As North Carolina communities reel from the damage of Tropical Storm Chantal, a new wave of storms is already on the way—and the window to save displaced pets is closing fast.

In towns like Pittsboro, Mebane, and Hillsborough, families are still without stable water, and emergency crews are stretched thin. But what’s not being talked about is the number of pets left behind, separated, or lost in the chaos of rising floodwaters, downed roads, and overnight evacuations.

After Chantal, shelters and local rescuers began taking in animals found wandering flooded neighborhoods or pulled from damaged homes. But without dedicated state support, they’re already at capacity—and more flooding is coming.

That’s why we’re calling on Governor Josh Stein and the North Carolina Department of Emergency Management to immediately release emergency funding to support search, rescue, and reunification efforts for pets displaced in this disaster.

These animals aren’t just pets—they’re family. In every flood, we see it: people risk their lives to save a dog, or refuse to evacuate because they can’t bring their cat. Yet disaster response plans still leave animals as an afterthought.

With more storms predicted and water systems already failing, we cannot wait until it’s too late.

Sign this petition if you believe North Carolina should do everything it can to protect all lives after a disaster—including the ones who can’t ask for help.