The dedicated owners who kept their pets close when fleeing Florence aftermath

As the deadly storm makes its way further inland, some people who initially stayed put are having to move to higher ground.

As these pictures show, dedicated pet owners were keeping a tight hold of their furry friends throughout their ordeal.

Willie Schubert of Pollocksville, North Carolina, cradles his dog Lucky as they await rescue on top of a stranded van.

A woman secures her dog with a lead as they leave a flooded home in Lumberton, North Carolina.

Dog Brownie was evacuated along with owner Dana Taylor and her children from the neighbourhood of Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Wrapped in a towel, Lougie and his owner Cynthia Capers were evacuated by police as their neighbourhood began to flood.

Robert Simmons Jr and his kitten Survivor were rescued in New Bern on September 14.

Fluffy little Bodie and owner Roger Hedgepeth were helped by the US Coastguard in Lumberton.

In another trip, Susan Hedgepeth and dog Cooper are helped by the coastguard and moved to higher ground.

Cat Sasha, in a carrybox, was among those being relocated by boat, along with owner Kevin Know, as flood waters rose in New Bern, North Carolina.

Those conducting ongoing rescues know “pets are family too” and include animals in their rescue tally