- May 7, 2024
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Flagler Humane Society employee Gary Perkins, shoots a selfie at the pet friendly shelter at Bunnell Elementary. Courtesy photo.
Flagler Humane Society staff and volunteers set up the first-ever, designated people and pet shelter at Bunnell Elementary, the night before Hurricane Matthew arrived. In the past there had been shelters that were suitable for a category 1 storm only.
Amy Carotenuto, director of the Flagler Humane Society, knew the official shelter would be well received, but even she was surprised at the number of people with pets.
“The amount of animals that we cared for shows what a huge demand there is for pet friendly evacuation shelters,” Carotenuto said.
Volunteer Manager Jeffrey Ritter, and other FHS staff, were at Bunnell Elementary when the people and their pets began to arrive, and they kept coming.
“We thought we might get 80 pets,” Ritter said. “We checked in 230.”
Ritter said there were dogs, cats, eight birds, and a sugar glider.
First Coast No More Homeless Pets of Jacksonville brought 54 extra kennels to the shelter while the team was setting up.
“We would not have made it without that,” Ritter said.
Ritter said the pet owners were grateful to have a place for their animals. Being the first time, there were a few small snags, mainly, crates for the cats.
“We ran out of cages for the cats, so they had to stay in their travel carriers, not ideal, but they were safe,” Ritter said. “You don’t always think about a crate for a cat, but they need one a small litter box can be placed in.”
Every two hours pet owners were allowed into the pet area to check-in and comfort their animals.
Carotenuto had some advice for the next time the shelter needs to be opened.
“We do need to emphasize, for future storms, that pet owners absolutely have to buy crates. Even though we loaned over 100 crates, we ran out.”
“We had more animals than we expected but we made it work” Ritter said.
A note from me:
FHS helped you. Here’s how you can help them. The shelter thrift store was closed for 3 ½ days, losing much needed income for the organization, and the shelter provided the overtime staff, and supplies, at the evacuation shelter. Please donate your time, cleaning supplies, and money to help them. If you don’t know what they need, call 445-1814, and ask.
