an unknown person.

Dogs and cats will be fed two smaller meals per day - even those who normally are fed only once per day. Total food input for most dogs and cats will be slightly less than normally fed for the comfort of the animal. Feeding instructions will be attached to all cages.

Owner will be required to feed, water, and clean up their pet's containment area as weather/situation permits - times will be announced. During bad weather, a member of the PFS team will see to pets' basic needs.

Only designated owner (no other family member) will be allowed in room to attend to pet. Caregiver/owner must be at least 18 years of age. Care times will be overseen by a member of the PFS team.

When dog leaves room with designated person for exercise and potty break, a check out time and then check in time and signature log must be notated. Dog ID must match owner ID.

During outside time, dogs are not allowed to "visit" with other dogs. For safety issues dogs should be kept at a minimum of 12' from each other.

Dogs must be kept on a suitable leash from the time of leaving crate until they are returned to crate. Member of PFS staff must check to make sure crate door is securely latched.

You may download the Registration Form -- Pet Friendly Shelter Registration (Side 1) and the Registration Agreement and Rules (Side 2) attached below. Fill it out and keep a copy in your evacuation kit. The information from this page is also available to download via a .pdf file attached below.

If you have not already done so be sure to review the EMERGENCY PLANS FOR YOUR PET(S) page at http://www.animalservices2000.org/content/node/16