2 min read
When hurricanes and other natural disasters warrant quick action, dedicated guardians will stop at nothing to protect their loved ones. These stories from the path of Hurricane Milton show that keeping animals safe during a disaster just takes a little creativity.
With the wind howling outside and heavy rains and flooding in the forecast, these guardians turned their homes into makeshift shelters to ensure that everyone weathered the storm safely.
Horses in the House? Yes!
Most people hunkered down with family, small animal companions, and perhaps a flashlight and some snacks. But for one couple, their family included two very large four-legged companions, so they did the only logical thing: They brought their horses inside the house! They covered the rugs with wood shavings and filled one trough with fresh hay and another with water, and just like that, their home became a cozy stable for the night. The horses seemed content—one even lay down to rest! When the storm finally cleared the next morning, the pair returned to their pasture, none the worse for wear.
Chickens Go Camping Indoors
A flock of chickens went camping—kind of! Their guardians set up animal-size tents inside the house and tucked the clucking crew inside for the night, keeping them cozy and dry while the storm raged outside. Who needs a coop when you’ve got a perfectly good bedroom campsite, right?
These unique solutions show the lengths guardians will go to keep their animal companions safe. Every animal deserves the same level of protection and consideration.
How to Protect Animals When Severe Weather Threatens
- Pack an emergency kit for yourself and one for your animal companions containing enough supplies to last for at least a week, and keep everything where it’s easy to grab in a hurry. Include animals’ medical records and medications, food and water, bowls, and a comfort item. Remember litter and a litter box for cats.
- Have your animals microchipped, and make sure they’re wearing legible ID tags with your current contact information. Â
- Take animals with you in an evacuation. Leash dogs and put cats and other small animals in secure carriers, as frightened animals may bolt.
- Research and plan your destination in advance. Many campgrounds, shelters, and hotels allow animals during emergencies.
If authorities force you to evacuate without your animals, leave them inside your home with access to upper floors. Provide at least a 10-day supply of dry food and water. Never leave animals trapped in crates, tethered, or otherwise confined. Cut fences and open stalls to give animals at least a fighting chance to survive.
If you live near Norfolk, Virginia, please drop off cat litter, cat food, and dog food at PETA’s Sam Simon Center by Friday, October 18. Not a local? Give to our Global Compassion Fund today:
