Hurricane Irene: Evacuating...With Children Pets

Maru is totally prepared for a little rain (sisinmaru).

So you live in a Zone A area and have been told to evacuate—what to do about your pets? Take them with you! Because of the evacuation (and the imminent shut down of the MTA) you are allowed to bring Fido and Mittens for a ride on the subway. But before you pack up your four-legged friends (and other pets) there are few things you might want to do...

Just like you ought to make a go bag for yourself (you did that, right?) you should make one for your little buddies, too. That means a week's worth of food (just in case) along with a can opener if their food needs it. You'll also want to bottle up some water for them—you wouldn't want your buddies to be drinking anything you wouldn't drink. For cat owners, you probably want to bring along some kitty litter (mix it with shredded newspaper to make for a lighter load), but don't worry about the litter box: Just pick up a cheap aluminum broiler pan from the supermarket and you can throw it away when you are done.

Further, you'll want to pack up any medicines your friends might need along with a few of their favorite toys to keep them calm. And if you haven't gotten your pet microchipped? Make sure their collar is up to date! Worse comes to worse make a makeshift one!

But really the most important thing? For the love of all things cute, don't leave your pets behind unless you absolutely, positively must!

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Garth Johnston in News on August 26, 2011 5:34 PM

Comments [rss]

latinlad

awwww. what a beautiful kitty cat! I. want. her. NOW! Hope the hurricane blows her my way.

starrygordon

I can just imagine getting on the subway with four cats. Oh, wait, they're shutting the subways down. Okay, I'll march through the rain with four cats in a little red wagon. I hope someone's taking pictures.

Whenever an emergency occurs, the best thing to do is get out on the streets and run around, anyway.

Bernie_Geotz_Squirrel_Luv

That is one cute kidnapable kitty.

MorganTsvangirai

Maru!!!!

Leroys

Stay safe, everybody. Here's a list of motel chains that accept pets and don't charge any extra fees for them: http://www.ilovedogfriendly.co...

BrooklynDnB

Got my puggie everything he needs to ride out the storm with us. Stocked up on wee wee pads since the bugger isn't a fan of drizzle much less a hurricane.

Rebecca J. Allard

Please don't squirm at pocket pets such as rats and hamsters. Baby food can work for ratties in pinch for water. Don't have a travel cage, drill some holes in a plastic storage container. Old tee shirts make good bedding. Baby wipes are good for clean ups on your pets. Bananas, apples and some other fruit and veg can be good too. Toss their blocks/ mix in ziplocks, tupperware or such. Write your phone number and name on their travel cage.

Adam Keehl

Maruuu! Doesn't Maru live in Japan, though? XD

Guest

Thank you for bringing up this topic. Even if the hurricane does not hit the city directly, such events are extremely stressful for most pets and they rely completely on their humans for survival and comfort.