POLK COUNTY, Fla. – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control division is seeking the public’s help in reuniting over 70 lost pets with their owners following Hurricane Milton. A total of 44 dogs and 32 cats were found wandering during the storm last week.
“Only two of the over 76 animals found wandering during the hurricane have microchips. We would like to encourage all pet owners to please microchip your pets. This helps our amazing Animal Control staff quickly and easily identify owners of lost pets, so we can promptly return your pets to you if they are lost,” said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd.
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Pictures of all the recovered animals are available for viewing at the Animal Control Shelter located at 7115 de Castro Road in Winter Haven. The shelter is open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 8 PM and Saturday from 9 AM to 4 PM.
The Sheriff’s Office expressed gratitude to its community partners, Polk County Bully Project, Rescue Pets of Florida, and Florida Little Dog Rescue, for their assistance in caring for the animals during the hurricane.
In addition to reuniting lost pets with their families, the shelter is also encouraging residents to consider adopting one of the many other animals currently available. There are 56 dogs and 84 cats ready for new homes. The adoption center is open Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 4 PM and Saturdays from 9 AM to 4 PM.
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Donations to the shelter are also welcome and can be made through the Amazon wish list or directly on the Polk County Sheriff’s Office website.
- https://www.polkcountybullyproject.org/how-you-can-help/
- https://www.rescuecatsofflorida.org/donate
- https://www.floridalittledogrescue.com/
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