A sixth shelter will be opening today in Columbia County for Hurricane Helene.
During a special meeting Thursday morning at the county’s Emergency Operations Center, the Columbia County Commission unanimously approved opening a pet-friendly shelter.
The pet-friendly shelter will be located in the Records Storage building behind the old Lake Shore Hospital on NE Franklin Street.
Other shelters open are located at:
- Winfield Community Center, 1324 NW Winfield St.;
- Fort White High School Gym, 17828 SW State Road 47;
- Deep Creek Community Center, 1193 N. US Highway 441;
- Richardson Community Center, 255 NE Coach Anders Lane; and
- Westside Elementary School (Special Needs Only) 1956 SW County Road252B.
The move to open a pet-friendly shelter arose, according to County Attorney Joel Foreman, after numerous residents contacted county officials on Wednesday about the desire to take their pets with them.
Foreman said the county is obligated to provide that space.
“What we’ve not been able to do is get a boots on the ground solution when a storm came,” he said. “This is a different storm.”
Foreman said the Records Storage building was a short-term solution for Helene.
County Manager David Kraus added the building is just a cinder block building with a concrete floor. It does have a kitchen and handicap accessible bathroom. There are no windows.
“You won’t be able to have your pets with you at the shelter in all likelihood ” Foreman said. “There will be a place for your pet to be held at the shelter near your pet so you can care for them.”
The county has received dog kennels from the state that will be set up at the shelter. Those coming to the pet-friendly shelter are required to bring shot records for their pets and are asked to bring their own crate and food.