When disaster strikes, providing safe refuge for Florida residents necessitates providing safe refuge for the household pets. In 2022, the American Red Cross updated its guidance to view pet-friendly shelter as the norm from American Red Cross shelter operations. Hurricane Ian was the first opportunity for the Red Cross in Florida to implement this guidance. Working with community partners, Emergency Management, and state subject matter experts, the American Red Cross discovered successes and challenges, best practices and corrective actions that will guide our operations going forward. Join us as we discuss our experience and gather feedback on next steps.

Organized by Paul Johnston