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DEAR PAW’S CORNER: Why do people leave their pets behind when a hurricane or forest fire approaches? And what happens to the pets that survive a disaster? – Kerry in Cincinnati
DEAR KERRY: Pet owners don’t intend to abandon pets to approaching danger, but it happens all too frequently: Pets get left behind when a disaster strikes.
Sometimes an owner has to leave the pet behind – rescue services prioritize human life over pets when a situation is dire. Sometimes, in the panic and confusion of gathering up things to evacuate, a pet will dart out the door. And sometimes, pets get abandoned because evacuation centers won’t allow pets inside.
After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, when more than 100,000 pets were left to fend for themselves during and after the storm (www.louisianaspca.org/about-us/hurricane-katrina/animal-rescue-facts/), pet shelters radically changed the way they manage intake and care of animals. They became more proactive. They built bigger, stronger networks with other shelters locally and nationwide, and coordinated their efforts with emergency responders. See www.sierraclub.org/sierra/what-happens-animals-during-natural-disasters. They got better at reuniting rescued pets with owners.
Pet owners can play a direct role in helping pet rescue efforts by being proactive well before a disaster strikes. Microchip your pets and keep contact info up to date. Keep up with your pet’s vaccinations and health checks. Most importantly, have your own evacuation plan that includes a “go” bag for you and for your pet. A pet’s “go” bag should include an extra leash and collar, a copy of their medical and registration records, pet food, waste pickup bags or pee pads, and extra medication if they take any. Know where to evacuate and which shelters allow pets.
Send your comments, questions or tips to ask@pawscorner.com.
© 2021 King Features Synd. Inc.
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