Franklin County Florida
Emergency Management
Department
Animal Response Annex
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION - DISTRIBUTION LIMITED
Information contained in this plan is confidential pursuant to Florida Statutes 119.07(3)(33) & 281.311
119.07(3)(33)
Disaster Resistant Communities Group
6224 Wake Robin Lane
Tallahassee Florida 32309
850.241.3565
www.DRC-Group.com
The 2010 Franklin County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan was prepared by the Franklin
County Emergency Response Team with support from the Disaster Resistant Communities Group.
Franklin County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan
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Animal Response Annex
Table of Contents
1.0 – Introduction ............................................................................................................ 2
2.0 – County Pet Ordinance ............................................................................................ 3
3.0 – State, County, Community Organization and Private Sector Responsibility ........... 3
3.1 – State Government Responsibility ...................................................................... 3
3.2 – County Government Responsibility ................................................................... 3
3.3 – Community Organization Responsibility ........................................................... 4
3.4 – Private Sector Responsibility ............................................................................ 4
4.0 – Pet Friendly Shelters .............................................................................................. 5
4.1 – Tropical Event ................................................................................................... 5
4.2 – Non-Tropical Event ........................................................................................... 5
4.3 – Post Hurricane .................................................................................................. 6
5.0 – Evacuations ............................................................................................................ 6
6.0 – Pet / Owner Reunification ....................................................................................... 7
6.1. – Reunification Tools .......................................................................................... 7
7.0 – Pet / Animal Preparedness ..................................................................................... 7
7.1 – Small Pets ......................................................................................................... 7
7.1.1 – Locating A Boarding Kennel ..................................................................... 8
7.1.2 – Locating A Pet Friendly Hotel / Motel ....................................................... 8
7.1.3 – Pet Disaster Supplies ............................................................................... 8
7.2 – Horses .............................................................................................................. 9
7.2.1 – Locating A Boarding Stable ...................................................................... 9
7.2.2 – Horse Disaster Plan .................................................................................. 9
1.0 – Introduction
In disasters, the first priority is the protection of life, property and the environment.
Although the protection of human life is the highest priority in an emergency response,
recent disasters and follow-up research has shown that proper preparation and effective
coordination of animal issues enhance the ability of emergency personnel to protect
both human and animal health and safety.
This Animal Response Annex to the county’s CEMP1 is intended as a guide for paid and
volunteer personnel to perform the critical field response support for the safe evacuation
and sheltering of animals during a disaster. This annex outlines the procedures to
organize qualified teams of volunteers to transport animals to an area that is safe and
meets the animal’s sheltering needs.
Ultimately, owners of horses, large animals and pets are responsible for their animal’s
evacuation and sheltering needs. For this reason, a disaster preparedness section is
included in this annex. Animal owners should realize that they might not receive
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Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan
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immediate governmental and / or non-governmental assistance during a disaster and
may be on their own to provide for themselves and protect their property and animals.
2.0 – County Pet Ordinance
It is important to note that the county has a Leash Law – Ordinance # 88-4 which
outlines several responsibilities of pet owners. This ordinance applies during normal
conditions as well as during an emergency or disaster. Only the BOCC2 has the
authority to waive this ordinance.
3.0 – State, County, Community Organization and Private Sector Responsibility
In accordance with CEMP, the county maintains control of disaster response and
recovery operations. Assistance may come from other local, state and federal
government agencies, community organizations and the private sector. However, all
efforts within the county remain under the direction of the FCEMD3.
3.1 – State Government Responsibility
SART4 is a multi agency coordination group consisting of governmental and community
based organizations dedicated to all-hazard disaster preparedness, planning, response
and recovery for the animal and agriculture sectors in Florida.
SART utilizes the skills and resources of many agencies, organizations and individuals
with its multi agency coordination structure.
SART supports the county, regional and state emergency management efforts and
incident management teams and works within ESF # 175 at the SEOC6.
Florida SART’s mission is to empower Floridians through training and resource
coordination to enhance all-hazard disaster planning and response for animal and
agricultural issues.
3.2 – County Government Responsibility
The following county departments have an identified role in animal protection within the
county during an emergency or disaster:
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Franklin County Board of Commission
Franklin County Emergency Management Department
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State Agriculture Response Team
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Emergency Support Function # 17 – Animal Protection
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State Emergency Operations Center
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Department
Franklin County Animal Control Department (FCACD)
Role
Lead
Franklin County Emergency Management Department (FCEMD)
Support
Franklin County Extension Service (FCES)
Support
Franklin County Solid Waste Department (FCSWD)
Support
FCACD – Is the lead agency for ESF # 17 for the county. As lead agency they are
responsible for the coordination of all animal planning and preparedness, response and
recovery issues in the county.
FCEMD – Serves as the conduit for making requests to the SEOC for additional
resources once the county’s animal response capabilities have been exhausted.
FCES – Serves in an educational role to assist the county’s pet / animal owners in their
efforts to become as prepared as possible for future disasters and emergencies.
FCSWD – Provides assistance is the disposal of animal carcasses in the aftermath of a
disaster.
3.3 – Community Organization Responsibility
The following community organizations have an identified role in animal protection
within the county during an emergency or disaster.
Community Organization
Role
Big Bend Disaster Animal Response Team (BBDART)
Support
Franklin County Humane Society (FCHS)
Support
BBDART – Provides assistance with Pet Friendly Shelter operations.
FCHS – Assist the FCACD by supporting animal protection actions during disasters and
providing adoption services for stray dogs and cats.
3.4 – Private Sector Responsibility
The following businesses have an identified role in animal protection with the county
during an emergency or disaster.
Private Sector
Apalachicola Bay Animal Clinic Inc (ABAC)
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Role
Support
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ABAC – Assist the FCACD by supporting animal protection actions during disasters.
When animal response and recovery shortfalls are identified during an emergency or
disaster by the above county, community and private agencies and organizations
FCEMD will then request assistance from the SEOC via EM Constellation7.
4.0 – Pet Friendly Shelters
Due to the fact that general population shelters are not opened when the county is
threatened by a tropical storm or hurricane, this annex identifies three Pet Friendly
Shelter scenarios.
4.1 – Tropical Event
For tropical events the FCACD8 will coordinate with ESF # 17 at the Leon County EOC 9
regarding the location of the regional Pet Friendly Shelter normally jointly located with a
general population shelter in Tallahassee.
BBDART is responsible for the operation of the regional Pet Friendly Shelter.
If available, staff from the FCACD will deploy to the regional Pet Friendly Shelter to
support its operations.
4.2 – Non-Tropical Event
Shelters for the general population can be opened within the county for a wide variety of
reasons, regional flooding, hazardous materials incidents and wildfires are but a few of
scenarios for temporarily housing individuals and families.
Pet Friendly Shelter Initial Response
When such an event occurs and the need arises to care for pets the FCACD will work
closely with the county’s ESF # 610 to identify space either within or adjacent to a
general population shelter to be utilized as a Pet Friendly Shelter.
Once the decision has been made to establish a Pet Friendly Shelter, the FCACD will
notify BBDART and request their assistance in supporting the shelter with both
equipment and staff.
Upon identification of a suitable facility to house pets and written authorization has been
obtained to utilize the facility, the FCACD will initiate Pet Friendly Shelter operations
utilizing the following procedures.
Florida’s Resource Request and Mission Tracking System
Franklin County Animal Control Department
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Emergency Operations Center
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Emergency Support Function # 6 – Mass Care
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Action
Activity
#1
Establish a registration area.
• Utilize several tables located at the entrance to the building as the
registration area.
• Assign one staff member to this area.
#2
Establish Pet Housing Area
• The floors and walls in the pet housing area will need to be lined with six
mil poly sheeting (Visqueen) to protect surfaces.
• This area should be divided into several areas for different kinds of pets.
• Place cages on top of poly sheeting.
• Each area will need to have waste containers, paper towels, spray
bottles of disinfectant, deodorizer, food dishes, disposable litter pans,
water, food and litter.
• Each area will be manned by a minimum of two staff.
#3
Check In
• Pets arriving at the shelter MUST be contained in a cage / carrier
provided by the pet owner.
• Pet Owner must wait at the registration area with their pet, fill out forms,
read and sign.
• A photo will be taken of the pet owner and pet.
• The pet owner will be responsible for walking, providing food for and
feeding, caring for and cleaning up after their pet.
• ID bands will be placed on the pet’s neck and the pet owner’s wrist.
• Registration forms and signed releases will be placed in a zip-lock bag
then attached to the carrier that the owner has provided for their pet.
4.3 – Post Hurricane
In the event that the county is impacted by a hurricane of significant strength to cause
wide-spread damage, the FRACD will request through the county’s EOC that additional
resources be deployed to the county to support any Pet Friendly Shelter or pet rescue
operations.
5.0 – Evacuations
The goal of a pet / animal evacuation is to safely move affected pets / animals away
from the disaster threat to an identified location until the disaster is under control and it
is safe to return.
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The FCACD shall coordinate pet / animal evacuation efforts using the following
guidelines and procedures.
Action
Activity
#1
Notify FCEMD of the location of any Pet Friendly Shelter located either
within the county and / or outside the county.
#2
Coordinate with FCEMD to disseminate the location of the Pet Friendly
Shelters to the residents of the county via the county’s PIO 11.
6.0 – Pet / Owner Reunification
During a disaster pets and owners often become separated. The FRACD will request
through the county’s EOC that additional resources be deployed to the county to
support any pet / owner reunification that may be needed in the aftermath of a
significant disaster.
6.1. – Reunification Tools
Pet owners can utilize several on-line pet reunification tools. These tools can be found
at the following web sites.
Web Site Name
URL
Find Toto
www.findtoto.com
Lost Pets
www.homeagain.com
Petfinder
www.petfinder.com
Pets 911
www.pets911.com
7.0 – Pet / Animal Preparedness
During an emergency, the time residents have to evacuate their pets and animals may
be limited. With an effective Pet Disaster Plan, residents gain additional time to move
their pets and animals to safety. Disaster preparedness is important for all animals, but
it takes extra consideration for large animals because of their size and their
transportation requirements. It is imperative that the county’s residents are prepared to
move their pets and animals to a location outside the threat area in the event of an
emergency or disaster.
7.1 – Small Pets
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Public Information Officer
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If residents must evacuate, it is advisable that they take their pets with them. If it is not
safe for residents to stay in the disaster area, it is not safe for their pets. Animals left
behind in a disaster can easily be injured, lost or killed. Animals left inside homes can
escape through damaged areas, such as broken windows. Animals turned loose to fend
for themselves are likely to become victims of exposure, starvation and predators. Their
presence can also hinder or complicate emergency response.
It is imperative that residents have a plan as to where they will take their pets ahead of
time. This could be as simple as the home of a friend or relative or involve identifying a
boarding kennel or hotel / motel outside the threat area.
7.1.1 – Locating A Boarding Kennel
Identify a boarding kennel or other facility for use in the event of an emergency by
talking with your veterinarian or accessing one of the following web sites.
Web Site Name
URL
Find Pet Care
www.findpetcare.com
Pet Care Services Association
www.petcareservices.org
7.1.2 – Locating A Pet Friendly Hotel / Motel
Identify hotels and motels that accept pets by accessing one of the following web sites.
Web Site Name
URL
Bring Fido
www.bringfido.com
Dog Friendly
www.dogfriendly.com
Pet Friendly Hotels
www.pet-friendly-hotels.net
Pets Welcome
www.petswelcome.com
Tallahassee Pet Resources
www.tallahasseepetresources.com
7.1.3 – Pet Disaster Supplies
Pet owners should prepare a Disaster Supplies Kit for their pets. They should stock up
on non-perishable items ahead of time, add perishables at the last minute, and have
everything ready to go at a moment’s notice. Everything should be kept accessible,
stored in a sturdy container that can easily be carried. The disaster kit should include:

Medications, medical records and current vaccination records stored in a
waterproof container and a first aid kit. A pet first aid book is also good to include.
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Sturdy leashes, harnesses and carriers to transport pets safely and to ensure
that they can’t escape. Carriers should be large enough for the animal to stand
comfortably, turn around and lie down. The pet may have to stay in the carrier for
hours at a time.
Current photos and descriptions for identification purposes in case the owners
get separated from their pets.
Food and water for three days for each pet, including bowls, cat litter and litter
box and a can opener.
Pet beds and toys, if you can easily take them, to reduce stress.
Other useful items include newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags,
grooming items and household bleach.
Pet owners should make sure their pets are collared with up-to-date identification. The
tags should include pet owner’s name, telephone number and any urgent medical
needs.
Microchipping your pet provides an important safety net should you ever be separated
from your pet.
7.2 – Horses
Owners should make arrangements in advance to have horses trailered in case of an
emergency or disaster. If a resident does not own a trailer or does not have enough
trailer space for all their horses, they should make arrangements with other horse
owners or organizations to help evacuate their horses.
Horse owners should know where they can take their horses in an emergency
evacuation.
7.2.1 – Locating A Boarding Stable
Identify a boarding stable or other facility for use in the event of an emergency by talking
with your veterinarian or accessing the following web site.
Web Site Name
Horse Boarding
URL
www.horseboarding.com
7.2.2 – Horse Disaster Plan
Horse owners should inform friends and neighbors of their evacuation plans. They
should post detailed instructions in several locations such as the barn office, tack room,
horse trailer and barn entrances in an effort to ensure the plans are available to
emergency workers in case the owners are not able to evacuate their horses.
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Horse owners should place important information such as Coggins test certificate,
veterinary papers, identification, photographs, medical history, allergies and emergency
telephone numbers in a watertight envelope. The envelope should be stored with other
important papers in a safe place that can be quickly being reached.
Halters should be kept ready for horses. Each halter should include the following
information: the horse’s name, the owner’s name, telephone number and other
emergency numbers where someone can be reached. Other forms of temporary
identification, such as neckbands and duct tape with permanent writing will also work.
Horse owners should keep identification information with them to verify ownership.
Permanent identification such as tattoos, brands, etched hooves or microchips are best.
It is important that horses are comfortable being loaded into a trailer. If horses are
unaccustomed to being loaded into a trailer, the horse owner should practice the
procedure with their horse. The stress of a disaster and the unfamiliarity of a trailer may
be dangerous to the handler and delay the evacuation process.
Owners should be sure to have on hand a supply of water, hay, feed and medications
for several days for each horse being evacuated. A basic first aid kit should be prepared
that is portable and easily accessible. The following supplies should be assembled and
ready to go in the event of an evacuation order.
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Plastic trash barrel with lid.
Water buckets.
Non-nylon leads, halters and shanks.
Leg wraps, horse blanket or sheet.
Tarps.
Flashlight, shovel, sharp knife, wire cutters and hoof pick.
Lime or bleach and fly spray.
If residents must leave their horses and other large animals, they should leave them in a
pre-selected area appropriate for the disaster type. They should leave as much hay,
food and water as possible. Residents may not be allowed back into the area for several
days.
The leading causes of death to large animals during disaster are:
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Collapsed barns.
Kidney failure due to dehydration.
Electrocution from downed power lines.
Fencing failures.
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