Keep your pets safe as Florence approaches

We're all making plans for the effects of Hurricane Florence, which is expected to make landfall later in the week.

But as you locate bottled water and create emergency kits, don't forget about your pets.

If you're evacuating your home, don't leave your pet behind.

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Your plan to take them along should include a travel crate for each animal, plus enough pet food and water to last at least five days.

Extra medication, vet records, and photos of your pet should be sealed inside a watertight container.

Don't forget to pack a first aid kit, along with your pet's favorite blanket or toy to reduce stress.

Dog waste bags and grooming supplies are a must while you're away from your home.

And if your pet is microchipped or wears a dog tag, be sure the contact information is up to date.

Pet-Friendly Evacuations Centers in NC:

Beaufort County
Dogs are not accepted into shelters during hurricanes for health and space reasons, but contact Berkely County Animal Shelter for more information at (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

Catawba County
Shelters may be opened if required

More info

Charlotte
Animal Care and Control may set up temporary pet centers at Red Cross Evacuation Centers

704-336-7600

Forsyth County
Names will be revealed when needed

(336) 703-2480

New Hanover County
New Hanover County Animal Control Services will shelter your pet at no cost. You can seek shelter with your pet at Noble Middle School. People and pets will be housed in separate locations of the school

910-798-6900

New Hanover Noble Middle School

6520 Market St. Wilmington

(910) 350-2112

Onslow County
Jacksonville Commons Middle School

315 Commons Drive South, Jacksonville, NC 28546

910-347-4270

Orange County
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

Wake County
Animal Control may be able to house your pet but space is extremely limited so this can only be a last resort.

More info

Winston
3 Red Cross shelters are pet-friendly - but are not always available for every disaster so please check with them.

336-727-8000

For a more detailed list visit bringfido.com

Related: More on hurricane preparations