Do Pets Belong in Evacuation Shelters? No!

Many animal lovers were outraged to learn that pets are not allowed in emergency evacuation shelters such as those that housed refugees from Katrina and Wilma.

News media in the affected areas love to report on stories about a child or elderly person having to leave their pet behind because the emergency shelter won't allow pets.

Are shelters wrong to prohibit pets? I don't think so.

There are some sensible reasons why shelters exclude pets, such as:

1. Many people are allergic to or afraid of dogs and cats, the two most common pets.

When shelter personnel are coping with health issues of survivors, they do not need to add the problems of people having allergic reactions to animals.

2. Not all dogs are well trained and any dog may bite under stress conditions.

Someone who survived Katrina should not be subjected to a dog bite from a poor dog who was reacting instinctively in a crowed, overexcited environment. People who aren't familiar with dogs often act in ways that provoke dogs without realizing it.

3. Dogs in packs act by instinct, not training.

A dog pack running through a shelter could injure people, even if it's unintentionally by knocking down people who get in their way. Pity the poor kitty who is suddenly surrounded by a pack of half-a-dozen dogs.

4. Pets attack each other.

A German shepherd or other big dog could easily attack a Yorkshire Terrier or other small dog in the mistaken belief that the small dog is dinner. This is especially likely if the big dog is hungry and overexcited - two conditions very likely to exist in a shelter. Then imagine this happening in front of the child whose pet dog is the unfortunate victim.

5. Housing many dogs and cats in a shelter is a great way to spread disease.

Some people do not vaccinate their pets and some people never take their dog or cat to a veterinarian. Imagine how easy it will be for an infectious disease to spread through all the pets in a shelter. It's difficult enough to maintain good hygiene and a healthy environment for humans in a temporary shelter.

6. Private groups subject themselves to liability for misbehavior of pets in their facilities.

I would hate to see the Salvation Army or Red Cross sued because someone's dog bit a small child, but that's just what would happen. These groups shouldn't have to waste their money on inane lawsuits and lawyers.

Some groups such as Pet Sitters International are petitioning the President and state officials to create pet-friendly evacuation centers throughout the United States.

That's a sweet, romantic idea but the problems above would still exist. Crowding traumatized people and pets into a temporary setting will create many problems.

I know many pet owners are initially outraged at shelter policies but consider all the problems involved and the responsibility of shelters to care for humans first.

Please review the tips and download the free booklet on disaster planning for pets prepared by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

Download it at http://www.avma.org/disaster/saving_family.asp

Since public shelters rarely allow pets, the AVMA suggests finding a boarding clinic or kennel 30-90 miles away when you know a disaster is coming.

AVMA also recommends preparing an evacuation kit containing:
--two weeks supply of drinking water
--bowls
--bucket
--scoop and plastic bags for wastes
--cleaning supplies
--paper towels
--leash or harness
--collar
--tie out
--first aid kit
--towels and blankets
--proof of ownership
--photos of your dog and you
--medications and copy of medical records
--favorite toys and treats.

The best plan is to evacuate with your pets when you're warned about an impeding disaster. Head toward family or friends rather than a public shelter.

P.S. Visit http://www.ToyBreeds.com next month for a new edition of the Bone-Mot™.