Community of Hillsborough Animal
 and Agricultural Response Team
(CHAART)

Hillsborough County News Release, May 14, 2009
For Immediate Release

 

Hillsborough County Doubles Pet-Friendly Shelters

 
Hillsborough County Animal Services announced the locations of two additional pet-friendly evacuation shelters today  bringing the total number to four in Hillsborough County.    In addition to Burnett Middle School in Seffner and Sickles High in Tampa, the new additions are Bartels Middle School (9020 Imperial Oak Boulevard) in Tampa, and ShIelds Middle School (15732 Beth Shields Way) in Ruskin.

Pet-friendly shelters are located adjacent to Red Cross shelters at these same addresses.   Pet owners must also taking shelter on location (no drop-offs) but in separate quarters.   Pet owners are asked to keep pets rabies vaccination current, bring supplies and carriers whenever possible, and to help care for the pets during their stay.    Dogs, cats, and other "household pets" will be accepted at public pet-friendly shelters (no reptiles, insects or exotics). 

Pet-friendly shelters are first-come first-served, reservations are not accepted in advance.   Citizens are encouraged to make plans elsewhere and think of public shelters as a last resort --whether they be for people or pets!

Accompanied by Animal Services Director Bill Armstrong, Commissioner Rose Ferlita spoke during today's announcement about the importance of emergency preparedness and the cooperation of community members to comply with the federal Pets Act.   After Hurricane Katrina, legislation was passed requiring communities to make provisions for pets in disasters so that citizens would not risk personal safety in order to remain with their companion animals.

As hurricane season approaches, supplies and volunteers are needed now to prepare pet-friendly evacuation shelters in Hillsborough County.    Tax-deductible donations may be made to the County's local disaster response organization, the non-profit Community of Hillsborough Animal & Agricultural Response Team (CHAART).  

Animal lovers who enjoy serving the community are also urged to volunteer for potential pet-shelter duty, and basic training will be provided.   To learn more, log onto www.chaart.org or call Hillsborough County Animal Services.

For more information on storm preparedness or the County's pet-friendly shelters, please call 813.744.5660 or log onto the County's web site.

Press Conference Video   http://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/communications/news/releaseoutput.cfm?r_id=8064