Published On:Monday, July 19, 2010

Tribune Features Writer

WHEN the catastrophic Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans in 2005, hundreds of thousands of animals were killed and left without shelter, according to an article published by www.cbsnews.com.

As families prepare for the hurricane season, hammering hurricane shutters, cutting down tree limbs and hustling through the aisles of grocery stores to secure necessary food items, their pets’ safety is often overlooked.

Evacuation

 Just as families prepare to weather the storm, they should make arrangements for their pets Dr Basil Sands, veterinarian at the Central Animal Hospital told The Tribune

“Pets are a major problem during hurricanes because people are not allowed to take cats and dogs into emergency shelters and most animal shelters (The Bahamas Humane Society) are already filled to capacity under normal conditions. Therefore, pet owners need to make a plan,” he said.

If in fact pet owners have to evacuate their home, they are advised to seek shelters for their pets.

 “It is recommended that you check into boarding your pets at a reliable boarding facility (the Bahamas Humane Society or  Central Animal Hospital) that is equipped with a generator and staff that is there 24 hrs. However, because of the increase in the number of staff that will be employed at the boarding facility during the hurricane, the fee for housing is usually a bit higher than the regular boarding fee. But you can’t measure safety in dollar and cents,” Dr Sands explained.

Pets taken to animal shelters must have collars, leashes, owners identification tags and secure cages. Immunisation records for pets should also be taken.

Its is also important that a pet survival kit be packed as well containing at least two weeks supply of food water/ food bowls, medications, specific care instructions, newspapers for bedding and plastic bags for handling waste and cat litter if you have a cat.

Staying at home

 During a hurricane, evacuation is not always necessary. If it is not possible for pets to stay indoors during the inclement weather Dr Sands said families should face the fact that their animals could get hurt, or end up lost.

Even though the animals will be in the care of their owners, he said they should be identified with tags and collars that can be retrieved from The Bahamas Human Society. In the event they become lost, the identification tags could ensure their return Dr Sands said.

Animals may not understand what is going on during the hurricane. Some of them become disorientated and terrified.

 It is at this time when families should do whatever they can to make sure their pets are secure and comfortable.

 “Just like humans, most pets will be terrified of the noise. Dogs in particular can become over agitated and difficult to cope with as they are in isolation. The solution is for owners to take the time to stroke them and play with them and show them some loving. Reassure them and talk to them in a soothing manner,” he said.

While it is better to bring animals indoors, Dr Sands said animal should be safeguarded if they have to remain outdoors.

"If you can, it is always better to bring an animal in the home in a secure area to avoid the wind and rain and the risk of flying debris. However, sometimes it may not be practical or feasible to bring a pet indoors.

Therefore, one needs to safeguard them by making sure any outdoor cages are well secured preferably tied down so they cannot be over turned. This includes rabbit cages and chicken coops. It is also useful to cover these cages with tarpaulin to protect them from the wind and rain," he explained.

However if families decided to bring pets indoors, Dr Sands recommends they are put in carriers in a safe area until the storm has passed where they will be comfortable and secure. If they are not secured during the storm and the home is damaged, pets may escape and become disoriented.  

"There is no way of telling how long it will be before you are permitted back after the storm. Frightened animals quickly slip out of open doors and broken windows that were caused by the storm. Lost pets are likely to die from exposure, starvation, contaminated food and water etc. So if it is not safe for you to stay in your home, it is not safe for your pets," he said.

 "After the storm, do not let your pet out until you have examined and inspected your property. Walk your pets on a leash until they become reoriented to your home and surroundings. If there is no electricity, be particularly careful in using candles or oil lamps around pets. Never leave them unattended."