Animal sanctuary

Pet resort booked to capacity during Irma

As many homeowners in Broward County evacuated their residences, almost 200 furry friends stayed behind at Davie’s Country Inn Pet Resort & Animal Hospital.

“Irma was a confirmation that we need to be prepared for the worst,” owner Monica Silva said. “It’s for this reason that we made sure that the construction was solid, with hurricane impact glass windows throughout the resort and generators large and strong enough to supply power.”

The inn was at full capacity for the hurricane’s duration, with around 159 dogs and 32 cats, according to Silva.

Eight staff members including two veterinary technicians stayed at the resort 24/7 from Sept. 9 to 11. From then on, the inn rotated staffers.

“We have a hurricane preparation protocol which includes stocking water, pet food, medication for our animal hospital, securing all entrances, sand bagging strategic areas, taking down canopies and securing anything that could go airborne,” Silva explained.

Despite being open since June 2006, Silva said Irma was the inn’s most intense hurricane experience, since it was closed for renovations during Wilma.

“We prepare early, making sure we stock up with everything and anything that is essential to the well being of our guests and staff for at least a week if not more,” she explained. “The aftermath is usually overwhelming.”

And with many pet owners still unable to return home due to housing conditions or flight cancellations, as of publication time, the Inn was still holding over 140 of the original Irma borders.

“We continue at almost full capacity as we receive new borders every day from families that either have no power yet or have damaged homes and need to board their pets while repairs are done.”

Country Inn Pet Resort & Animal Hospital is located at 2100 S. Flamingo Road in Davie.