Media Alert: August 29, 2019
Media Contact: Cara MacVane, CKMacVane@gmail.com; 561.685.2342
Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League Announces Closures and Tips to Keep Your Pet Safe During Hurricane Dorian
Palm Beach County, FL- Due to Hurricane Dorian, Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League will be closed to the public Monday, September 2nd & Tuesday, September 3rd. The League will now be open on Sunday, September 1st. Hours will be updated on the League’s website PeggyAdams.org, as well as social media @PeggyAdamsARL
“No matter what track this storm takes, the residents of Palm Beach County should be pet-prepared,” said Rich Anderson, Executive Director/CEO of Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League. “Friends don’t leave friends behind therefore have a plan and supplies in place that includes your pets. Be sure to visit our hurricane preparedness checklist to make sure you have everything you need. It’s very important to make sure pets have their collars on, are microchipped and that the chip information is up-to-date in case they get lost.”
For those with pets needing to find a safe place for them during the storm, the Pet Friendly Shelter is located at the West Boynton Recreation Center (east of Park Vista High School), 6000 Northtree Blvd., Lake Worth. The Pet Friendly Shelter is available to Palm Beach County residents residing in a mandatory evacuation zone or in mobile homes. Proof of residency is required. Space is limited and restrictions apply. Pet owners are required to stay at the shelter. Livestock and reptiles will not be accepted. Pets will be housed in a separate area from people. Pet owners will be given a schedule to attend to their animal’s needs. For more information about this shelter, contact Palm Beach County Animal Care & Control by visiting www.discover.pbcgov.org/publicsafety/animalcare/Pages/Hurricane.aspx
***Stray animals should be brought to Palm Beach County Animal Care & Control or to Peggy Adams during hours of operation. Animals are not to be brought to either location during closure hours. Stray animals will be accepted at Peggy Adams if they have space. Abandoned pets need to be brought to Animal Care & Control. Hours of operations will be updated at www.pbcgov.org/animalcare or www.PeggyAdams.org
Helpful Tips for Pet Parents:
Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League encourages pet parents to avoid potential tragedies by taking the following steps to prepare for a hurricane.
- Never leave your pet home alone or outside. The safest place for your pet is with you! Left alone, your pet may be subject to injuries from structural damage, flooding and excessive heat after the storm.
- Equip all pets with a collar and identification tag containing visible and accurate information in case you become separated from your pet. Micro-chipped pets have a much better chance of being reunited with their owners.
- Practice a run through; including introducing your pet to the “safe room” you will take shelter in during the storm. For example, don’t let the actual hurricane be the first time your dog or cat spends time in the walk-in closet or downstairs bathroom.
- During the hurricane drill, introduce your pet’s everyday activities in the safe room to increase maximum comfort later. Try everything- placing animals in their carriers, have them eat and drink in this room, etc.
- Create a list of pet-friendly shelters nearby-including a list of hotels that allow pets, and keep it in a safe place for easy access as a storm approach.
- Be sure all animals are up-to-date with vaccines and keep records with you.
- Have photos taken of you with your pets and keep these photos in a safe, readily available place, like a wallet or purse for identification purposes.
Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League also recommends that pet owners create a pet emergency kit with supplies. Items include: three-day supply of drinking water and food stored in airtight, waterproof containers; bowls and can opener for food and water; sturdy carrier large enough for the pet to sleep in for a few days; leash and harness for all dogs; bedding; towels; medications for two weeks; vaccination records; first-aid supplies; one-week supply of litter and litter box for cats; cool packs; pet wipes; current photos and description of pets (with owner if possible); and be sure all animals have several forms of ID on their collar, are microchipped and that microchip information is up-to-date.
About Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League
The Mission of the Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League is to provide shelter to lost, homeless and unwanted animals, to provide spay and neuter and other medical services for companion animals, and to care for, protect, and find quality homes for homeless and neglected companion animals, to advocate animal welfare, community involvement and education to further the bond between people and animals. Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity navigator, and is the first animal shelter in South Florida to become AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) accredited. The League is an independent nonprofit animal rescue organization operating continuously since 1925. For more information, please visit PeggyAdams.org
Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League saves more lives than any other rescue organization in Palm Beach County and provides critical services to more than 30,000 animals each year.
Note to Media: Rich Anderson, Executive Director/CEO of Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League is available to speak and can be reached at the following phone number: 561.472.8844
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