Where is my human?  The big brown eyes of the little brown pup, "Clint” looked up woefully at Kim Staton, director of Osceola County Animal Services.

“We hope the owners come forward and claim him,” Staton said. “If not, this little fellow will be up for adoption.”

Animal Services is partnering with the American Red Cross to provide shelter and food to those impacted by Hurricane Ian. Both organizations realize the importance of keeping humans and their pets together if possible.

“The pets are family for many of the (shelter) residents,” Staton said,  "especially the older residents. And they need them nearby.”

"The pet section has been great," Julie Kraus, manager at the Red Cross shelter at South Econ Recreation Center in Orlando, agreed. "In fact, it’s been easier because the clients don’t have to leave to go care for their pets. If the pets are not here, the residents worry about them. Red Crossers are pet owners, too, and we know that pets are family.

“Animal Services has really been great, providing all the needs for the different types of animals. We even have an iguana now,” she said.

“We provide crates, food, litter, and any other supplies the pets need,” Staton said. “Right now, we work at three different shelters.”

Animal Services is currently supporting some 70-80 animals. Most of the pets are dogs and cats, but there are also birds, rabbits, a ferret – and that reptile. Staton said that if the owners can’t care for their animals while they’re evacuated, Animal Services will care for the pets until the owners can retrieve them.

After Hurricane Katrina, Congress enacted the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act, which has local, state, and federal agencies working to ensure that evacuation plans take into account the safety of pets and service animals. 

Osceola County Animal Services began preparing for incoming pets as soon as it appeared Hurricane Ian might sweep through the county.  

“We needed to temporarily relocate about 20 dogs and 20 cats to make room for possibly that many new arrivals,” Staton said. “Sarasota Animal Services offered to take them.”

One county Animal Services agency has had to deal with several medical problems with pets in their shelters, including ear infections necessitating antibiotics and a dislocated shoulder, Staton said. So far, Osceola County has not had those problems, but they have a veterinarian on standby, just in case. 

Brown-eyed little Clint doesn’t care about any of that. He’s just happy to be safe, dry, fed, and cuddled at the shelter. And if his pre-storm owner doesn’t find him, he’s sure to be adopted by a special human looking for a sweet fur baby to add to the family.

American Red Cross relief is free to anyone with disaster-caused needs, thanks to the generosity of the American people. If you would like to support the Hurricane Ian effort financially, visit redcross.org, text the words IAN to 90999 to make a $10 donation, or call 1-800-HELP NOW.

Written by Diane Weber, American Red Cross Public Affairs