June 19, 2013
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Ilka Daniel, Director of Animal Protective Services
(772) 388-3331 ext. 28
Register Now for Pet-Friendly Shelter
(Vero Beach, Fla) - 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 at
(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," explains 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 www.hsvb.org 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.
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