By Mike Clary | South Florida Sun-Sentinel | http://www.sun-sentinel.com
4:03 PM EDT, September 7, 2008
For the first time in the history of pre-hurricane evacuations of the Florida Keys, Monroe County residents will be able to take their pets - even snakes and spiders - as long as they are properly caged.
Monroe County Emergency Management Officials announced Sunday afternoon the results of an agreement with Miami-Dade County Emergency Management and Florida International University, according to EOC spokeswoman Sharon Harrold.
"We have a lot of people say, "I'm not going because I won't leave my pet," said Harrold. Residents with pets are to be met at the shelter by a representative of a Miami based animal control organization. They are to take custody of the animals, and care for them during the storm. When the storm is over, the pets will be returned to FIU and their owners.
Pets will be allowed on county buses en route to the shelter at FIU if the pets are properly caged, said Harrold.