Sunny escaped just a few months ago but this time the recovery process was quicker and easier, thanks to microchipping.

You've likely already come up with a plan of action for your family if a hurricane were to strike. But have you thought about your pets?

During past hurricanes like Fran and Floyd, thousands of animals were lost, never to be reunited with their owner.

Brenda Porter knows what it is like to lose one of her pets. Her golden lab, Sunny, has gotten out of the fence several times. “The last time she got lost, I spent days looking for her and offered $100 reward and that was the only way I got her back."

Part of the reason Sunny got loose was because of damage done to the dog pen from previous storms. “We have sustained a lot of damage from past storms,” Brenda said.

Even though repairs have been made, there is always the possibility of another storm or Sunny finding a new way out so Brenda decided to have her dog microchipped. It is a simple procedure using a syringe to inject a small microchip into your pet.

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"We do it right between the shoulder blades so we have a spot to always look for it,” explained veterinarian Dr. Diane Dereienski.

You register your name and number with the ID number associated with your pet’s microchip to the Companion Animal Recovery Program.

"The really great thing about the microchip is it can speak for your pet when they have lost their tag,” said Kim Rose of Companion Animal Recovery.

When a scanner is run over the lost animal, a ten digit number pops up. The person who found the animal can then call the 1-800 number and a Companion Animal Rescue operator will contact the owner.

"All of the local shelters in the Triangle area have the scanners whether it be Animal Control or Humane Society shelter, also most vets have scanners in their offices,” Rose continued.

Sunny escaped just a few months ago but this time the recovery process was quicker and easier.

“With the microchip I knew if someone turned her in we would get her back,” Brenda continued.

Microchipping can be done on a variety of animals and not just cats and dogs. You can have it done during your pet’s regular office visit and there is a one-time enrollment fee of $12.50 to the Companion Animal Recovery Program.

If you are a pet owner, make sure to include supplies for them in your emergency kit. Most shelters do not take pets so make other arrangements with a hotel or family member in the case of evacuation.