Shelters opened at 8 a.m. Saturday in Indian River County as Hurricane Irma began to take aim at Florida.
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By 2 p.m. there were more than 1,200 people in the shelters across the county, including more than 100 animals at the pet-friendly shelter.
County officials are encouraging people to use the shelters as a last resort and to rely on family and friends for a place to stay.
The mandatory evacuation is still in place for homes east of US 1 and on barrier islands.
The emergency operations center said the concern is winds and flooding that could start Sunday morning.
Jeremy Nix is a veterinarian and volunteered to come stay at the pet friendly shelter to help watch all the animals. How awesome!! @WPTVpic.twitter.com/LedzMkY0VV
— Miranda Christian (@MIRanda_TV3) September 9, 2017
The pet friendly shelter in Indian River has over 100 animals. There are over 1200 people in the county shelters. @WPTVpic.twitter.com/Tbu9wk2GR8
— Miranda Christian (@MIRanda_TV3) September 9, 2017
