Safe Places to Take Your Pets

Before a disaster strikes, know where you can take your pets if you must evacuate.   Some shelters in North Carolina will be designated as pet-friendly, and some hotels and motels will accept pets. To find pet friendly hotels in North Carolina or other states, click here.

Be sure to keep your list of pet-friendly hotels and motels or boarding facilities and their 24-hour phone numbers with your pet's emergency preparedness kit so you will have it readily available should you need it.

If you can't find a pet friendly facility, you could call hotels or motels that regularly do not allow animals to see if they will waive their no-pet policies during an emergency.  Then, if you have notice of an impending disaster such as a hurricane, call ahead for reservations.

You may prefer to ask friends, relatives, or others outside your affected area to keep your pets.  If you have more than one pet, be prepared to house them separately.

As a last resort, ask local animal shelters if they can provide emergency shelter for pets during a disaster.  They may be overburdened caring for the animals already in the shelter.

Sheltering Pets at Home

If you choose to shelter your pets at home alone, be sure to leave them plenty of food and water and newspaper or cat litter.  

Ask your local fire department, animal shelter or veterinarian for a "Pet Alert" sign for doors and windows. If none is available, make your own signs by listing your pets on 3--by-5-inch cards and displaying them prominently. This alerts emergency teams that there may be pets that need help.

Also, leave instructions telling emergency responders how to locate you in case they determine that your pets are no longer safe at home.

Do not tie or cage your pets as the chances for survival are greater if they can escape easily.

« this page last modified 06/14/07 »