With evacuation orders in place across Florida for Hurricane Milton, pets are encouraged to be evacuated with their families, but what about animals larger than cats and dogs?

The increased threat of storm surge and wind gusts from Milton is causing families with horses to head to the Jacksonville Equestrian Center to ensure they’re well protected.

Nearly 400 horses are coming in from places with mandatory evacuations like Tampa and St. Augustine.

“We have not been at capacity since 2017. All of the other named storms where there were evacuees, were minimal compared to Milton,” said Candice Barnes, assistant director of the Jacksonville Equestrian Center.

Barnes showed concern for people still trying to evacuate their horses from Tampa. Fifty horses that were supposed to make the journey up had to divert due to gasoline shortages and delayed evacuation decisions.

Article continues below

More from Jax Today

Artists connect humanity to nature at Cummer

Tropical Storm Sara forms; effects on Florida uncertain

Shade is growing at Jacksonville’s bus stops

Jacksonville Today thanks our sponsors. Become one.

Not just horses

While horses are the main evacuees in the equestrian center, other animals are also offered space to shelter at their facility.

“We were in contact yesterday with animal control. They were looking to see if we could take house animals, cats and dogs, if they needed, and we said yes. Goats, small horses, big horses, whatever we can. We just can’t take in large livestock, but we’re in contact with farms who can,” Barnes said.

This story was produced by News4Jax, a Jacksonville Today news partner.