In the event of a hurricane or disaster, pet evacuation shelters in Alabama will be coordinated by county and local emergency management agencies. Please check with your local emergency management agency for information on pet friendly evacuation shelters in your county. Local and state health and safety regulations do not permit the Red Cross to allow pets in disaster shelters. (Service animals are allowed in Red Cross shelters.). It may be difficult to find shelter for your animals in the midst of a disaster, so plan ahead. Keep a list of pet friendly hotels in your area in case you have to evacuate and your local shelter is full.
Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries (ADAI)
The Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries (ADAI) has worked closely with emergency management agencies and local, regional, and national humane societies to facilitate the local operation of regional shelters. ADAI will handle the oversight and management of the facilities; local, regional, and national humane societies will provide volunteers and resources; while the Alabama Veterinary Medical Association and Auburn University will manage the pets’ healthcare needs at the shelters.
PET EVACUATION SHELTERS IN ALABAMA COUNTIES
Baldwin County Emergency Management
Baldwin County – Baldwin County Coliseum
Developed with the Baldwin County Emergency Management Agency and the Baldwin County Animal Shelter, a pet-friendly shelter will be located at the Baldwin County Coliseum in Robertsdale to accommodate dogs and cats. Residents taking shelter in the Coliseum will be able to bring in two dogs or cats per household. They must provide proof that their pets have had rabies and other basic vaccinations (DAPP and Bordetella for dogs, RVRCP for cats.) Pet owners are responsible for care of their animals while in the shelter and must bring crates, food, water and other necessary supplies.
Houston County Farm Center
The Houston County Farm Center is located at 1701 East Cottonwood Road, Dothan AL 36303. The facilities of the Houston County Farm Center include over 8 buildings ranging from 6 livestock barns, 2 exhibit buildings and a full hookup RV site. In an emergency, the Houston County Farm Center can house 400 domestic animals, 150 large animals.
Lee County AL Emergency Management
Mobile County Emergency Management
Mobile County – Mobile SPCA, Pets in Disaster
Mobile County Emergency Management has asked the Mobile SPCA to once again run the emergency pet shelter in the event of a hurricane or other disaster. The shelter will be set up at the Mobile SPCA office. The “pet” shelter will be opened anytime a “people” shelter is opened. If you are staying in a “people” shelter, your pet will be able to ride out the storm in the “pet” shelter. Unless you are a Mobile SPCA volunteer, you cannot stay with your pet. If you are leaving the area, however, you must take your pet with you or make arrangements with a veterinarian or boarding facility. You can not leave your pet at the “pet” shelter if you are leaving town!
