You may call the County’s Answer Center by dialing 3-1-1.  They will mail an application to your home.  Applications can also be downloaded from this website.

No

No.  The center may not be opened for every storm.  Depending of the speed and direction of the storm, the County will determine which areas need to evacuate.  Your address must be within an announced evacuation area to be able to use this facility.

Please monitor the local news.  The County Mayor will announce when evacuation centers are open to the public and what evacuation zones may seek shelter there.  Not all zones are issued mandatory evacuations for every storm.

A maximum of three pets is acceptable. 

Dogs, cats, ferrets, small mammals (gerbils, guinea pigs, hamsters, mice, rabbits), and birds.

No.  For dogs and cats, housing must be large enough to allow the animal to stand, turn around, and fully recline.  They must be well-ventilated and allow for movement of air.  Crates/cages excessive in size and exercise pens are not allowed.  Smaller dogs, cats and other animals may be housed together as long as they are fully socialized and the provisions for movement are met for each animal.

Bird cages must allow for adequate movement, minimal flight and be fully ventilated.  Up to three birds may be housed together as long as they are fully socialized.  Food and water dishes must be easily accessible and not require the opening of main access.  Covers need to be provided to deter noise and reduce stress.

Dogs

• Rabies 
• Distemper/Parvo
• Bordetella
• Coronavirus
• Panleukopenia (distemper)

Cats

• Rabies
• Feline Leukemia
• Rhinotracheitis
• Calicivirus

Ferrets

• Rabies
• Distemper

Yes.  Either you or another pre-registered adult family member must stay at the center with the animal(s).  This is not a drop-off facility.

Yes, as long as your area is under a mandatory evacuation order.

Pet(s) deemed a health or safety risk to any person or animal will be denied entrance.   This includes flea or tick infestation or any active parasitic or fungal infection such as ringworm or mange.

Pet(s) need to be current on all required vaccinations as noted on the acceptance letter.  Proof of all required vaccinations must be provided at check-in; in addition, animals must have current rabies tags.  Failure to provide these items will preclude entrance into the center.

No.  Feeding, replenishing of water and removal of waste materials from the cage is the responsibility of an adult family member.

No.  Pets will be housed away from the human habitants but in the same building and access to the pets is limited and monitored by the center staff.

Walks will be scheduled by the center staff both pre and post storm. All dogs must be leashed when walked.  Once the weather does not permit people to go outside, all animals must remain confined. 

No.  Once animals are staged inside the center, access is limited to adults and only for purpose of feeding/replenishing water, or cleaning the cage.

No.  All pets must leave with their owners.

Any pet left at the facility is considered abandoned and is surrendered to the County’s Animal Services Department and treated as any other abandoned animal.  This is part of the agreement you will be signing when you get your application package.  

As long as the pet owner resides in a qualified evacuation area, is reporting to a Special Needs Evacuation Center, and the address on the animal's license coincides with their address, then they are allowed to designate a surrogate to shelter with the pet.