With hurricane season lasting until the end of November, Best Friends Animal Society, a national nonprofit, is encouraging residents in hurricane-affected areas to foster or adopt dogs and cats to allow the shelters to better prepare.

Julie Castle, CEO of Best Friends Animal Society, said in a press release on the topic, "By adopting or fostering from your local shelter or rescue group, you'll make room for dogs and cats displaced by the storms in hopes that they can eventually be reunited with their families."

Abby Pruet, executive director of the Baldwin Humane Society in Fairhope, said that while their facility has never had to accommodate to accept more pets after a hurricane, fostering or adopting during this season makes it easier for the staff to prepare for a potential evacuation.

"Our staff are old hats when it comes to preparing for a hurricane," Pruet said. "We always have stored away enough supplies to care for the pets in our care for several weeks in case of a serious hurricane. We have a generator on site as well."

Pruet said the team at the Baldwin Humane Society watches the weather regularly and decides to evacuate or shelter in place 48 hours before suspected landfall. To set up fostering or adopting a pet during the threat of a hurricane, Pruet recommends filling out a foster application on the Society's website at www.baldwinhumane.org/adopt.

"That way, we have your file on hand and can make sure to fit you with the perfect foster match," Pruet said. "We provide food and supplies; you provide safety and love."

For current pet owners, it is important to have a hurricane plan with pets in mind. Pruet suggested ensuring that pets are caught up on vaccinations, specifically rabies as that is "often required for any boarding or hotel stay." She also said to confirm that hotels are pet friendly before booking in the event of an evacuation.

Pruet also suggested microchipping pets in the event of displacement during a hurricane so that owners and pets will be able to reunite quickly. She also said to help owners find lost pets after a hurricane by supporting local organizations with "boots on the ground" or using social media as a resource to reunite pets and their owners.

Shelters are located across the county and might have different regulations or requirements for fostering or adopting animals so be sure to confirm the protocols before adopting.

Some shelters in Baldwin County include:
- North Baldwin Animal Shelter, 1700 McMeans Ave., Bay Minette
- The Haven, 559 S. Section St., Fairhope
- Baldwin Humane Society, 22886C Hwy. 98, Fairhope