PET SAFE PROGRAM

[Melissa]

Many residents in Florida were forced to abandon their beloved pets because Red Cross shelters
do not take pets. So, if one were unable to find a hotel that took pets, you either stayed in
your home, at great personal risk, or left your pet to fend for itself. Unbelievably, there
were people in West Palm Beach who actually left their dogs tied to trees! They were
rescued by authorities. This petition is to enact a PET SAFE PROGRAM, so that some Red
Cross shelters will take pets.

There is an online petition to gain signatures and gain support to approach the President of the American Red Cross in Washington, D.C. and ask that the Pet Safe Program be adopted by chapters across the country.

Sign the petition by at this link:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/750226838

[ 09-09-2004, 05:30 PM: Message edited by: Softpaws ]

 

[Khiori]

We were SO lucky that our Red Cross was accomodating with all our animals when we evacuated last Oct. They had facilities for boarding and housing on site (via the local Humane Society). Sadly, many pets weren't utd on their vacines and a lot of pets got kennel cough etc.

Anyway, I'll sign!

 

[roisinbutler]

I signed, and I hope it passes.

 

[brady]

I signed too. That is so sad.

 

[DreamTime Newfs]

My DH and I both signed it.

 

[FuzzyDustBunnies]

Someone just e-mailed me the link to the petition. I was happy to see it was posted here too.

I think in situations such as what the folks in Florida are facing that hotels and such should accomodate pets also. Those poor people have to pack up and leave not knowing what is going to happen to their homes. The thought of leaving my pet behind is NOT an option. Anything that can be done to help house these animals is a GOOD thing.

 

[dogger]

Awsome Mellisa, thank you.

 

[Angela]

All these people who had to evacuate their houses - did they drive to the Red Cross shelters?
And were the shelters in a safe place away from the hurricane path?
If so, why can't the people take their pets and leave them in their cars?
Sorry, I don't understand. I hope I'm never in that position but I read about the left behind animals and I can't imagine what that must be like.

Now I'll go sign the petition.

 

[Melissa]

Thanks everyone for your help. When people evacuate they do it because they are either in a flood zone are or because they are in a mobile home. unfortunately a car is not a safe place to be either, you may be out of the flood zone area but you still will have to endure heavy winds, flying debris, and falling trees. Also in Florida your car will heat up over a 100 degrees in a matter of minutes.
I am like the others, leaving my pets would not be an option. Last week we only found one shelter that allowed pets in the entire Tampa Bay area. That's not enough.

 

[Angela]

OK, thanks for explaining. I didn't know it would be that hot or the car wouldn't be safe.

 

[ardeagold]

I will sign the petition too. Most hotels here now allow pets. However, if I had to evacuate...even driving 12+ hrs to get to a "safe" zone, I'd take them with me. I wouldn't be evacuating to a shelter without them. If I had to, I'd go to the nearest safe campground and stay there until I could make it home safely...or better yet, we and our gang could "crash" with friends or family in another state! I'm sure they'd LOVE that! LOL