Source: NCDA&CS, 8/25/11

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Emergency Programs Division is working to help counties prepare and respond on behalf of pets before, during and after Hurricane Irene visits the state.

The department has partnered with the American Humane Association to provide assistance to heavily impacted counties in rescuing, sheltering and reuniting pets with their owners. AHA will be stationed in the state before the storm hits and ready to respond where needed. This partnership provides access to the largest national animal response groups through the National Animal Rescue and Sheltering Coalition.

In advance of the storm, counties are working together to move Companion Animal Mobile Equipment Trailers into areas where needed. Each trailer has equipment to set up an emergency shelter for up to 50 animals. The state currently has 30 CAMETs.

More than 25 counties are offering co-location shelters where people and pets can both find shelter. Pet owners can check with their county Emergency Management office to find out  about their county's animal sheltering plan.

If the storm overwhelms local animal response capabilities, two regional shelters can be opened to assist heavily impacted counties with rescue and sheltering. The sites have been chosen.

Also, NCDA&CS is offering emergency equine sheltering at the Sen. Bob Martin Eastern Agricultural Center in Williamston and the Hunt Horse Complex in Raleigh. Stalls are available for $10 a day, and owners are expected to take care of their animals.