Hundreds of animals in eastern North Carolina have been rescued since Hurricane Matthew struck the state on Oct. 8. Flood victims who are missing a pet should contact their local shelter or humane society as soon as possible to recover their dog or cat. Owners are encouraged to bring a recent picture and microchip number to the animal shelter to help with the identification process. Contact information for the Humane Society of North Carolina and resources for pets are available at this link.
Once reunited, pets may be stressed, confused or have a hard time adjusting to altered surroundings after the floods. Even normally docile animals may become aggressive or defensive because their familiar landmarks and smells have changed. That’s why it is important to keep dogs or cats inside as much as possible and in a secure location. When going outside, keep your dog on a leash to help him or her re-orient to the area.
Tips for owners bringing pets back to homes include:
- Don't allow pets to drink water or eat food that may have been contaminated by floodwater
- Try to get pets back into their normal routines as soon as possible and be alert for any behavioral problems caused by the stress of the situation
- Ensure downed power lines and debris have been cleared before allowing pets to go outside
- Check yards for snakes or dangerous animals that could pose a threat
Owners should be mindful that shelters do not have the space to house the large number of displaced animals for a long period of time. By quickly connecting with local shelters or humane societies after returning home, residents can help these organizations increase capacity and improve their ability to serve the local community.
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