Hurricane Irma: All Manatee Shelters Now Taking Pets

BRADENTON, FL – With Hurricane Irma coming ever closer to the Tampa Bay area, many counties are relaxing some rules for evacuees heading to emergency shelters.

Manatee County announced on Saturday, Sept. 9 that all open shelters have been classified pet-friendly. As of 11 p.m. on Sept. 9, the following shelters are still available for evacuees:

• Buffalo Creek Middle School, 7320 69th St. E., Palmetto
• Freedom Elementary School, 9515 State Road 64 E., Bradenton
• Gullet Elementary School, 12125 44th Ave. E., Bradenton
• Carlos Haile Middle School, 9501 State Road 64 E., Bradenton
• McNeal Elementary School, 6325 Lorraine Road, Bradenton
• Miller Elementary School, 4201 Manatee Ave., W., Bradenton
• Mills Elementary School, 7200 69th St. E., Palmetto
• Prine Elementary School, 3801 Southern Parkway, Bradenton
• G.D. Rodgers Garden Elementary, 515 13th Ave. W., Bradenton
• Seabreeze Elementary School, 3601 71st St. W., Bradenton
• Annie Lucy Williams Elementary School, 3404 Fort Hamer Road, Parrish
• Willis Elementary School, 14705 The Masters Ave., Bradenton
• Witt Elementary School, 200 Rye Road, Bradenton

Evacuees must follow these requirements in order to bring pets into Manatee County emergency shelters:

• Pet(s) must come with a cage or carrier; Cages will not be available on-site
• Pet(s) must remain in their cage or carrier except at schedule exercise times
• Owners must provide food and other pet supplies as needed
• Owners must bring proof of pets’ current rabies vaccination
• Owners will not allow other evacuees to handle or approach pet(s)
• Owners are responsible for feeding, handling of care of their own pet(s)

Manatee County also suggests the following “pet survival kit” for pets coming to emergency shelters:

• ID collar and rabies license tag
• Carrier or cage
• Water and food bowls
• Medications
• Food supply to last about three days
• Special care instructions
• Newspapers or plastic bags for waste disposal
• Toys and comfort items
• Muzzles (if needed)
• First aid supplies
• Manual can opener
• ID on all belongings

For more information, visit the Manatee County Emergency Preparation page.

Image via Manatee County, Florida Facebook page