Are you wondering what to do with your pets in case you have to head to a shelter this weekend due to Hurricane Matthew? New Hanover County and Brunswick County residents have options available when they have to leave home.
In New Hanover county, those options are laid out in a video produced by the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Officer Animal Service Unit.
The YouTube video runs about four-and-a-half minutes and features Deputy Spencer Colby, of the sheriff’s office Animal Services Unit.
The sheriff’s main shelter for animals is at 180 Division Drive, which is off North 23rd Street. That shelter takes in all domestic animals, regardless of vaccination status.
Once a state of emergency is declared, the shelter is staffed 24 hours per day. Once the state of emergency is lifted, owners have three business days to pickup their pets before they become property of the state.
The other option is the co-location shelter, which for Hurricane Matthew is Trask Middle School. In the co-location shelter, families would stay in the same shelter. They are for cats and dogs only, and the animals are required to have a current rabies vaccine. Bring proof of vaccination.
Animals are required to leave the shelter with the family. Families should also bring enough supplies for their animals, including food, medications, toys or blankets known to the animal to help keep them calm, and plastic bags and nespapers for waste.
For more details about New Hanover County’s pet-friendly shelters, and for tips on what supplies will be required for an extended emergency, watch the video on YouTube.
Brunswick County
In Brunswick County, dogs and cats are accepted at the West Brunswick High School shelter at 550 Whiteville Road in Shallotte. Owners must stay at the shelter as well, and should bring documentation of rabies vaccines, food, any medicines, and any other items necessary for your pets.
Residents who are evacuating may also take pets to the Brunswick County Animal Shelter at 429 Green Swamp Road Northwest in Supply. Animals must be reclaimed within three days of the state of emergency
More Hurricane Matthew related stories
Brunswick County under voluntary evacuation, shelters now open
Carolina Beach issues evacuations; bridge closure likely Saturday due to high winds
New Hanover County Schools cancel Monday classes due to expected Hurricane Matthew impact
