Hurricane Matthew Evacuation Resources for Horse Owners

Hurricane Matthew has taken a devastating path through the Caribbean and is now bearing down on the coast of Florida. It is expected to move along the southeast United States coast through the weekend.

Residents of the areas of projected impact have been urged to evacuate. Here are some evacuation resources for horse owners in affected states:

Florida Resources:

A searchable database of relocation resources is available at evac.flahorse.com If you have space available in a safe location, you can also provide your information to help other horse owners.

Bar M Ranch Rescue has offered stabling and is compiling some evacuation resources on its Facebook page.

The Florida Horse Park in Ocala has offered stalls for evacuees for $10/night as well as trailer hookups for $25/night. Contact publicrelations@flhorsepark.com or call 352-307-6699

Floridahorse.com lists these resources on its website.

• Sunshine State Horse Council – Searchable stable directory
• Sumter Equestrian Center, Bushnell, FL – emergency stabling and camping – 352-303-4325 LEAVE A MESSAGE.
• Marion County Animal Care and Control (352) 671-8900
• Broward County Animal Care and Control (954) 359-1313
• Palm Beach County Are and Control (561) 233-1201

Georgia Resources:

News4Jax.com lists these pet-friendly shelters:

Houston County * Horses ONLY* 60 Stalls

Georgia National Fairgrounds

401 Larry Walker Parkway

Perry, GA 31069

Sumter County

Sumter County Humane Society

108 Industrial Blvd

Americus, GA 31719

Tift County

Tift County Extension Bldg

1468 Carpenter Rd

Tifton, GA 31794

South Carolina Resources:

The Hippodrome in Aiken County has 300 stalls available. South Carolina residents can call 211 for more information about stabling at the Hippodrome, as well as finding pet-friendly accommodations as most shelters do not allow pets.

North Carolina Resources:

The Equine Disaster Response Alliance maintains a list of emergency facilities here.

There are two regional shelters available depending on the storm track.

Martin Center in Williamston

Hunt Complex in Raleigh

Virginia Resources:

The Virginia Horse Park in Lexington is offering free stalls for evacuees if the storm reaches Virginia before moving out to see. Contact the stabling office at (540) 464-2966.

Be prepared for a natural disaster in your area. Visit horseillustrated.com/Emergency for more resources for horse owners.