Pets & Disaster

[CatMom]

One of my girls is a student at a Florida university. She's probably not in a hot zone, though I've tried to get her to come home and bring her roommate and cat with her. She dared to say, "She'll be fine if we leave. Animals know what to do." I couldn't believe it!


She's been given a lesson about responsibility, but it makes me wonder, do you all who need one have a plan for your pets?

[Katie Ann]

"She'll be fine if we leave. Animals know what to do."

Of course they know what to do, they know to look to their owners to take care of them.


Really,  it's a shame your daughter feels that way, but it's something I've heard a million times over.  I hope your loved ones stay safe, including the cat.


Yes, I have an emergency plan for my pets.  They've been microchipped and they have bug out bags just like us.  I've also got a plan for my neighbor's dog who stays tied up.  I have industrial bolt cutters, an extra leash and harness, and a go bag for her all ready to go too.  We practice escaping disaster twice a year (except for neighbor's dog) but, I'm sure it won't be as easy in real life.  I'm more worried about a fire than anything else because there won't be much warning to get out and we have lots of pets. The dogs do pretty well, but the smoke alarm scares the cats and they scatter.  That worries me.


I feel so terrible for the people and animals who are going through such pain right now due to the hurricanes.  It has to be terrifying.  I pray for them daily.

[Bev1960]

I know a lot of people seem to think that and maybe in some cases they can fare ok but none the less, it is best to make plans for them and their safety if at all possible. They can only do so much for themselves and then they rely on their 'humans' to help them. I know there are circumstances where it might not be possible to take them with you but you need to do whatever you possibly can to help keep them safe.

[CatMom]

Like I said, she and the roommate got a lesson. Leaving her behind in a hurricane is not the same as being gone for a night or two. Yeesh.


Katie Ann, I love that you have a plan for your neighbor's dog, too. You're a true animal lover.

[Natasha]

I actually don't have a plan when it comes to my pets, mostly because I don't have any at the moment. However I have asked myself what I would do if there was an emergency and I just don't know.