Hurricane Florence is poised to hit Hampton Roads as early as Thursday so while you should prepare yourself and your family for the storm, make sure you don’t forget your other furry family members: your pets.
Roger Ives, shelter manager of the Peninsula Regional Animal Shelter, said pet owners need to make a plan such as having enough food, water and medications for two to three days.
“Now is the time to do it,” Ives said.
In addition, pet owners should “call ahead” to see if shelters and hotels are “pet-friendly” and bring a blanket, toys and treats that are familiar to the pet, since animals get stressed.
Click on this link to find pet-friendly hotels near you.
If you have chicken, you can put them in a travel carrier, like you would a cat or dog, Ives said.
Animal shelter updates
The Peninsula Regional Animal Shelter, located on 5843 Jefferson Ave., will be closed for adoptions, owner surrender, and other services during the hurricane. However, the center will be open for staff to take care of the animals during the storm, as well as other stray animals picked up by animal control. There will also be a veterinarian on-site. The shelter is owned by the City of Newport News and shelter employees are considered emergency personnel.
The Peninsula SPCA, located on 523 J. Clyde Morris Blvd., has not decided whether the shelter will remain open or if the animals will be evacuated. In the meantime, the shelter is asking for donations such as tarps or plastic sheets, towels, blankets, sheets, newspapers and baby wipes. The center is also asking for bleach, disinfectant wipes, paper towels, garbage bags, cat litter, batteries and snacks – human snacks, since there will also be staff on-site during the storm to take care of the animals. Donations can be dropped off Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Both the Peninsula SPCA and the Peninsula Regional Animal Shelter are currently monitoring the storm and preparing for it.
To find a full list of disaster preparedness for your animals, click here.
