Hurricane dorian updates

​Here at The Humane Society we're preparing our animals and facility as we await Hurricane Dorian. We hope you are busy getting ready, too. THE SHELTER WILL BE CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC starting today Friday, August 30th so that we can initiate our disaster plan to focus on the high number of animals that will be arriving prior to the storm. We’ll still be accepting donations and the wellness clinic will be open from 1pm-4pm for rabies vaccinations and microchipping.  
 
Please do not surrender pets to the Humane Society prior to the storm because space is limited to the pets of special needs shelter guests and Indian River County first responders with a mandatory work requirement. Please make every effort to take your pet with you if you're required to or you’re voluntarily evacuating. Please NEVER leave any pets behind.
The Pet-Friendly Shelter at Liberty Magnet School will open SATURDAY, AUGUST 31 at 8:00 a.m. The school is located at 6850 81st St., Vero Beach. No pre-registration is necessary but animals and people will be housed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Be sure to bring the emergency supplies for you and your pet! Click this link if you plan on taking your pet to Liberty Magnet: http://www.irces.com/em/PetShelter.htm
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​🐾 We need your help! 🐾 We are looking for foster parents to provide temporary care for our adoptable pets during the storm. We're currently planning for the possible arrival of Hurricane Dorian and all of the incoming animals that will come with it. We will not only be housing our shelter animals, but also animals of first responders and the pets of special needs shelter guests.  HSVB is accepting approved applications of these animals that require care during this urgent time, but we need to clear some space to allow for these animals in need.
 
We're committed to keeping the shelter's animals safe and comfortable, which is why many of our staff and volunteers will be staying at the shelter during the storm. You can help by fostering some of our shelter dogs for the duration of the storm.  If you are "Hunkering Down" for the storm and would be willing to have some company during that time please call (772) 388-3331. All the necessary food and supplies would be provided.  We thank you in advance for helping the animals!
​We hope you and your furry loved ones are staying safe during Hurricane Dorian. We're committed to keeping the shelter's animals safe and comfortable, which is why many of our staff and volunteers are working at the shelter during the storm. Because of all the animals that we received prior to the storm and the possibility of power outages; we may be delayed in responding to your message.
 
If you cannot reach us and have an animal emergency, please contact:
Indian River County Emergency Operations Center Hotline (772) 226-4000
Indian River County Animal Control (772) 226-3485
Indian River Sheriff's Department at (772) 569-6700
Treasure Coast Animal Emergency and Specialty Hospital (772) 569-4500

In Case of Emergencies

When hurricanes and other emergencies  threaten, HSVB is ready to assist. We shelter the pets of first-responders who need to be out during a storm and we help staff Indian River County's only  pet-friendly shelter. 

Please consider donating online to help with disaster response and to help us care for the steady stream of lost and stray animals we are receiving. Donate Now
Shellter Admissions: 772.388.3331 X130
Shelter After Hours: 772.388.4592
Indian River Sheriff's Department: 772.569.6700

After Hours Veterinarians:
Treasure Coast Animal Emergency & Specialty Hosp. (Indian River): 772-569-4500
Animal Emergency And Critical Care Center Of Brevard: 321.725.5365
Animal Emergency & Referral Center (St. Lucie County): 772.466.3441

Download a list of emergency contact numbers: Click here.
U.S. Dept. of Homeland Sec. preparedness: Click here.
Indian River County Emergency Services Department: Click here.
Red Cross hurricane preparedness: Click here.
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Hurricane
or disaster

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Indian River County now has a Pet Friendly Shelter located at Liberty Magnet School on CR-510. This "shelter of last resort" could provide important services for you and your pets. This is a first-come-first-served facility. Present the following Registration Form when you arrive.
Learn more about this Evacuation Shelter...

June 1 through November 30 is hurricane season. We urge all pet owners to include pets in their disaster planning. Indian River County has made it possible for you to evacuate with your pet.

Indian River County has designated Liberty Magnet School at 6850 81st Street in Vero Beach as the county’s pet-friendly evacuation shelter. The Humane Society of Vero Beach & Indian River County has accepted the responsibility of helping manage this shelter.

“In the past when a hurricane threatened, families with pets had very few choices,” observes Ilka Daniel, HSVB&IRC’s Director of Protective Services. “When ordered to evacuate, pet owners typically would either flee the county with their pets in tow or sought refuge for themselves and their pets with friends living in non-evacuation areas.

Activating a pet-friendly shelter is a responsible alternative that enables entire families, pets and all, to safely remain together in times of disaster.

As with other evacuation shelters in the county, the pet-friendly shelter should be considered as “a shelter of last resort,” according to Daniel. We would like for you to consider other alternatives before you decide on the pet-friendly shelter.

To qualify for using the pet-friendly shelter, evacuees must meet certain requirements. First, they must reside in a mandatory evacuation area. Next, they must bring with them an animal crate large enough to comfortably accommodate bedding, a litter pan, and food/water. Finally, they are required to show proof of a current rabies vaccination and a county license for their pet, if applicable.

“Space in the pet-friendly shelter will be on a first-come-first-served basis,” says Etta LoPresti, Indian River County Emergency Management Coordinator. Completing the registration form prior to your arrival will make the check-in process easier and more efficient. If you have any questions, contact Ilka Daniel at www.hsvb.org or 772.571.6408.


Download General Information Packet
Download and prepare your Annual Registration Form now.

In Times of 
Family Crisis

Often, we can help you through a family crisis by offering foster care on a limited, short term basis to qualifying individuals. This is a last resort for those who cannot make or afford other arrangements. Please contact Animal Admissions at 772-388-3331 X130 for more information. Also, you can download a Foster Care Application by clicking here.

Surrendering
an Animal

We understand. Sometimes it is necessary to surrender an animal to the Shelter. As an "open admission" shelter, no animal is ever turned away provided the animal is from the home of a bona-fide Indian River County resident. Others are asked to pay a $75 surrender fee. Contact Animal Admissions at 772-388-3331 X130 for details. 

If You Go, They Go!

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Never leave your pet alone if you have been given the order to evacuate! For this reason, we strongly encourage you to make an emergency plan for your pet NOW! Avoid a crisis later. Remember, your pet’s safety depends entirely on you.

To help make your plan, download a copy of an informative brochure entitled "If You Go, They Go!"
Humane Society of Vero Beach & Indian River County

Visiting the Dog Park?

Help keep your dog safe. If you see any of the following behaviors, you need to intervene, interrupt, and pull your dog out.
1: Rolling

When one dog makes physical contact with another and knocks into him, causing him to tumble, somersault or roll over.
2: Tucked Tail

When the dog’s tail is so low the base is pressed tight to the anus. The tip of the tail is often under the stomach.
3: Pinning

When one or more dogs has another dog on its side or back for more than 5 seconds.
4: Hiding or Hovering

When the dog spends more than 5 seconds underneath something or hovering near a human. Dog’s tail will be low or tucked.
5: Group Chase

When more than one dog is chasing another dog. This can quickly become out of control.
Download and print a copy of these behavior tips to carry with you. CLICK HERE...
Dog Park safety tips presented with permission from Sue Sternberg.

SHOP THE THRIFTS / SCORE SOME DEALS / HELP OUR ANIMALS

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KICK-OFF THE HOLIDAYS
WITH GREAT DISCOUNTS ON HOLIDAY ITEMS AND  EVERYTHING IN THE STORE!

Friday, November  24   &   Saturday, November  25
Shop 9 am to 6 pm
Two Locations—Visit them both!
 
 

Everything you buy helps the animals in the Shelter on holidays and every day!!