Advice on boarding pets during a hurricane

Q: Which county animal control facilities provide free, first come-first serve pet boarding for residents during a state of emergency?

A: New Hanover County; 798-7500: Yes

Brunswick County; 754-8204: Yes

Pender County; 259-1349: No

Q: What if the animal shelter is full or my county doesn't offer animal boarding?

A: Your veterinarian may be willing to board your pet. Also, there are private boarding facilities listed in the phone book. You may also want to check with inland hotel chains, as some of them do allow pets.

Q: What will I need to bring with my pet when I board it?

A: While county animal control facilities do not require proof of vaccination to board pets, veterinarians and private boarding facilities do. Ask animal control facility operators whether you need to bring a crate or if they have enough kennel space to house your pet. Public shelters usually can supply food, but if your pet is on a prescription diet you'll need to bring its food. You'll also need to bring along any medication your pet needs.

Q: I can't get my pet into a local boarding facility. Can I take it with me to the human hurricane shelter?

A: For the first time this hurricane season, one area shelter will allow pets. New Hanover County Emergency Management Specialist Kristen Wingenroth said that Noble Middle School will house both people and animals. However, she cautions that this option should only be used as a last resort for families who cannot find space at the county animal control facility, veterinarian or boarding kennel. County residents who use this option should understand beforehand that they will not be able to stay with their animals. Upon arrival at the school, owners will be required to sign their pets in and then relinquish them to be housed in a separate area of the building away from human evacuees. The other county shelters do not allow pets.

Q: I must leave for a the shelter that won't take animals. What should I do?

A: If the storm is severe enough to make it unsafe for you to stay home, it is unsafe for your pet to stay there. If you have no other option, leave the animal inside with plenty of food and water. Do not leave it outside; an animal sensing an approaching storm is capable of running long distances to escape it. Do not tie your pet outside, especially in low-lying areas. After Hurricane Floyd, many dogs left tied drowned. Also, make sure your pet has ID so it can be identified if it escapes. Consider getting a micro-chip implanted in your pet prior to hurricane season. This will provide a back-up identification.

- Victoria Rouch