Veterinarians suggest you prepare your pet for a hurricane in much the same way you prepare yourself.
When you’re stocking up on food and water, remember to do the same for your dog or cat.
It’s also important to remember if your pet takes medication regularly to make sure you have enough.
Even after the storm passes it may be difficult to get it.
If you’re dealing with flooding or extended power outages and have to leave your home, there are pet friendly shelters and hotels.
But it’s important to make sure your pet has the proper identification in case you get separated.
Dr. Jared Conley, a veterinarian with Complete Pet Care in Raleigh urges pet owners, “Make sure your pet has been microchipped and has identification, a collar and a leash. The microchip is really important to help get them reunited.”
You’ll also want your pet’s medical records and a picture of you and your pet in case you get separated.
It’s best to store those in waterproof bags.
Remember, pets get stressed when we do.
“Your best way to deal with that is to keep yourself calm,” said Conley. “They put so much faith and trust in us that if we keep ourselves calm and organized they will follow suit.”
BringFido.com has listed pet-friendly shelters ahead of Hurricane Florence.
Beaufort County
Dogs are not accepted into shelters during hurricanes for health and space reasons, however contact Berkeley County Animal Shelter for more info.
(843) 255-5010
Brunswick County
Brunswick West Brunswick High School
550 Whiteville Road
(910) 754-4338
Carteret County
Newport Middle School
500 E. Chatham Street, Newport, NC 28577
(252) 728-8470 | Shelter Info
Catawba County
Shelters will be opened if required
County Info
Charlotte
Animal Care & Control works with Emergency Management and American Red Cross to ensure that emergency sheltering for pets is available for anyone who needs to evacuate their home. AC&C may set up temporary pet shelters at various Red Cross Evacuation Shelters to house pets. Stay tuned to your local news stations for information on the locations of Evacuation Shelters.
704-336-7600 | Pet Preparedness Info
Chowan County
Pets not allowed, but there may be space available in a dog shelter
Shelter Info
Forsyth County
The Forsyth County Animal Response Plan, which is incorporated in the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Emergency Operations Plan for Multi-Hazards, has been recognized by the North Carolina State Animal Response Team as the top animal response plan in North Carolina. Names of shelters will be revealed when needed.
(336) 703-2480 | Emergency Info
Johnston County
Kenneled pets will be allowed at West Johnston High School, located at 3935 Raleigh Road in Benson.
New Hanover County
New Hanover County Animal Control Services will shelter your pet at no cost. Noble Middle School is a Co-location Shelter where you can seek shelter with your pet. You and your pet will be housed in separate locations of the school.
910-798-6900
Moore County
North Moore High School, 1504 North Moore Road in Robbins
New Hanover
New Hanover Noble Middle School
6520 Market St. Wilmington
(910) 350-2112 | Irma Preparedness Info
One of the following shelters will be pet-friendly, but this will not be announced until a later date.
Codington Elementary School
4321 Carolina Beach Road Wilmington, NC 28412
(800) 621-FEMA (3362) | Shelter Info
Eaton Elementary School
6701 Gordon Road Wilmington, NC 28411
(800) 621-FEMA (3362) | Shelter Info
Johnson Pre-K Center
1100 McRae Street Wilmington, NC 28401
(800) 621-FEMA (3362) | Shelter Info
Noble Middle School 6520
Market Street Wilmington, NC 28405
(800) 621-FEMA (3362) | Shelter Info
Trask Middle School 2900
North College Road Wilmington, NC 28405
(800) 621-FEMA (3362) | Shelter Info
Onslow County
Jacksonville Commons Middle School
315 Commons Drive South, Jacksonville, NC 28546
910-347-4270 | Shelter Info
Orange County
All other animals are welcome at the shelter and Animal Services Staff will be on hand to board pets in the best manner possible. Two possible locations:
Smith Middle School
9201 Seawell School Rd, Chapel Hill
CW Stanford Middle School
308 Orange High School Rd, Hillsborough
919.732.8181
Pender
Pender Burgaw Middle School
500 S. Wright Street Burgaw
(910) 259-0149 | Irma Preparedness Info
Wake County
Animal Control will house your pet, but only as a last resort
Emergency Info
