Animals in need of shelter during Hurricane Florence will be taken care of in Lenoir County and beyond.

Locally, pets are being brought into the shelter at Lenoir Community College. Lenoir County Cooperative Extension Director Tammy Kelly said there is some space, but residents must take other precautions.

“We’ve got a little bit of space and try not to turn anyone away,” Kelly said. “We do have some empty crates for pets, but if anyone is planning to come to the shelter, bring a carrier if they have one. Also, bring food, bowls and a leash if they’re going to walk pets. If they need medication, please bring that as well.”

As for animals under Lenoir County SPCA care, they have been relocated to more secure local and out-of-state facilities. According to Lenoir County SPCA Chairman Jerry Henderson, the shelter has been empty due to the assistance of the Humane Society of the United States, who has helped transport animals to ensure safety.

“When animals come to us, our primary job is to take care of all that come in,” Henderson said. “We were advised on Tuesday that our shelter needed to be evacuated by the Emergency Operation Center, and we’ve been working with the HSUS and other rescue groups, who have been able to place every member in the shelter.

“The Angles of Assisi (group in Virginia) have been great and are taking animals up to the Northern states. At no cost to the SPCA or the public, the HSUS has worked through disasters in order to make sure animals not identified with a particular family or person are given opportunity and a second chance at a happy life.”