Hurricane Katrina was a classic example of how bad things can happen to good animals. In particular, in New Orleans where no one expected the levees to break and everyone thought the storm would be a one day event. It seemed o.k. to leave the cat or dog at home alone until you could get back.
The disaster that occurred when flooding came and families were separated was heart breaking. Thousands and thousands of animals were left to starve or drown and other people put themselves in danger by staying with the animals.
A cat, dog, bird or any other creature can be someone's beloved companion and friend, so when you are making storm preparations for yourself, don't forget that friend.
The best thing, if you are expecting a big event-a major flood, a tremendous wind storm, or a hurricane is, if possible, to arrange for your pet to be taken outside the area to the home of a friend or relative. Often times just going to a vet's office or animal care facility isn't enough if they are in a flood zone. If it is in a high area and is of good construction a pet shelter might be a good alternative.
If you can't take the animal somewhere away from the storm, put it in the safest location you have. Animals will climb on anything to get out of water. You might want to have a tall piece of furniture, a dresser for example in the room to give the animal someplace to go, in case of flooding. Don't tie it since it won't be able to escape. Provide food and water for several days. Remember animals, as well as people, can survive for some time without food but only about 3 days without water.
Make sure the animal has all its shots up to date because flood water can be extremely contaminated.
If you can take the animal with you by all means do so because they become frightened easily when someone familiar is not around topped off with unfamiliar happenings or surroundings. But make sure you check to be sure you can take the animal with you because some heart breaking separations took place in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast when people were evacuated but had to give up their animal friends because of lack of space or other reasons.
The best plan of all is evacuate when told to evacuate and take your pet with you. New rules are in place now to allow caged animals to travel with family members.
If you have a car but know someone who doesn't share the space as best you can. Just as those who are able bodied need to care for others who can't look out for themselves, animals need good Samaritans, too.
