Alachua County has opened two general population pet-friendly shelters and a special medical needs shelter.
The two general population shelters are at:
- The Martin Luther King Jr. Multipurpose Center
1028 N.E. 14th Street, Gainesville
- The Easton-Newberry Sports Complex
24880 N.W. 16th Avenue, Newberry
The special needs shelter is at:
- The Alachua County Senior Recreation Center
5701 N.W. 34th Boulevard, Gainesville
In addition to the three shelters open in Alachua County, Putnam County is opening a pet-friendly shelter at Ochwilla Elementary School (299 State Road 21, Hawthorne) at 5 p.m. today. This is the closest shelter for Hawthorne residents.
Those needing more information about the special needs shelter should call 352-955-2575. Those needing transportation to the special needs shelter should call as soon as possible.
Please consider evacuation if you don’t feel safe. We have an Evacuation Order for those who live in mobile or manufactured homes or if you live in flood-prone areas. If you have flooded during previous storms, you need to evacuate.
Special needs shelters provide one cot per patient. Caregivers are asked to bring any needed bedding in case cots are unavailable. When packing to go to a shelter, please bring special dietary foods and any prescription medications. Also, bring spare clothing, personal care items (hygiene, toiletries, etc.), spare eyeglasses/contacts, and identification.
General population shelters do not provide cots or beds. Bring any needed bedding. When packing to go to a shelter, please bring special dietary foods, baby food, diapers (and other child necessities), prescription medications, and a small cooler of ice if refrigeration is needed, as the shelter cannot be responsible for your medications. Also, bring spare clothing, personal care items (hygiene, toiletries, etc.), spare eyeglasses/contacts, and identification.
Alachua County Animal Resources is closed today and tomorrow as they are focused on staffing pet-friendly shelters. The public will be informed when it reopens.
Citizens with pets are encouraged to bring basic pet supplies such as collars, leashes, crates, carriers, towels, blankets, pet medications, pet food, etc.
Animal Resources will have supplemental supplies on hand for those in need. We encourage citizens to bring veterinary records indicating their pets are properly vaccinated. However, animals without such records will be vaccinated upon intake to minimize the spread of contagious diseases. Please remember that animals must be properly restrained throughout their stay at the emergency shelter for the safety of all involved citizens and pets.
You can find all the latest information for Alachua County at
alachuacountyready.com. If you don’t have internet access or need additional information, dial 311 from your phone. If you live outside Alachua County or cannot dial 311, call 352-264-6557.
To receive all updates on County operations in response to Idalia, please text ALACHUA to 888-777.
For more information, contact Alachua County Communications Director Mark Sexton at 352-264-6979 or
msexton@alachuacounty.us.
