Three ways to keep your pet safe in Broward County
Key Points(5)
- For many families, South Florida's heat and hurricane season can be uncomfortable and stressful.
- Those challenges become even more taxing when caring for the family pet.
- While South Florida's tropical weather may feel familiar to many residents, there are some important considerations when it comes to pet ownership.
- Broward County Animal Care wants residents to know about a few simple steps that can help protect their pets and prepare them for emergencies.
- A Broward County Pet Tag Is More Than a Requirement Broward County requires every dog and cat to have a current rabies vaccination and a Broward County Pet Registration tag.
For many families, South Florida's heat and hurricane season can be uncomfortable and stressful. Those challenges become even more taxing when caring for the family pet. While South Florida's tropical weather may feel familiar to many residents, there are some important considerations when it comes to pet ownership.
Broward County Animal Care wants residents to know about a few simple steps that can help protect their pets and prepare them for emergencies.
A Broward County Pet Tag Is More Than a Requirement
Broward County requires every dog and cat to have a current rabies vaccination and a Broward County Pet Registration tag. Many people are surprised to learn that the tag is more than proof that a pet has been vaccinated.
If a dog is found wandering the neighborhood, Animal Care officers can often use the information on the tag to reunite the pet with its family much more quickly.
A current pet registration can also be important during hurricane season, as pet-friendly emergency shelters require pets to have up-to-date rabies vaccinations and county registration.
Our Tropical Climate Can Be Tough on Pets
Living in Broward County has many advantages, but the heat and humidity can be dangerous for animals. Dogs can suffer from heat exhaustion much faster than people, especially during the hottest hours of the day.
Before taking your dog for a walk, check the pavement with the back of your hand. If it's too hot for your hand after five seconds, it's too hot for your dog's paws.
South Florida's warm weather also means mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks remain active throughout the year. Some veterinarians recommend year-round heartworm, flea, and tick prevention to help keep pets healthy.
Make Your Pet Part of Your Hurricane Plan
Anyone who has experienced hurricane season knows how quickly conditions can change. Broward County Animal Care encourages every family to include pets in its emergency plans well before a storm threatens South Florida.
Prepare a pet emergency kit with enough food, water, and medications to last at least two weeks. Keep vaccination records in a waterproof bag, along with a sturdy carrier, leash, and recent photographs of your pet.
Also, make sure your pet's microchip is registered with your current address and phone number. If a storm causes pets and families to become separated, updated contact information can make all the difference.
A Community Resource You Can Count On
Broward County Animal Care is committed to helping every pet owner keep their animals safe, healthy, and at home with the families who love them. Whether you need information about pet registration, hurricane preparedness, or responsible pet ownership, Animal Care is here to help.
Taking a few simple steps today can provide peace of mind tomorrow—for you and your four-legged family members.
For more information about pet registration, emergency preparedness, and other services, contact Broward County Animal Care or visit Broward.org/Animal.
