Secure Your Pets If You Leave or Stay for the Hurricane

And while everyone’s best effort is to save life and property, pets are not to be forgotten. Board member of the Belize City Animal Aid, Michelle Rudon reminded us that it is most inhumane to not make an effort to secure pets as part of the preparation for a storm. She said the worst thing one can do is to leave pets chained or tied up.

Michelle Rudon

Michelle Rudon, Board Member, Belize City Animal Aid

“The first option always in a storm is to take your pets with you because remember pets are like our children right. They’re already used to us, they’re familiar with the home, with the people, so when we go somewhere and we leave them and especially in situations like a storm, where you’ll have heavy winds and a lot of noise, which terrifies us, imagine how they’ll feel. So the first option is always to try and find somewhere where they will allow you to take your pets – a family member or friend, right. Now if for some reason you’re unable to take your pet, then what you need to do is make sure that the home environment is safe for the pet, inside I prefer, but not in an enclosed area. You need to have them in a safe, comfortable area where they’re used to with enough food and water. If for some reason you can’t have your pet inside your home and you have to do the thing which I hate, which is leaving them in the yard, never, ever, never – I can’t say it strong enough – do not tie your pets, never. Because when you tie your pet and leave them in a storm, it’s like you’re signing their death sentence and it’s heartbreaking. Also try to ensure there’s a safe, comfortable area where they can shelter from the storm if you’re leaving them in the yard. Leave enough water, leave enough food.”