Pet Rules at Public Shelters

Only domestic cats and dogs are permitted in public shelters. You are responsible for finding accommodations for other types of pets in the event of a hurricane.

Domestic cats and dogs are only allowed in specific, designated public shelters for health and space reasons, and are housed in separate locations at those shelters.

In the event of a disaster, if you must evacuate, the most important thing you can do for your pets is to evacuate them, too. Pets are not allowed at most hotels and motels in North Carolina, so emergency arrangements for them may require careful planning.

• Keep your pet’s vaccinations up to date. Pet shelters may require proof of vaccines.
• Keep your pet on a leash with proper identification.
• Have a properly-sized pet carrier for each animal, large enough for the animal to stand an turn around.

Animals brought to a pet shelter are required to have:

• Proper identification, including collar and rabies tag
• Proper identification on all belongings
• A carrier
• A leash
• An ample supply of food, water and food bowls
• Any necessary medications
• Specific care instructions
• Newspapers or trash bags for clean-up

If you must leave your pet behind, prepare an appropriate area for it. Put the pet in a carrier in an interior closet or bathroom with plenty of water, food, toys and blankets.

Packing Your Shelter Emergency Bag(s)

Basic Emergency Supplies

The best time to assemble a 3-day disaster supply kit is well before the storm hits. Many of these are common household items. Store enough supplies for at least 3 days, and if possible, for 7 days.

• Personal cloth face covering/mask(s) for each person
• Hand sanitizer
• Easy to carry water-tight container(s) (for all of your items)
• First aid kit and first aid book
• Mosquito repellent and sunscreen
• Anti-bacterial hand wipes
• Blanket or sleeping bag per person
• Personal pillow per person
• Battery operated alarm clock, radio and/or TV with extra batteries
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Cell phone and charging cords for electronic devices
• Cash and change
• Seasonal change of clothing, including sturdy shoes and work gloves
• Cleaning supplies
• Documents, backup discs of important computer files, medical history info, photo IDs

Activities / Items for Children

• Baby supplies: baby food, formula, bottle, pacifier, diapers, baby wipes, etc.
• Anti-bacterial hand wipes or gel
• Camera, books, games, cards, etc.
• Children toys or stuffed animals

Food and Drink / Utensils

Read-to-eat meal kits and bottled water is available to shelter guests. You should also consider whether you would like the following items while sheltering:

• Pre-cooked, non-perishable foods, like canned meats, granola bars, peanut butter, instant soup, cereals, dried fruit, powdered milk, etc.
• Personal snacks
• Non-electric can opener
• Personal paper plates, cups, utensils, paper towels

Medications and Hygiene Products

• 2-week supply of essential medications and copies of the prescriptions (medications requiring refrigeration should be packed in a cooler with ice/ice packs)
• Glasses or readers
• Toilet paper
• Feminine hygiene supplies (sanitary pads, tampons, etc.)
• Adult diapers/absorbent underwear briefs
• Bar soap
• Dry shampoo
• Towl

Pet Items (Domestic Cats and Dogs Only)

• 7-day supply of food for each animal
• 7-day supply of water for each animal
• Leash for each animal
• Carrier for each animal
• Pet name and vaccination tags
• Food bowls
• Cat litter and litter box
• Medications
• Vaccination documentation
• Plastic bags for waste

Unaccepted/Prohibited Items

These items are not accepted in Brunswick County’s shelters:

• Weapons
• Alcohol
• Illegal drugs or substances
• Mattresses