If you must evacuate, you are encouraged to take your pets with you. It is strongly recommended that prior arrangements be made to shelter your pets with a commercial kennel, family or friends out of the evacuation area. Make sure all pets are vaccinated before hurricane season, as many animal care facilities require proof of the following:

• Dogs-rabies vaccine, distemper/Parvo group, Bordetella, and Corona.
• Cats-rabies vaccine, feline leukemia, Rhinotracheitis/Calici virus and Panleukopenia.

Also, make sure pets wear a collar, with rabies tag and I.D. tag included. Have a properly sized pet carrier (for each pet) that allows space to stand and turn around. You will also need a leash, water and food bowls, medication, at least 3 days supply of food, and pet toys (all of which should be labeled with your pet's name).

Pets are not allowed in public shelters administered by the American Red Cross. Three locations have been identified within Brevard County by Emergency Management as Pet Friendly Shelters. Pet Friendly Sheltersare for those people and pets in mandatory evacuation areas only. For more information on disaster preparedness with pets and Brevard County Pet Friendly Shelters, please visit http://www.brevardcounty.us/EmergencyManagement/Preparedness/Pets.