Disaster Preparedness

Protecting Your Pets in a Disaster

Hurricanes, floods and wildfires can strike anytime and anywhere. But with preparation and planning, your family, including your pet, can be protected.

Donate to the Disaster Relief Fund

HSTC’s Disaster Relief Fund is a continuing, dedicated fund that is restricted solely to helping homeless animals in our community who’ve been impacted by natural disasters.  When disasters strike, whether it’s a hurricane, tornado, flood, wildfire, or other natural emergency, shelter and community pets are left vulnerable and in need of support.  This dedicated fund allows us to continue to serve as a necessary resource by providing the shelter, food, and life-saving medical care that these homeless animals need and deserve during an emergency. 

Martin County's Designated Domestic Pet Shelter

In Martin County, we recognize that many pet owners may not want to evacuate their residence or leave their pets behind in the case of an emergency evacuation. Martin County Emergency Management, in conjunction with the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast, has planned for a Domestic Pet Sheltering Program for Martin County residents. Through this program Humane Society of the Treasure Coast will house your pet at their facility for residents who are recommended or ordered to evacuate.

Pre-Registration is Required

Space is limited! The Humane Society of the Treasure Coast can only house approximately 150 animals in addition to what is currently at the shelter. Due to this limited capacity within our shelter, we require pre-registration for all animals we board. Complete the online form below to pre-register your pets for our domestic pet shelter!

Please note that these registrations are kept on file for one calendar year, so make sure to pre-register your pets every year in case of an emergency or disaster.

You must also submit copies of the following medical material for your pet:

• Veterinary records
• Proof of current vaccinations
• Identification
• Rabies tag

Please submit the required medical material to HSTC via:

• Pre-Registration form below. There will be an option to upload a file.
• Postal mail, addressed to: HSTC, 4100 SW Leighton Farm Ave., Palm City, FL 34990
• Fax at (772) 287-0174

Pet Boarding

The Humane Society of the Treasure Coast will begin boarding pets for First Responders as soon as they are called into active duty. We will begin boarding pets for those in evacuation zones once the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) officially declares an emergency and begins the evacuation of people in designated evacuation zones.

Pet Owner Rules for Sheltering

• If sheltering your pet for a hurricane, you must report to the designated Humane Society of the Treasure Coast, Inc. (HSTC) registration location with your pet prior to the impact of the storm. The shelter will accept pets once Martin County has declared a hurricane watch and will no longer accept once the wind speed in the area has reached 40mph and the County has banned vehicular traffic.
• You must have photo identification for your registration.
• Your pet must have identification on him/her at all times.
• You must provide appropriate aircraft type animal kennel or metal crate for your pet.
• You must provide written proof from a veterinarian of current rabies vaccine and bordetella vaccine.
• You shall permit your animal to be examined by HSTC personnel to determine if medical or stress conditions are present and require attention. You agree to the administration of medication to alleviate any such conditions.
• If your pet becomes unruly, aggressive, shows signs of contagious disease, or is infected by parasites (fleas, ticks, lice, etc.) the HSTC may refuse to accept your pet for sheltering. If facilities are available, such pet may be moved to a location where it would not affect other sheltered animals.
• You must arrange to pick up your pet within 48 hours of Martin County’s cancellation of the local declaration of emergency. If an animal is not retrieved, it will be held for the HSTC stray period (5 nights). If not retrieved within such a period, the animal becomes property of HSTC. Boarding charges of $20 per day per pet will apply.
• If the animal becomes ill during or after its stay at HSTC, HSTC is NOT responsible for any medical treatment or vet bill incurred.
• If during its stay with the HSTC, your pet develops a condition that causes it pain, distress, or suffering that the HSTC personnel cannot control or abate, such pet may be euthanized provided the HSTC’s vet concurs with such measure.

Pre-Registration Form

Supplies to Bring with Your Pet

• Crate or cage large enough for your pet to stand up in and turn around
• Medicine/Prescriptions
• Food and treats
• Blanket or towel to sleep on
• Special diet food
• Leash and collar or harness
• Small comfort toys

Additional Information

For additional hurricane information in Martin County, please click HERE, where you can familiarize yourself with the Hurricane Guide, Evacuation Routes, CodeRED Emergency Alert Sign-Up and more.

Below you can find some helpful contact information in the event of a hurricane or disaster:

• Martin County Animal Control (772) 463-3211
• Martin County Emergency Management (772) 287-1652
• Martin County Public Information Line (772) 287-1652