Connections Important for Florida Shelters
There are many organizations in and outside of Florida ready and willing to help your shelter navigate all types of disasters.
You can find information below to get the help you need.
Disease Prevention and Response in Animal Shelters If your shelter needs help dealing with an increase in the severity or number of infections of any type, please begin by reviewing Dr. Cynda Crawford’s Management of Disease Outbreaks in Shelters.
- Then complete and submit the contact form while providing as much information as possible, including the type of disease and the number of animals involved.
- After completing the form, notify Dr. Crawford at 352-258-9263 or email her at crawfordc@ufl.edu
- Check out these resources and sample protocols for shelters. The purpose of these protocols is to provide a template or starting point for shelters in creating their own protocols. While these sample protocols represent current best practices, they are not a “once-size-fits-all” document, and some steps may need modification to fit available shelter staffing and resources. The sample protocols will be periodically reviewed and updated according to emergence of new evidence and guidelines.
Florida State Agricultural Response Team (SART) is a multiagency coordination group consisting of governmental and private entities dedicated to strengthening all-hazard disaster response capabilities through partnerships. Florida SART supports a coordinated incident response for the animal and agricultural sectors in the state of Florida.
- Registering for a SART account is FREE!
- You’ll have access to the county contacts page (very important for disasters).
- Request equipment when you need crates, pop-up kennels, or supplies for temporarily sheltering animals (hoarding cases, temporary emergency shelters, etc.)
- Unlimited access to educational and informational resource links, as well as SART training media.
- Ability to receive alerts and other pertinent SART information, including issuance of situation reports (Sit Reps) during emergency activation.
- The online pet-friendly training will provide you and your staff with information and guidance to fully prepare for a pet-friendly shelter for your community.
Your county’s Emergency Support Function – 17 Coordinator (ESF-17) is critical to getting your org assistance before, during, or after a disaster.
- It’s important to work on building good, solid relationships with your ESF-17 so you can work collaboratively for the best of your organization.
- Having those relationships established can ensure you get the assistance you need quickly.
- NOTE: You can only access this information if you have a registered SART account.
Florida State Animal Response Coalition (SARC) at the SPCA Florida is there to help shelters in Florida. Through specialized training, they equip volunteers and shelter staff with the skills needed to rescue, shelter, and care for animals affected by natural disasters and emergencies.
- Jeremy Hillengas, Manager, Florida State Animal Response Coalition (SARC)
- Phone/Text: 941-526-2756
- Office Phone: 863-646-7722 Ext 1024
- Email: jhillengas@spcaflorida.org and flsarc@spcaflorida.org
Florida Animal Control Association (FACA), DBA Florida Animal Protection and Advocacy Association (FAPAA) cooperates with public agencies dealing in animal control and protection, provides assistance to local animal organizations through supporting disaster planning and post-disaster operation, and promotes justice and equity in enforcement of local and state laws and regulations.
- Regular Agency Membership is open to any Florida Animal Control/Protection Agency, Code Enforcement Agency, Law Enforcement Agency, or Government-contracted organization who provides an animal control function and enforces local ordinances and/or Florida State statutes related to animal regulations. This membership category is closely involved in all matters involving the association.
- Associate Membership is open to private animal shelters or 501 (C)(3) rescue/adoption organizations, who do not provide the government role of animal control / animal law enforcement.
Florida Association of Animal Welfare Organizations (FAAWO) is a consortium of non-profit and municipal animal shelters, rescue groups, and dedicated advocates working together to positively impact animal welfare in Florida. Their aim is to improve the lives of animals and support Florida shelters through Legislation Advocacy, Disaster Response, and Animal Transport Services.
- Natural disasters aren’t the only crises for Florida shelters. Pet overpopulation, lack of space and resources, and limited access to funding are some of the biggest challenges shelters face on a daily basis. FAAWO’s network of members and partners is ready to help by arranging and executing the intra-state transport of animals and/or resources (food, supplies, etc.) to provide relief for struggling shelters.
- A variety of transport modes can provide shelters with immediate, emergency, and temporary relief by, moving animals to safety, freeing up shelter space for additional animals, securing temporary housing, and providing greater adoption support.
- If your organization needs help transporting animals, please email us at admin@faawo.org.
Need a veterinarian to issue Certificates of Veterinary Inspection (CVIs) for animals moving out of state pre- or post-disaster?
- Email our team to find an USDA Accredited veterinarian to help issue health certificates.
A.S.I.S.T., a joint initiative between the National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA) and Animal Search and Rescue (ASAR) Animal Services Incident Support Team.
- ASIST’s mission is to empower Animal Control Units to prepare for and respond to disasters with confidence and efficiency. By integrating animal welfare operations into the broader emergency management system, ASIST helps agencies work seamlessly within local, regional, and national response efforts.
- ASIST offers professional, no-cost assistance to agencies of all sizes—whether in the field or within Emergency Operations Centers. From coordinating animal evacuations to supporting recovery operations, ASIST stands by responders every step of the way.
The Animal Incident Management (AIM) initiative by BISSELL Pet Foundation increases our ability to respond to disasters and crises when animal welfare organizations and communities need us the most. Through the AIM partnership, BPF will provide boots-on-the-ground support for shelters and work to create disaster-ready communities.
- AIM responds to crises ranging from natural disasters to disease outbreaks and puppy mill cases, even in the most difficult situations. Working in collaboration with BISSELL Pet Foundation’s National Shelter Alliance experts and partner shelters throughout the country, we assist with large-scale incidents where pets desperately need lifesaving care; secure resources such as temporary housing and treatment in cases of disease outbreak; and provide transport for pets to safety before and after natural disasters strike.
- AIM takes action through partnerships with professional animal welfare organizations nationwide. Support is available to emergency management and communities in the form of resources such as pre-event planning to post-event recovery, animal search and rescue, shelter support, transport and mass care/humanitarian efforts where people and animals are assisted together.
As ASAR provides in-person response and support in disaster-impacted communities, Home To Home™ generates an online platform for temporary foster homes where people can sign up to open their homes to all species of animals during times of crisis.
- Pet owners impacted during the disaster can also use Home to Home to place their pets temporarily until they get back on their feet.
- This free service keeps animals out of emergency shelters and works to find new homes for adoptable animals.
Interested in Volunteering to Help Florida’s Animal Orgs During Disasters?
Disaster response
FL SARC
Training is required before individuals can become a volunteer and deploy with Florida SARC. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old to deploy to a disaster in Florida.
National Field Response Volunteer
ASPCA
Volunteers travel to the destination of an operation to provide shelter set-up, clean up and daily animal care support to victims of cruelty or disaster. Tasks may include feeding, cleaning, behavioral enrichment and the safe humane handling and care of animals.
Animal Rescue Team Volunteer
Humane World for Animals (HWA)
The Animal Rescue Team is highly trained and ready to deploy at a moment’s notice. Before and after disasters, the team works with local agencies on pre-storm preparations, developing pet-friendly evacuation plans, securing food and other resources and emergency field rescue for animals caught in harm’s way.
Florida Veterinary Medical Association
Florida Veterinary Corps
The Florida Veterinary Corps is a volunteer-driven program that assists local officials in responding to animal emergencies, most often natural disasters. Volunteers can choose to serve in various capacities, such as veterinary infrastructure assessment teams, triage or emergency animal treatment teams, and animal disease surveillance/control teams.
Grants for Disaster Relief
- Learn about common grant questions, general requirements, and what documents you’ll need to streamline your grant application process.