When situations challenge your ability to care for your pets.

Emergencies

Imagine the pain we experience when an potential disaster looms and we are faced with desperate neighbors who want our help in sheltering their animals. Despite our desire to help, we cannot hope to serve everyone who might appear at our doorstep. While there are over 60,000 animals in Indian River County, only 2,000-3,000 boarding openings may be available. Inevitably, we have to make some critical choices.

For this reason, we strongly encourage you to make an emergency plan for your pet NOW! (Our «Emergency Instructions» page can has the information and resources to help you prepare now and avoid a crisis later.) Remember, your pet’s safety depends entirely on you.  Never leave your pet alone if you have been given the order to evacuate.

In some circumstances, HSVB&IRC does provide emergency and disaster care for animals in need. We offer foster care to those individual registered with the Special Needs Shelter for the medically needy who have no other alternative for their pets. We also offer foster care to those individuals who work in an emergency service capacity and have no other alternatives other than leaving pets unattended. Our next priority is those people living in mandatory evacuation areas or unsafe conditions who have exhausted all other avenues for pet safety. Pre-registration is required to ensure a place for your pet. Download a «Foster Care Application» now and see if you might qualify.

Also, be aware. Even if your pet qualifies for our foster care services, we may not be able to help you if our capacity is already exceeded. So, now is a good time to plan your options - before it becomes time to work your plan!

Family Crisis Situations

In times of family crisis the Humane Society is able to offer foster care on a limited, short term basis to qualifying individuals. Each circumstance is individually reviewed for approval. Time and space are limited. Therefore this program should be used as a last resort for those who cannot afford other arrangements for their pets. The program may also be used for medical emergencies as a temporary housing alternative until a family member or friend can take custody of the pet. Please contact Animal Receiving at 772-388-3331 ext 30 for more information.

Surrendering an animal

We encourage people to assess the responsibilities associated with having an animal before they bring an animal into their lives. Still, we know that circumstances can change and it may become necessary to surrender an animal if you are no longer able to care for it. In such situations, HSVB&IRC is available to help.

Unlike other shelters that place limits on the animals they will accept, HSVB&IRC is an "open admission" shelter, accepting surrendered Indian River County animals. In other words, no animal is ever turned away provided the animal is from the home of a bona-fide Indian River County resident.

Regrettably, animals brought to us from outside Indian River County or by individuals who cannot document their residency (and demonstrate evidence that the surrendered animal is actually theirs) must pay a $75 surrender fee to partially offset the cost of processing the animal for adoption.

If you have questions about surrendering an animal, please contact Animal Receiving at 772-388-3331 ext 30.