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
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| Basic Information for Sheltering Pets.pdf | 179.27 KB |
| REGISTRATION_PFS_2011.PDF | 118.52 KB |
| REGISTRATION AGREEMENT AND RULES_2011.PDF | 52.2 KB |
Pet-Friendly Evacuation Shelter -- PFS
Forms are in .pdf format below in File Attachments.
Download forms and fill out before they are needed.
Registration Form for companion approved pets at a Pet-Friendly Evacuation Shelter.
Registration_PFS_2011.pdf Side 1
Registration Agreement and Rules_2011.pdf Side 2
Want to be a volunteer on the PFS Team? Then start the process by filling out the Pet-Friendly Evacuation Shelter Vol App.pdf
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| REGISTRATION_PFS_2011.PDF | 118.52 KB |
| REGISTRATION AGREEMENT AND RULES_2011.PDF | 52.2 KB |
| Pet-Friendly Evacuation Shelter Vol App.pdf | 64.34 KB |
Putnam County Pet-Friendly Evacuation Shelter (PFS) Locations
Activated by the Putnam Co. EOC during EMERGENCIES ONLY.
- West Putnam -
Ochwilla Elementary School
American Red Cross Shelter
ONLY COUNTY RUN PET-FRIENDLY EVACUATION SHELTER AT THIS TIME
299 N. State Road 21
Off of Hgwy 20
All dogs, cats, and ferrets going into a pet-friendly evacuation shelter need to be current on their rabies vaccine or rabies titer. You must show tag or documentation from vet at Intake. Owners must bring suitable cages or crates for their pets and all needed food, medicines, bedding, and other supplies. Owner should also bring a picture of themself with their pet.
Map, .pdf file
http://www.putnamalert.com/Docs/Hurricane%20Evacuation%20Shelters%20&%20...
Shelter Openings
http://www.putnam-fl.com/bocc/index.php?option=com_content&view=category...
Emergency Services (County Website - General Info)
http://www1.putnam-fl.com/live/EMShelters.asp
The Putnam County Pet-Friendly Evacuation Shelter Team is made up volunteer members of Putnam County Emergency Animal Support under the Putnam County Emergency Management.
Putnam County Emergency Animal Support
Kristina Adams, Coordinator
Putnam Co. Pet-Friendly Evacuation Shelters and Team
Theresa A. Jennings, Coordinator
Volunteers Are Needed. Volunteers are welcome to bring their own pets to the shelter.
Training Sessions are held as needed.
All volunteers will report directly to PFS (Pet-Friendly Shelter) Manger on arrival at shelter.
At this time they will be given their work assignments.
Level #1 Team volunteers: Shelter Set-Up
Will be trained to prepare them for their duties.
PFS Set-up Volunteer Duties:
*Setting up the rooms for incoming animals
*Take down and pack up after closing
Level #1 Team volunteers: Shelter Staff, Assistant
Shelter staff assistants will attend meetings and undergo training to prepare them for their duties.
PFS Staff Assistant Duties:
Assist in set-up as needed.
Intake (Assist under the guidance of PFS Manager)
~ Registration
~ Cage Cards
~ ID Bands
~ Review policies with caregiver (owner)
Check-out paperwork - sign out of pet by caregiver (owner)
Level #1 Team volunteers: Animal Care Technician Assistant
Level #2 Team volunteers: PFS Staff
PFS Staff will attend meetings and undergo training to prepare them for their duties.
PFS Staff Duties:
Assist in set-up as needed.
Intake
~ Registration
~ Cage Cards
~ ID Bands
~ Review policies with caregiver (owner)
Check-out paperwork - sign out of pet by caregiver (owner)
A member of the PFS Staff will be assigned the additional duty of PFS Safety Officer (SO). The SO monitors the well-being of the PFS volunteers and owners while in the PFS areas. Any animal bites or scratches must be reported to the SO.
~ Injuries must be reported and cleaned.
~ Bites and scratches will be entered on a Bite/Scratch Record form.
Training includes
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Coursework:
IS-07 A Citizen's Guide to Disaster Assistance
IS 100.a - Introduction to Incident Command System
Level #2 Team volunteers: Animal Care Technician
Animal Care Technicians will attend meetings and undergo training to
prepare them to work in an emergency evacuation situation.
The Animal Care Technician's main duty is to ensure that the animals' needs are met.
~ Animal Care Technician will monitor health and welfare of animals.
~ Animal Care Technician will sign off daily on each animal's cage card.
Animal Care Technicians have training/experience in animal care as vet techs or shelter or boarding workers.
Level #3 Team volunteers: PFS Room Supervisor
PFS Room Supervisors will attend meetings and workshops and undergo training to prepare them to oversee all activities in their room/section.
PFS Room Supervisor Duties:
Placement of Crates/Cages
Track number of pets in room
Monitor pets in room - notify Animal Care Technician if needed
Tracking caregiver (owner) visitations - log entry
Tracking pet care by caregiver (owner) - log entry
Track location of all volunteers assigned to their room
Compile list of needed supplies
Report any problems or concerns to PFS Manager
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Coursework:
IS-07 A Citizen's Guide to Disaster Assistance
IS 100.a - Introduction to Incident Command System
IS-200.a - ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents
IS 700.a - NIMS An Introduction
Level #4 Team volunteers: Pet-Friendly Shelter Manager
PFS Manager will train for disaster planning and pre- and post-disaster operations.
PFS Manager reports directly to County PFS Coordinator
Pet-Friendly Shelter Manager Duties:
PFS Manager is responsible for the overall shelter opening, shelter operations, and closure of their shelter.
PFS Manager is responsible for the safety of PFS Team volunteers
PFS Manager is responsible for the safety and welfare of all animals located at the shelter.
PFS Manager verifies all forms, cage cards, paperwork, and logs.
PFS Manager submits Situation Reports (SitRep) as requested by EOC.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Coursework:
IS-07 A Citizen's Guide to Disaster Assistance
IS-010 - Animals in Disaster: Module A
IS -011 - Animals in Disaster: Module B
IS 100.a - Introduction to Incident Command System
IS-200.a - ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents
IS-324 - Community Hurricane Preparedness
IS 700.a - NIMS An Introduction
IS-800.b - National Response Framework, An Introduction
American Red Cross (ARC), FEMA, or other approved Agencies, Organizations, or Facilities:
First Aid/CPR
Pet First Aid
Working in Disaster Services
Shelter Operations
On the Job Experience can substitute for some of the required coursework.
******************************************************
Team members will be encouraged to attend available conferences, symposiums, and workshops to add to their knowledge.
Sign up and help the pets of Putnam County in an emergency.
Contact Theresa A. Jennings, Coordinator
(352) 481-5333 ~~ Please leave a message with contact info if no answer
and
Complete a Volunteer Application and Return to:
Putnam County PFS Coordinator
c/o Karl's Kids Program, Inc.
P.O. Box 1989
Interlachen, FL 32148
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| PFS Vol_Application.pdf | 48.79 KB |
| Putnam County PFS Team_Levels.pdf | 162.4 KB |
Shelters should always be used as a last choice of evacuation for people or for pets. If possible you should evacuate to areas out of the predicted emergency path and stay at a hotel or with family or friends.
Part of your planning should be to find out which motels and hotels in the area you plan to evacuate to allow pets. Make your reservations early as they will fill up quickly.
If you do plan to take your pet to a PFS or evacuate elsewhere then see EMERGENCY PLANS FOR YOUR PET(S) at http://www.animalservices2000.org/content/node/16 .
IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER: an evacuation shelter for pets can only reasonably be expected to supply an enclosed room to house your pet inside of their cage or crate. There may or may not be food, litter, or other supplies. It is the responsibility of the owner to make sure all needed supplies are brought along with the pet.
All animals must be brought to the Intake Area in a secure and safe cage or crate with a sturdy bottom, sides, and top. The animal will need enough space to be able to sit, stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably inside. They may be in confinement for days. Cats, ferrets, and litter trained rabbits must also have enough space inside for a small litter pan.
All dogs, cats, and ferrets going into a pet-friendly evacuation shelter need to be current on their rabies vaccine or rabies titer. You must show tag or documentation from vet at Intake.
Take all supplies that your cat will need for the time it stays at the shelter.
Cat must arrive at *Intake* with a suitable cage. Also have rabies tag or paperwork from vet showing rabies is up to date. Also bring a picture of the caretaker/owner and the cat for identification use. This will be put into your cat's cage card packet. This will be the only person allowed to care for cat during the stay and also the person who must check the cat out.
Cage -- Large enough to allow cat to sit, stand, turn around in, and lay down comfortably. Also will need to be large enough to hold a small litter pan and secured water dish. Remember your cat will be in this cage during the whole stay. There are no exercise areas outside of cages for cats.
Supplies -- Enough for a minimum of 5 days. Better too much rather than not enough.
Recommended to place all supplies in a plastic tote or other container. Mark outside with your name and name of your pet.
Collar or harness with ID tags and leash.
Food. If you feed canned food make sure it is a single serving size for your cat. There will be no refrigeration available to store left overs. Cans will also need to be pop-opens unless you bring a manual can opener.
Water. It is better to keep your cat on water from home. Now is not a good time for tummy upsets.
Medicines. Prescription meds or any thing your cat might need during its stay. Make up a small first aid kit.
Litter pan, Litter, and Scoop. Pan must be small enough to fit inside of cage. Litter pan must be completly cleaned out every day. Pan to be scooped out during scheduled visits.
Newspapers for bottom of cage.
Bedding.
Paper towels & wipes to clean up kitty if needed and freshen cage.
Small plastic bags for used litter and/or scoopings.
Hand sanitizer for yourself before returning to people area of shelter.
Favorite toys (optional)
Take all supplies that your dog will need for the time it stays at the shelter.
Dog must arrive at *Intake* with a suitable cage. Also have rabies tag or paperwork from vet showing rabies vac or rabies titer is up to date. Also bring a picture of the caretaker/owner and the dog for identification use. This will be put into your dog's cage card packet. This will be the only person allowed to care for the dog during the stay and also the person who must check the dog out.
Cage -- Large enough to allow the dog to sit, stand, turn around in, and lay down comfortably. Also will need to be large enough to hold a secured water dish. Remember your dog will be in this cage during most of the whole stay. Dog will only be allowed outside if weather and other safety conditions permit. Cage must be in good repair and sturdy enough to hold pet.
Supplies -- Enough for a minimum of 5 days. Better too much rather than not enough.
Recommended to place all supplies in a plastic tote or other container. Mark outside with your name and name of your pet.
Collar or harness with ID tags and leash.
Food. If you feed canned food make sure it is a single serving size for your dog. There will be no refrigeration available to store left overs. Cans will also need to be pop-opens unless you bring a manual can opener.
Dogs will be fed twice per day even if they only eat one time per day at home. Total amount should be less then what the dog eats at home. The dog will be under a lot more stress then normal with the storm, excitment, strange people and animals around it.
Water. It is better to keep your dog on water from home. Now is not a good time for tummy upsets.
Medicines. Prescription meds or any thing your dog might need during its stay. Make up a small first aid kit.
Newspapers / bedding for bottom of cage. Newspapers or other bedding must be changed once per day.
Paper towels & wipes to clean up the dog if needed and freshen cage.
Small plastic bags for potty trips.
Hand sanitizer for yourself before returning to people area of shelter.
Favorite toys (optional)
Take all supplies that your ferret will need for the time it stays at the shelter.
Ferret must arrive at *Intake* inside of a cage. Also have rabies tag or paperwork from vet showing rabies is up to date. Also bring a picture of the caretaker/owner and the ferret for identification use. This will be put into your ferret's cage card packet. This will be the only person allowed to care for ferret during the stay and also the person who must check the ferret out.
Cage -- Large enough to allow ferret to sit, stand, turn around in, and lay down comfortably. Also will need to be large enough to hold a small litter pan and secured water dish. Remember your ferret will be in this cage during the whole stay. There are no exercise areas outside of cages for ferrets. More than one ferret may be in the cage if this is how they are housed at home.
Supplies -- Enough for a minimum of 5 days. Better too much rather than not enough.
Recommended to place all supplies in a plastic tote or other container. Mark outside with your name and name of your pet.
Harness with leash.
Food and Treats
Water. It is better to keep your ferret on water from home. Now is not a good time for tummy upsets.
Medicines. Prescription meds or any thing your ferret might need during its stay. Make up a small first aid kit.
Litter pan, Litter, and Scoop. Pan must be small enough to fit inside of cage. Litter pan must be completly cleaned out every day. Pan to be scooped out during scheduled visits.
Bedding.
Paper towels & wipes to clean up ferret if needed and freshen cage.
Small plastic bags for used litter and/or scoopings.
Hand sanitizer for yourself before returning to people area of shelter.
Favorite toys (optional)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Read also http://www.animalservices2000.org/content/node/451
Volunteers and Community Funding Needed for County Evacuation Shelter
Putnam County is in need of people who are willing to help when the call goes out to activate a pet-friendly evacuation shelter. To find out more about becoming a volunteer on the Putnam County Pet-Friendly Evacuation Shelter Team go to http://animalservices2000.org/content/node/40
Along with volunteers we are in need of funding so that the volunteer staff may be properly trained, sheltering equipment purchased, and needed supplies are on hand and ready to go.
Donations of any size can be made through PayPal (see donate button on http://animalservices2000.org/content/node/35 ) or a check or money order may be made to:
Karl's Kids Program, Inc.
P.O. Box 1989
Interlachen, FL 32148
Just enclose a note stating that your check or money order donation is for the Pet-Friendly Shelter (PFS). Also, include your name and return address and a receipt for your records will be sent.
Karl's Kids Program, Inc. through its Pets In Emergencies Project is active in fundraising for Putnam Co. PFS. All donations are tax deductible to this 501(c)(3) Public Charity.
Remember, this is the only pet-friendly evacuation shelter available at this time in our area. Please step forward and help by either donating your time or your financial assistance. With enough help from the community, we will be able to open a second evacuation shelter in another section of the county.
The PFS may be activated by the Putnam County Emergency Operations Center for extreme weather, community or area fires, or toxic accidents.
American Veterinary Medical Association
The following quotes are from their
Emergency Preparedness and Response Manual
Revised April, 2009
... these areas should be staffed with animal care personnel who have been trained in the handling of animals as well as appropriate approaches to infection control.
All dogs, cats, and ferrets must have proof of current vaccination against rabies ...
Cats should be kept in a cage with a litter box that is cleaned frequently (at least once every 24 hours).
Dogs should be walked regularly on a leash outside of the shelter to allow them to urinate and defecate in designated areas, and any feces should be immediately collected and disposed of.
People caring for pets in shelters should practice good hygiene by cleaning up after their pets (e.g., disposal of feces) and frequently washing their hands.
The following quotes can be found on the FEMA Website:
On October 6, 2006, the PETS Act was signed into law, amending Section 403 of the Stafford Act. Section 403, as amended by 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.
1. Household Pet. A domesticated animal, such as a dog, cat, bird, rabbit, rodent, or turtle that is traditionally kept in the home for pleasure rather than for commercial purposes, can travel in commercial carriers, and be housed in temporary facilities. Household pets do not include reptiles (except turtles), amphibians, fish, insects/arachnids, farm animals (including horses), and animals kept for racing purposes.
2. Service Animal. Any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability including, but not limited to, guiding individuals with impaired vision, alerting individuals with impaired hearing to intruders or sounds, providing minimal protection or rescue work, pulling a wheelchair, or fetching dropped items.
The definition of Service Animal was changed on March 15, 2011 by the Dept. of Justice to limit Service Animals to dogs only with a subsection addressing Miniature Horses.
http://animalservices2000.org/content/node/599
3. Congregate Household Pet Shelters. Any private or public facility that provides refuge to rescued household pets and the household pets of shelterees in response to a declared major disaster or emergency.
To see the whole article:
http://www.fema.gov/pdf/government/grant/pa/9523_19.pdf