Orange County officials are reminding residents to include pets in their emergency preparations as hurricane season approaches. Program Coordinator Rick Hunyadi notes that pets should be part of evacuation plans. The county operates multiple pet‑friendly shelters, with the possibility of opening up to six general population shelters that accommodate pets, as well as additional shelters for participants in the People with Special Needs program.
Families are advised to assemble an emergency kit that includes pet food, medications, veterinary records, blankets, toys, and appropriate crates, carriers or leashes. Training pets to be comfortable in crates can help make evacuations smoother and reduce anxiety in shelter environments. Residents are encouraged to monitor the county website and official social media channels for updates on shelter availability and emergency information. Pet‑friendly shelters are staffed by Animal Services personnel to support both residents and their animals throughout a storm.
Press release issued by Orange County Government Newsroom:
https://newsroom.ocfl.net/2026/05/dont-forget-your-pets-early-hurricane-preparedness/
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