Palm Beach County, FL

06/15/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/15/2026 07:02

Preparing Pets for Hurricane Season

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Posted on Monday, June 15, 2026

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Hurricane season can be stressful for both people and pets. If an evacuation becomes necessary, having a plan in place now can keep your entire family, including your pets, safe. If you need to evacuate, remember that a public shelter should be considered the last resort whenever possible. Be sure to check with family, friends, or hotels early and make arrangements ahead of time. Planning ahead will give you more options and help reduce stress during an emergency.

The following are suggestions for planning ahead:

  • Pack pet food and water supply for at least five days.
  • Have a pet carrier large enough for animals to stand, turn around, and hold food and water bowls. Write your name and phone number on the carrier.
  • Have your pet vaccinated against rabies and other diseases.
  • Pack your pet's medicines, vaccination papers, first-aid supplies, bedding, grooming tools, and toys.
  • Attach a current Rabies License tag and temporary I.D. tag with the name and number of a friend or relative outside the disaster area.
  • Take a photo of your dog, cat or horse with a family member as proof of ownership.
  • On horses and livestock, attach either a body clip or use non-toxic livestock markers to paint the owner's name and phone number on the neck. Braiding a waterproof luggage tag with the owner's information into the tail is another good option.
  • For large animals, have a two-week supply of hay, feed and water secured in plastic water-tight containers.

The Pet Friendly Shelter, located in Lake Worth, is available to residents living in a mandatory evacuation zone or in a mobile home in the event of an approaching hurricane. To pre-register, all dogs and cats must be currently vaccinated against rabies, wear a rabies license tag, be microchipped, and be protected against fleas and ticks with medication.

Dogs and cats should be protected against rabies, a fatal disease. A rabies vaccination and tag are required by law for pets four months or older. All puppies and kittens less than four months old are required by law to wear a Juvenile Rabies License tag. If an animal becomes lost, microchipping is good for pet identification at most veterinary offices and animal shelte

For more information regarding hurricane prep for your pets and Palm Beach County's Pet Friendly Shelter, visit https://discover.pbcgov.org/publicsafety/animalcare/Pages/Hurricane.aspx

Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control (PBCACC) is dedicated to promoting the health, safety, and welfare of both people and animals in the community.

For more information on PBCACC's services, please visit our website or contact us directly. Join PBCACC in making Palm Beach County a safe and compassionate place for all animals.

Contact Information:

  • Website: pbcgov.org/animal
  • Phone: 561-233-1200
  • Address: 7100 Belvedere Road, West Palm Beach, FL, 33411

Follow us on social media:

  • Facebook: facebook.com/PBCACC
  • Instagram: @PBCACC
Palm Beach County, FL published this content on June 15, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on June 15, 2026 at 13:02 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]