Hurricane Ian Updates
HURRICANE IAN: UPDATES, HOURS, & RESOURCES
SPCA Tampa Bay’s Veterinary Center is closed through Friday, September 30. We will reopen on Monday, October 3.
SPCA Tampa Bay’s Largo campus is closed for Adoptions and Intake through Thursday, September 29. Normal business hours starting Friday, September 30, with limited staffing.
Did you find baby wildlife during your Hurricane Ian clean-up? Here’s some tips on wildlife and how we can help.
Local Hurricane Resource Guide
The Tampa Bay area will likely feel the effect of Hurricane Ian, so keep your family and pets safe by knowing what to do in the event of an emergency. Here are some tips to help you prepare:
Stay Informed. Sign up below for Pinellas and other county’s free Emergency Notification Service at pinellascounty.org/alertpinellas.
Hillsborough County Emergency Management
Pasco County Pet Preparedness
Manatee County Emergency Management
Know your flood and evacuation zones. Find out if you are located in a flood or evacuation zone at Know Your Zone: Pinellas Co
For pet friendly shelter information and pre-registration visit pinellascounty.org/emergency/petpreparedness.htm. You MUST pre-register, and mobile home residents are given priority.
There are very few emergency shelters that accept pets and their owners, and they are never large or comfortable. You and your pets will handle the stress of an evacuation far better if you find pet-friendly hotels and motels, or can stay with friends or family.
Many popular hotel chains offer pet friendly locations, including La Quinta, Motel 6, Red Roof, Red Lion and Best Western. Some hotel chains that typically aren’t pet friendly may ease their restrictions in case of an emergency but you should call ahead to make sure.
Other resources for pet friendly hotels along your evacuation route:
Never leave your pets alone if you have to evacuate. Your pets may end up being left alone for hours or days depending on severe weather, storm damage, downed power lines, road closures or other poor conditions.
Plan Ahead. Have at least 3-5 days worth of supplies on hand, including essential items like your pets’ food and medications, bottled water, and their medical and shot records, as well as familiar items like a favorite toy or blanket. We have compiled a printable packing list of items to include in your emergency kit.
Make sure your pet is microchipped and the owner records are up-to-date. A microchip is the fastest and most reliable way to reunite you with your pet if you become separated. Be sure your pets’ vaccinations are current and get a copy of their records for your hurricane kit.
FAQs
“What should I do to prepare my pets for the storm?”
SPCA Tampa Bay is here for you. Please review our hurricane preparedness guidelines available on our website and social media channels.
“Can my pets be sheltered at your facility during the storm?”
Unfortunately, our shelter does not have the capacity to assist the community in this way at this time. We have limited resources which must be reserved for the animals already in our care. Please consider sheltering at a pet-friendly shelter or hotel.
“Does your shelter have crates I can borrow for my pets?”
Unfortunately, our shelter does not have the capacity to assist the community in this way at this time. We have limited resources which must be reserved for the animals already in our care.
“Will you be evacuating the animals at the shelter?”
SPCA Tampa Bay’s leadership team is closely monitoring the storm as well as updates from Pinellas County officials. If an evacuation is ordered for our zone, we will take appropriate action to ensure the safety of all of our animals and staff. In the meantime, our experienced Animal Welfare Team is providing all necessary care for all animals on our campus.
“Are you open?”
For our most up-to-date hours of operation, please visit www.spcatampabay.org/ian and our social media channels.
“How can I volunteer to help the animals/staff at your shelter?”
At this time, our shelter has adequate staffing to care for the needs of our animals throughout the storm. We deeply appreciate our community’s support and encourage you to check back in with us after the storm or apply to volunteer with us on our website.
“Who do I go to if I need help?”
For Pinellas County residents, please visit www.pinellascounty.org for the latest updates and resources. You can also call the Pinellas County Information Center at (727) 464-4333 with any questions you may have. We recommend signing up for Alert Pinellas to receive emergency communications straight to your phone.
For Hillsborough County residents, please visit www.hillsboroughcounty.org for the latest updates and resources. You can also call (813) 272-5900 with any questions you may have. We recommend signing up for HCFL Alert to receive emergency communications straight to your phone.
