3. Where To Go, pt 1
(First posted July 4, 2010) Today is July 4th. One year ago, two ****** playing with fireworks shot a flare into the roof of the Patrick Cudahy Meat Plant and set it on fire. The fire raged for several days, and at one point came close enough to the huge tanks of amonia refridgerant that an evacuation order for anyone within one mile of the plant was given. People were told to take their pets, and the Wisconsin Humane Society set up an emergency animal shelter next to the Red Cross shelter at South Milwaukee High School. The fire was gotten under control before the tanks were reached, and people were back in their homes that same evening, but it could have been much worse. The Red Cross is very efficient at setting up and operating emergency shelters, and with the lessons of Weyauwega and Katrina behind us, we have gotten better at providing for pets, But an emergency shelter is intended to be an initial meet-up and sort-out point, and as a court of last resort for those with absolutly no other place to stay. So what are your options?
First, do you have your own transportation, and can you afford a hotel or motel for at least a few days? Or will your homeownwer insurance pay to put you up until you can get back into your house? Do you know what hotels or motels you can go to with your pets? http://www.petswelcome.com will help you locate pet-friendly motels, but be aware that the term "pet-friendly" does NOT mean all pets. Contact the individual facilities and find out what their rules are for pets. Some may not allow more than one pet per room. Or no dogs over thirty pounds. Or no birds. Or they require a non-refundable pet deposit. Or there are a limited number of rooms pets are allowed in, and when those are full you are out of luck. So know where you can go with your particular pets, and check every year or so to be sure the policy hasn't changed. Also have several back-up choices in case your first choice is full.
If you choose to stay with friends or relatives, make sure there are no allergies, condo or appartment rules, or conflicts with their pets that would prohibit this. Take a close look at how you would fit in. Would your dog need to be shut in a bedroom or the basement when no one is home so it doesn't get into trouble? Maybe you need to bring or buy a pet crate. Is the yard securely fenced so the dog can get some exercise? Or do you need to provide a tie-out stake and chain? What if your friends/relatives are out of town? Do you have a back-up plan? If you decide to board your dog at a kennel, do you have the proper proof of vacinations with you? What if they fill up; do you have a back-up plan?
You are realy much better off making your own arrangements for where to stay, and the best time to do this is BEFORE you need it. Have a plan.
