MANATEE COUNTY, FL (October 5, 2022) – One of the most heartbreaking post-Hurricane problems faced by communities is the issue of lost and missing pets. Manatee County Animal Welfare (MCAW) is working through those concerns with coordination and compassion.
Following Ian’s passage through the county Thursday, September 29, there have been 29 adoptions and 13 pets returned to their owners.
On Saturday, October 1, MCAW staff was able to clean-up and reopen the closed-for-for-the-storm Bishop Animal Shelter. Since Monday, October 3, field operations have been ongoing—bringing in an average of 20 lost or stray pets a day—almost double the typical volume.
Hold periods for storm-strays have been extended—with even longer extensions for any pets found in the Myakka City area.
MCAW has been working with partners across the country to transfer out adoptable pets to accommodate those extra animals coming to the shelter. As of Wednesday, October 5, 83 pets had been transferred, with an additional 70 pets leaving today. By next Tuesday, that number should be closer to 200.
“We are working hard to create more space to help these displaced animals through this period,” said Manatee County Animal Welfare Chief Sarah Brown.
Anyone whose pet may be missing after the storm is encouraged to check with MCAW by calling the Bishop Animal Shelter at (941) 742-5933 or Manatee County 3-1-1 or searching online.