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Pet Hurricane Shelter Planned For Molino Park
June 23, 2009
Plans are moving forward for Escambia County’s first pet-friendly hurricane evacuation shelter to be located at Molino Park Elementary School.
While there are over 1,500 local hotel and motel rooms that will accept pets, the county determined the need for a pet-friendly shelter as a last resort for those unable to evacuate their pets elsewhere or simply will not evacuate without their pets. The domestic pets would be housed in the 3,158 square foot area of the school’s gym, about 100 feet from the man building.
The county says the gym will house between 148 to 350 pets in pet carriers or cages. The main school building, which has previously served a hurricane shelter, can house 2,200 people under the supervision of the American Red Cross.
The shelter would be for household cats and dogs only, with no other pets or animals allowed. Pet owners would be responsible for providing their own food, water, medicine and cleanup supplies.
Owners would not be allowed to shelter with their pets in the pet area, nor would pets be allowed in the people shelter area of the school.
The gym floor will be protected with plastic and mats. A contractor will be used to sanitize the school and spray for fleas before students are allowed to return.
The plan has been approved by the Escambia County School Board and must now be approved the by the Escambia County Commission.
Comments
10 Responses to “Pet Hurricane Shelter Planned For Molino Park”
I think the idea is great. I’m happy to read the school gym floor will be protected by plastic and mats. Then after the shelter closes sprayed for fleas and sanitized. It sounds like the school will be taken good care of. Thank you.
I am looking for a home for my cat – his dander and hair is about to kill my wife with her allergies and COPD.- I know this isn’t the place, but I thought I might take advantage of pet lovers that come here.
He is neutered, front claws removed (a dreadful thing to do) going on 7 years old, solid black with a couple of tufts of white on his chest, very well behaved (doesn’t climb on kitche tablkes or counters), slightly spoiled for attention. We love him and it breaks our hearts to think of giving him up – but it has to be to a good cat-loving home. His a part of our family, but my wife is miserable with her coughing, sneezing, etc.
He has a scratching post, bed, cat carrier, food and dishes; a few toys
Call: (h) 251-765-2629 (c) 850-516-4747 (w) 251-809-1528
As a pet owner myself (cats and dogs) I think it is a wonderful idea to have a pet friendly shelter for people to go to. However, I do question having it at any of the schools or other buildings that routinely have children in them. The reason being is because of pet allergies. There are many children who love pets, but can’t have them because they are allergic to them. As a pet owner, I keep a very clean house, but if you own pets and keep them indoors you know it is impossible to remove every piece of hair from your home. That being said, I don’t think it is a wise decision to have the selter in a place where children will be on a regular basis. Are there any alternate places being considered?
THANK YOU COMMISSIONERS FOR THIS KIND ACT. YES, some of us do consider our pets to be a part of our family and it is good to know that they won’t have to be left behind. All of us pay taxes for services that we may never need but the stress during a hurricane is bad enough without having to make the hard decision about your pet. Many people would never consider leaving their beloved pet behind.
Great Idea. I hope the commissioners approve this. Don’t listen to the few people that don’t consider pets family.
Well, it takes a special person to want to own a pet and a special kind of person to love a pet…the two together make a GREAT combination, everyone wins…apparently MISTER YELLAR HAMMER is NOT one of those people.
I REALLY APPRECIATE THIS PET FRIENDLY SHELTER SITE, I DO NOT HAVE CHILDREN IN SCHOOL BUT I DO PAY TAXES TO THE COUNTY IN MY REAL ESTATE TAXES FOR THESE SCHOOLS. SHAME ON FOLKS WHO DON’T THINK IT IS RIGHT TO ALLOW MANY TAX PAYING CITIZENS TO BRING THEIR BELOVED PETS WITH THEM TO THE SHELTER. IT IS OBVIOUS YOU HAVE NOT LOST ONE IN A STORM LIKE HUNDREDS DID HERE IN PENSACOLA AND OTHER STATES. TO SOME THEY ARE ALL THE FAMILY THEY HAVE.
I think this is a great idea for people who have dogs and cats and don’t have a better alternative. Animals are dependent upon humans for their care and comfort. Unfortunately, this won’t help people who have birds or other small animals. They will still have to look for other alternatives, if they need to evacuate. Thanks to the officials for at least making plans for a dog and cat friendly shelter! It’s a start and it’s money well spent.
Lets get this strait the county owns this building, I am a pet owner to but I don’t believe tax payers should foot the bill for a county run pet shelter. For those people that believe this should be a great cause pay for your own problem, this building should be for the people in our community that need shelter for greater than your pets.SHAME ON THE COMMISSIONERS FOR EVEN CONSIDERING THIS!!!!!!
Thank you School Board. I certainly approve. I hope the Commissioners will too.