Hurricane Guidelines for Pets

• Keep current color photo(s) of your pet(s) with your emergency supplies.
• Bring your pets indoors. Walton County Ordinance prohibits pets from being tethered outside “during any declared weather advisories, warnings, or emergencies.”
• Because of a greater threat of disease, it is important that your animals be up-to-date on their vaccinations.
• If you must evacuate, take your pets with you.
• Choose an evacuation location outside of the area the hurricane is projected to hit. Before you evacuate, call ahead to find hotels that will accept pets. Find pet-friendly lodging in Florida and throughout the United States at www.petswelcome.com (Under “Instant Pet Friendly Search,” select a state and city) or www.bringfido.com.
• If you cannot take your pets with you when you evacuate, contact boarding kennels or veterinary offices with boarding facilities to house them during the storm.
• Walton County’s Pet Friendly Shelter will be open for residents who live in areas that are under mandatory evacuation orders. This option should be your last resort if you are unable to execute your own personal evacuation plan for your family and pets. It should not be your “evacuation plan.”  Get more information about the Evacuation Pet Shelter.
• Acquire an impact resistant pet carrier or cage for each animal to use as protection if you are riding out the storm with your pets at home.
• If you evacuate and must leave your pets behind, do not leave pets in carriers as they will not be able to get more food and water when needed.