Wake SPCA takes in South Carolina dogs as Hurricane Dorian approaches

By Rosalia Fodera, WRAL reporter

Raleigh, N.C. — As Hurricane Dorian inched closer to North Carolina on Monday, some shelter animals were moved from the South Carolina coast to the Wake County SPCA. Nine dogs from the North Myrtle Beach Humane Society will be riding out the storm in Wake County.

“It is very stressful for them and we want to do whatever we can to make sure that they’re comfortable and they’re treated with love and compassion,” said Darci VanderSlik, director of communications and fundraising for the SPCA of Wake County.

The move will make room for displaced pets in the storm’s path.

“The number one place that they’re going to go looking for their pet is to their local animal shelter, so we want to clear up as much space in those shelters down there so those pets have a better chance of being reunited with their owners. And we’re also giving the pets up for adoption another chance up here,” VanderSlik said.

It’s important for pet owners facing hurricane warnings to chip their pets before the storm hits and prepare early, especially since collars and tags can fall off.

“These pets will do what they can to try and find shelter, so if they have to jump a fence they will jump a fence,” VanderSlik said.

As the hurricane makes it way up the coast, the Wake SPCA anticipates receiving more animals from other coastal towns. The dogs they take in will be ready for adoption within a week.

North Carolina Emergency Management officials are opening a regional shelter for pets and their owners at the empty Sears building at Durham’s Northgate Mall. They are looking for experienced shelter workers to help with the hundreds of pets and owners they are expecting.