VERO BEACH — With tropic waters stirring up, The Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County (HSVBIRC) is urging pet owners living in designated evacuation areas to pre-register for housing at the county’s pet-friendly disaster shelter.
Evacuation areas for Indian River County include the barrier island, manufactured homes, areas prone to flood, and areas east of US 1.
Registration for sheltering with your pet at Liberty Magnet School (6850 81st St., Vero Beach) is being handled by the Humane Society as well as the Indian River County Department of Emergency Services.
Applications can be obtained on the website at www.HSVB.org or www.IRCES.com.
Individuals without computer access can call (772) 388-3331 ext. 28 or pick up a registration form from the Humane Society, located at 6230 77th St., Vero Beach.
“Emergency sheltering should be an option of last resort,” explained HSVBIRC Director of Animal Protection Ilka Daniel.
Daniel encourages pet owners to seek out family and friends first due to limited space at Liberty Magnet. Pet owners must be able to care for their own animals and bring at least three days’ worth of food, water, medications, and other necessary supplies for themselves and their pets.
Pets accepted at the shelter include dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, and small animals such as gerbils and hamsters. Proof of Indian River County residency, as well as current pet vaccinations, including rabies, is required.
According to Daniel, the Humane Society provides a pet emergency supply checklist on its website along with instructions on how to create a pet first aid kit.
Health care professionals, disaster responders, and pet owners with special medical needs must also call the shelter at (772) 388-3331 ext. 28 to pre-register their pets for emergency housing.