HSC Hurricane Relief Efforts

Help the Humane Society of Charlotte and make a donation in order to help us care for the animals that we have helped rescue during the storm.

Emergencies and disasters can come without warning and in many forms. Do you know what to do and how to prepare your pet for these types of situations? See our tips and tricks below to make sure you’re always prepared.

Tips & Tricks

1. Get a rescue alert sticker
   • Let people and rescue workers know that pets are inside your home. This is great for everyday fire safety as well. Place it on or near your front door and include the types and number of pets in your home. If you are in a situation where you must evacuate, and if time allows, write EVACUATED across the sticker.
   • HSC sells these types of stickers at our 2700 Toomey Avenue location for $1.00
2. Contact and Arrange a Safe Haven
   • Don’t leave your pets behind; remember if it isn’t safe for you, it isn’t safe for them. Rescuing pets creates more work for workers and rescue teams in the wake of an emergency. Pets can become trapped or escape and be exposed to numerous life-threatening hazards.
     • Contact your veterinarian for a list of preferred boarding kennels and facilities
     • Ask your local animal shelters if they provide emergency shelter or foster care for pets. Reach out to shelters in your evacuation areas as well. Remember, if you are evacuating, so are the shelters.
     • Identify hotels or motels in your evacuation area that accepts pets
     • Ask friends and relatives outside your immediate area if they would be willing to take in your pet.
3. Prepare Emergency Supplies and Traveling Kits
   • Use the downloadable checklist above to prep items you need
   • Prep as if you are not going to be allowed to return for several weeks, even if you only plan to be gone a few days
   • Make sure all pets are wearing collars and tags with up-to-date identification information. Your pet’s ID tag should include their name, your name telephone number, and any urgent medical details. Write all of this information and store in a ziplock bag inside your pet’s carrier as well.
   • Update microchip information. Can’t remember where your microchip is registered?
     • Look up their microchip number here and reach out to the manufacturer to update info: http://www.petmicrochiplookup.org/
4. Always bring pets indoors at the first sign or warning of a storm
   • Pets can become disoriented and wander away from home in an emergency
5. Store an emergency kit and leashes as close to an exit as possible.
   • Make sure that everyone in the family knows where these items are
   • Place in a bag or container that is easy to carry
   • Items to include:
     • Pet first aid kit
     • 3-7 days worth of bottled water and food (Dry or wet)
     • Disposable litter trays (for cats)
     • Liquid dish soap or disinfectant
     • Disposable garbage bags & poopy bags
     • Extra collars/harnesses or leashes
     • Photocopies and/or USB of medical records and license
     • Waterproof container with a 2-week supply of medicine your pet might need
     • Flashlight
     • Recent photos of your pets
     • Blankets & any comfort items

Help the Humane Society of Charlotte by making a donation in order to help us care for the animals that come to us during the storm.