Parrots, Pooches, and Pot-bellied Pigs - Providing Proper Protection for Pets

Many times in a crisis or emergency situation there is a need to provide for those other family members that are as much a part of the family as anyone else. The other family members I’m referring to are your pets. It is unfortunate that many times pets are left behind to fend for themselves because adequate steps were not taken to provide and protect them. They have many of the same basic needs as any other family members.

They will need food, water, shelter and any medical items necessary for their immediate needs. Pets can become just as stressed out during a crisis as people and will depend on you to provide for them.

It doesn’t matter what kind of pet you have in your family but it does matter if you don’t take the steps to insure your ability to properly provide for them. Whether you have a parrot, a pooch, or even a pot-bellied pig they will all have certain needs that they will expect you to provide for them.

In my case, I have two beautiful black Labs that I would find it difficult, if not impossible, to leave behind if a crisis or emergency forced me to evacuate. I keep extra dog food stored in a special container for easy transport, additional water, tie out stakes and cables, and a wire cage for transport along with the usual harnesses (they are large size dogs - +75 lbs.), leashes, collars, and muzzles (one of mine is not the friendliest toward strangers – even though he won’t bother family members). The only major expenditure (about a $100) I have made for my dogs is a portable cage to provide a place of shelter. Many times if you are forced to re-locate temporarily to a different place you will need a secure place to put your pets and is often required for their safety and the safety of others.

Take a little time while you are preparing for an emergency or a crisis and provide the necessary items that will allow all family members to stay together, including your pets.

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker