​ ​​As you make preparations for this year's storm season, don't forget to include your pets in your plan. Use these handy checklists to help you gather everything you'll need to keep you and your pets comfortable and safe as you ride out the storm.

Need a safe place to shelter during a storm? There are many pet friendly hotels throughout the County as well as secure boarding facilities for your pets.

The Pet Friendly Shelter is located inside the West Boynton Recreational Center at 6000 Northtree Blvd., Lake Worth, FL 33463 and is only available to Palm Beach County residents who reside in a mandatory evacuation zone, in a mobile home, or in sub-standard housing. Proof of residency will be required.  

Owners may drop pets off at the West Boynton Recreation Center Pet Friendly Shelter. After checking the pet(s) in, owners and family members may proceed to Park Vista High School,  which is adjacent to the Pet Friendly Shelter,  for human sheltering.  Owners may not shelter at the PFS with their pets.​

Equines,  livestock, small barnyard animals, exotic pets,  and reptiles are not accepted at the Pet Friendly Shelter. Aggressive dogs may be refused if it is determined that it is unsafe for staff to care for and handle the pet.

The Pet Friendly Shelter should be used as a last resort option in the event of a storm or other natural disaster.

Space is limited at the Park Vista Shelter so please limit personal belongings to only those essential items:

Suggested items for pets include:

• Pet carrier with bedding and a label with your name and phone number
  
• Leash and collar
  
• Medications (Minimun 5 days worth for each pet) ​
  
• Toys
  
• Pet brush (if needed)
  
• ID Tag on pet's collar
  
• Microchip information
  
• County license and rabies tag on pet's collar
  
• A water-proof ziplock bag with Vet records, notes about your pet's behavior, and proof of ownership (IE. Recent photos of you with your pets)​
  

What to expect during your Pet's stay at the  PFS:

• Your pet will be cared for by experienced Animal Care and Control staff including,
• Feeding
• Cleaning
• Limited walks for dogs
• Dogs, cats, birds, and pocket pets will be housed separately.
• This is a disaster relief shelter and should be only used as a last resort option.  Check with your veterinarian or local boarding facility for additional options.

Preparedness Information

Hurricane Preparedness Brochure

Pet Friendly Boarding Facilities

Pet Friendly Shelter Map​

Hurricane Impacted Animals

Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control continues to request that any stray animals found are brought to the shelter at 7100 Belvedere Road for documentation and stray-hold time in an effort to reunite animals that may have become lost just prior to and immediately following a hurricane. Animals found during the time our community is impacted by a hurricane​ will be kept for 10 days before being available for pre-adoption. No adoption will be finalized until 30 days after the storm-impacted pet was brought to the division.

Local private shelters and/or local or out-of-town rescue organizations may not transport any storm displaced animals out of county for a period of 30 days.

Local private shelters and rescue organizations are strongly discouraged from importing any new animals into Palm Beach County during hurricane season. Local private shelters and rescue organizations are encouraged to take adoptable animals from Animal Care and Control in order to free space at the division for storm displaced pets.