Hurricane Milton, is fast approaching the state of Florida and it is predicted to have a devastating impact as a Category 3 or 4 storm, according to the National Weather Service. We remain concerned for the health and safety of residents and pets in the storm’s path. For those in the path of the storm, we would like to remind everyone:

Now is the time to act! Depending on its path, Hurricane Milton could bring life-threatening storm surge, localized flooding, and hurricane force winds to your area starting Wednesday, October 9th.

• Please follow all local emergency management directives, including mandatory and voluntary evacuation orders - and remember, the safest place for your pet is with you! If you need sheltering assistance, please refer to the Florida State Animal Response Coalition for help and resources in your area.
• Make sure your pet's microchip record is up-to-date.
• Add an out-of-state Alternate Contact to your pet’s microchip record in the event you and your pet are displaced from one another, and you cannot be reached because phone lines are down or jammed.
• Refer to the AKC Reunite Pet Emergency Planning Guide with more helpful guidance on how to keep your pet safe.

AKC Reunite continues to support shelters affected by Hurricane Helene with emergency grants. So far, we have donated $30,000 to shelters in NC, TN, GA and FL, and we anticipate more grants to be donated as we learn the impact and aftermath of Hurricane Milton. Daily updates are posted on our website and social media.

Please email us at relief@akcreunite.org or call 919-816-3980 if you know of any local 501c3 animal shelters or non-profit organizations that are caring for pets evacuated or displaced because of the storm.

For those who are not in the path of the storm and would like to help, you may donate to AKC Reunite’s disaster relief efforts here.

We appreciate any support from clubs and dog lovers, and will be sure to put any donations to good use where they are needed most.

We have been in contact with all AKC Reunite Pet Disaster Relief Trailer Recipients in Florida and will continue to monitor Hurricane Milton as it approaches Florida, and hope and pray that it weakens.

Thank you for your tireless efforts, Emergency Responders! Please stay safe everyone!