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Animal Services Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Planning | Clay County, Florida

Disaster Planning for Pets and Animals

In an emergency, do not forget about your pets and animals. Planning ahead can help keep your entire family safe during a disaster.

This page includes information about pet disaster kits, pet-friendly shelters, evacuation planning, and livestock safety.

⚠️ Never Leave Pets Behind

If you are asked to evacuate, take your pets with you. Leaving animals behind during a hurricane or other disaster can put their lives at risk. Plan ahead by identifying pet-friendly hotels, friends or family outside the evacuation area, or a pet-friendly public shelter before an emergency occurs.

Plan Your Evacuation Before a Disaster

The best time to make a plan is before hurricane season begins. Know where you will go if you need to evacuate and make sure your destination accepts pets.

  • Identify pet-friendly hotels along your evacuation route.
  • Ask friends or family outside the evacuation area if they can care for your pets.
  • Keep your pet's microchip registration and ID tags up to date.
  • Practice loading pets into carriers or crates before an emergency.
  • Keep vehicles fueled and pet supplies packed during hurricane season.

Pet Disaster Supply Kit

Keep your pet’s emergency supplies in a waterproof container that is easy to carry.

Recommended supplies include:

  • Food and water for at least three days
  • Medical records and rabies vaccination certificates
  • Prescription medications
  • Pet toys and bedding
  • A current photo of your pet
  • Copies of your pet's microchip information and identification tags
  • Litter and litter box for cats
  • Leash and collar
  • Pet carrier or crate

Pet-Friendly Shelters

During a natural disaster, Clay County may open public shelters. Some shelters may allow pets. Pet-friendly shelter locations will be announced if shelters are activated.

Shelter locations and opening times will be announced through Clay County Emergency Management and local media when an emergency requires shelters to open.

Public shelters should be considered a last option if you do not have another safe place to go.

Animals Allowed at Pet-Friendly Shelters

  • Dogs
  • Cats
  • Rodents
  • Rabbits
  • Birds

What to Bring to a Pet-Friendly Shelter

  • A crate large enough for your pet to stand and turn around
  • Litter box and food and water bowls for cats
  • Leash and collar
  • Food and water
  • Any medications your pet needs
  • Bedding and toys
  • Important documents and medical records

Large Animal and Livestock Safety

Clay County does not provide shelters for horses or livestock during disasters. Owners of large animals should make evacuation plans before an emergency occurs.

Recommended Supplies for Horses

  • Medical records and Coggins test documentation
  • A current photo of your horse
  • Halters with contact information attached
  • First aid kit
  • Prescription medications
  • Water, hay, and feed for several days

If You Cannot Evacuate

If you must shelter your animals at home during a disaster, consider the following safety measures:

  • Mark animals with identification tags, brands, or other identification
  • Strengthen barns and shelters if possible
  • Remove fencing that blocks access to higher ground
  • Store enough water for at least one week
  • Know your backup water and power options
  • Secure loose outdoor items that could become dangerous during high winds
  • Keep emergency contact information readily available

Helpful Resources