Worrying about pets in the aftermath of a storm like Thursday's creates an added stress—but the Humane Society of Huron Valley can help.

The society offers a "safe harbor" program in which pets can receive up to two weeks of free emergency boarding at the society's shelter on Cherry Hill Road.

Geared primarily to dogs and cats, the service is available in any emergency situation when a pet loses its home, including natural disasters, evictions and domestic abuse.

Participation is granted on a case-by-case basis taking into account space at the shelter and other factors, but "In a situation like this, we will make space," said Karie McMahon, intake supervisor at the facility.

Pets must be sterilized—which can be done at intake if it hadn't been done previously—and will be vaccinated for distemper (unless proof of current vaccinations is available).

Anyone interested in placing a pet in the program should call McMahon at 734-661-3552.

Whle the society prefers pets to be dropped off at the shelter, in a case like the Dexter storm where there is a potentially high number of animals affected, the society may be able to arrange transportation to the shelter.

The society also offers emergency food for pets in necessary cases; anyone needing that service should calll 734-661-3517.

Although the "safe harbor" program is geared primarily to cats and dogs, McMahon encouraged anyone who needs assistance with other breeds to contact the society, as they may be able to offer suggestions on what to do: "Even if (a pet) doesn't fit in the criteria of the program, they should still give us a call."

Bob Needham is director of entertainment content for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at bobneedham@annarbor.com or 734-623-2541, and follow him on Twitter @bobneedham.