Press release about the pet-friendly shelter, below.

Tons of information about evacuating with your pet, from Be Ready, Escambia.

Registration forms plus requirements and pet owner responsibilities at Molino shelter, Forms, responsibilities

Susie Forrester

   Good news! After months of discussion, planning and voting, Escambia County now has a pet-friendly emergency shelter at Molino Elementary School,  just off Highway 29 North. 

   Though pet owners are asked to find an alternate location for their pets, the school at 899 Highway 97 in Molino will be available as a "refuge of last resort" on a first come, first serve basis, according to a county press release.

    Pre-registration for pets to stay at the shelter will be required. Registration forms plus a full list of all requirements and pet owner responsibilities can be downloaded (see below) or picked up at the Escambia County Animal Shelter, 200 West Fairfield Drive in Pensacola.

   Pre-registration is essential to help the county plan for how many pets can be expected at the shelter --  space is limited to between 150 and 350 pets, depending on breed and kennel sizes. Only dogs and cats will be accepted; there is no limit of cats or dogs per person, nor limitations on breeds.

   Pet owners will be required to stay at the facility adjacent to the gym and may not leave their pet or pets at the shelter for any length of time.  For each pet at the shelter, the owner must provide: ID  tags, proof of vaccinations, food, water, any medications plus bedding and kennels; care including feeding, exercising, potty breaks and all cleanup. 

   Plan now where you will go with your pet if you need to evacuate for a storm. Plan now and you will prevent the stressful dilemma of staying in dangerous location during a storm, or leaving your pet behind. 

   The school building next door to the pet-friendly shelter/gym can house 2,200 people.