The shelter is putting out a plea for anyone who may be looking for a missing pet.
MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Manatee County Animal Services has taken in 129 dogs and cats since Hurricane Debby.
Now, the shelter is putting out a plea for anyone who may be looking for a missing pet to check its website, adding that it’s not uncommon for pets to go missing during storms.
“A lot of times with storms you’ll see fences get blown down, gates that get opened,” Jennifer Hume, the animal care division manager, said. “When people are helping fix storm damage, sometimes we’ll have workers leave a window open or a door or leave a fence open so the dog will just sneak out, especially when they are spooked. So, heavy rain, thunder you see a lot of animals get spooked out and they may run off.”
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Right now the shelter are extending the time they typically hold strays to 14 days in an effort to reunite families. It is also waiving fees at this time.
Check out the Manatee County Animal Services website to see the animals recently taken in.
In addition to the 129 animals on “hurricane hold,” there are dozens of other dogs, kittens and rabbits available for adoption. There are also more than 100 dogs in need of families at the Palmetto Shelter and 49 cats available for adoption at Cat Town.
You can also go in person to the Manatee County Animal Welfare Bishop location at 5718 21st Avenue W. in Bradenton.
The shelter is also reminding pet owners to make sure their pet’s microchip information is up to date. Pet owners are also encouraged to post lost dog information on social media channels.
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