Bugging Out with Pets - My Plan

[Trebor]

Excellent post Raptor.

Lot's of great info there. This is the kind of stuff we should all be posting more about. Thanks much.

[phil_in_cs]

my parents brought their elderly and infirm dog with them when they bugged out to my place for Rita. The trip was very hard on them all (my parents are elderly and infirm as well) but with proper planning they did ok.

The dog was too blind to pay much attention to my cat. The cat quickly realized the dog was no threat and ignored her after that.

My parents were with me for 9 weeks after Rita while the water and power were restored at their house. Sadly, the dog passed a few days after they returned, likely due to the stress plus the age and other infirmities

[ZombieCleaner]

just got another stupid fuckin cat.
i've lost count now.

everytime one of the sumbitches comes to our door, my mother has to feed it.

[Leatherman]

Raptor I like your post on how to properly leave your animal behind, not just a "Okay I'm leaving them might as well just chain them up", but giving them every possible benefit you can while leaving them. Like I said earlier I'd do everything I could to take my dog with me, but I have to realize that I do have my own life and my families lives to worry about first. I respect those who will not leave their animals behind, but I think there are some circumstances where an animals life isn't worth the risk of yours if your family is dependent on you.

Also, about the dog packs. I've talked to my vet, as long as your dogs joints are fully developed, meaning out of puppyhood (so my german shepherd has about 6 more months to go), and you ease them into using the pack, they'll love it. Start out with short walks just with the pack on, then eventually make the walks longer after they're used to it, and then eventually slowly start adding weight, I'd say no more than two pound increments on each side. And from what I've heard dogs love it, it makes them feel like they have a job and it gets them extra tired.

[Hoppy]

threes an old "joke"

a man suddenly comes to, in a forest with his loyal dog. not knowing how he got there, he begins to walk down the path, dog by his side.

after some time, the man and the dog approach a large gate. shiny and clean. the man calls out to the gate keeper
"What is this place?"

"Why this is Heaven," the gatekeeper says with a welcoming smile. "You were killed in an automobile accident; you've probably forgotten. But welcome; come in."

"Can I get a drink for my friend?"

The gatekeeper frowns sympathetically. "I'm sorry; dogs are not allowed in Heaven."

The man kneels beside his dog and scratches the dog's ear. The dog wags his tail and grins. The man stands up.

"Well," he says, "No thanks. We'll keep walking. Perhaps there's a stream in the wood."

The man and his dog continue on the winding trail until, after a while, they come to a second compound with yet another gate. The gatekeeper comes out to greet them. "Welcome to Heaven," he says.

"Heaven. Hmm. Can I get a drink of water for my friend?"

"Of course, come in."

The three of them pass through the gate. The man says to the gatekeeper, "I don't understand. I stopped at another compound back there, and the gatekeeper said that was Heaven, but no dogs allowed."

"Oh, that's Hell," the gatekeeper says, frowning.

They stop at a running stream and the dog gets his drink.

"Doesn't it bother you that they lie?" the man says.

"Oh we don't mind," the gatekeeper says, "It helps us screen out the folks who would abandon their friends."

I could never leave my dogs behind. however I agree that if you do not wish to take your pet with you. you owe it to them to ensure them no suffering. anything less is just unethical to me. I am not a hunter. that’s not to say I disapprove, I simply don’t like getting up early and going out in the cold. however i do understand the sport, and feel in many cases its in the animals best interest to be hunted ( over population of deer etc) how ever those animals should also be granted the least painful death possible.

that said, the dogs have been loyal to me, and i will be loyal to them. and i will not surrender them to any JBT's

[NorthEastHiker]

My dog and cat are coming in the event of a bug out.

My dog has a pack, he has been using it for a couple of years now. He carries an extra leash, couple of zip locks of food, a water bowl, and 2 water bottles. This is his hiking setup, not for a bug out. For bugging out, he will just sit in the back seat next to my daughter.

Buster (dog) is about 70 pounds, he loves his pack. When he sees it, he knows its time to go hiking so he gets excited. He is a pile of bone and muscle, I am certain he can handle what he carries from experience. Putting this pack on a dog that has not used it before would be a mistake. My breed likes to "pull' and currently holds the world record for the largest about of weight in a weight pull competition...very strong breed.

The dog is part of the bug out plan, he is also part of the "Stuck in the woods over night" plan for a hike gone bad. Like the others mentioned, early warning, security, warmth, etc...

Now...my wife’s cat on the other hand is not really of any material value, nor is it able to even be easily maintained. I am not trying to be mean, just realistic. That said, the cat is coming...

Huge difference between the 2 animals in the ways of what it would be like to bug out with them. The dog will basically just follow me around, caries some gear, etc... The cat is extra weight and space (Crate). He will also be a distraction for my family who should be more concerned with survival than how the cat feels about being in kitty prison for how ever long we are on the move or stranded.

I don't see myself caring a kitty litter box in my truck for several hours/days/weeks while on the move and surly when we are in a safe spot, unless it’s someone's house, I don't see the cat ever getting out of that crate. Maybe I am wrong, but I just don't see it.

Sadly, I don't see the cat surviving a long term situation unless we get very lucky. What I wouldn't do is just leave him with no hope or release him in our area where he would just be eaten by a fox or coyote.

Well that is my .02 and current plan (or lack of).

Anyone with realistic plans on how to deal with a cat? Piling them all up in a truck and start driving seems to be moving the problem with you versus having an actual solution. Some people for Katrina had to live in shelters for weeks (which I would rather be camping in the winter on a mountain!). I doubt animals were even allowed in but in any event, I don't know how to maintain a cat outside of my house no matter if it were in a shelter, camping or what ever it comes to.

NE Hunter

[raptor]

Anyone with realistic plans on how to deal with a cat? Piling them all up in a truck and start driving seems to be moving the problem with you versus having an actual solution. Some people for Katrina had to live in shelters for weeks (which I would rather be camping in the winter on a mountain!). I doubt animals were even allowed in but in any event, I don't know how to maintain a cat outside of my house no matter if it were in a shelter, camping or what ever it comes to.

NE Hunter

I consider my plan realistic; it worked for me once.

For a short term evacuation keep the cats in the hotel room or identify a boarding facility. For a Katrina/medium term evacuation keep the cats in the apartment or boarding facility.

Most evacuation centers do not admit pets, though some states (including Louisiana) do have provisions for specific shelters for pets. There is actually a plan in Louisiana to have this shelter set up in Angola Prison and have prisoners take care of the pets. Personally it will be a cold day in hell before and government employee/prisoner "take care of" any of my pets. Nevertheless it is an option to explore in your area.

Having said that you do not want to go to a refugee camp/evacuation center if you can avoid it.

In a true TEOTWAWKI situation I think many people and pets (cats & dogs) will not make it and the problem may be moot.

On a separate note my compliments to Zombiecleaner's mother, obviously she is a good person.

[lefty]

Good post,

We have a 10 year old Ridgeback, and he is considered in both bug in and bug out situations.

I have 60 days supply of food on hand @ all times and have a bag with 2weeks of food and travel bowl ready. He went with us when we evaced for Rita and I slept better knowing he was curled up next to the bed. I also trust his judgment about strangers, some he is aware of but not real concerned others he does not like and he lets us know I trust that and want that if I have to bug out.

I would not leave him, will not happen and the wife feels the same way. He would give his life without a second thought to protect me , my wife or child, I owe him that much.

[NorthEastHiker]

So I have put some more thought in to this and I think I am going to make a "cage" of sorts which will allow my cat to be very comfortable and not feel enclosed.

I will share pictures as it gets developed but the idea is simular to those nets people out on thier decks to allows indoor cats to lounge around outdoors.

It will also be foldable so that its easly put in my truck with the rest of the gear.

[Leatherman]

Northeast, you could get a small dog kennel, most wire ones fold flat, and one designed for a small to medium sized dog would give your cat more than enough room.

http://petsafe-warehouse.com/dog_crates ... crates.htm

[BigdaddyTank]

My dog is part of my bug out plan. He has a bag to wear and I have been thinking of getting a cart to have if I can not use my BOS (Bug Out SUV). He is a 130 pound Alaskan Malamute who has done weight pull's and done team sled pulling so he is good to go when it comes to carrying his own gear and then some.

[Andi]

If its <5lbs total, and its good fitting pack on a sturdy animal, then you could use it years without issues. I just fail to see the point in it.

Well, for one thing, if you've got younger kids (as I do), you're already carrying extra gear for them, which means extra weight. Also, if by some chance the dog gets separated from you, there's a chance he'll be found by someone who wants to take care of animals. A pack with food attached to the dog would be good in that case.

I'm looking into the freeze-dried pet foods at the moment (I'm on a freeze-dried food kick on the moment, both for bugout bag and backpacking purposes). I'm ordering samples to see if he likes it and will eat it. We have a rather large dog, and the weight of the food portions he needs is a concern. Either way, he's coming with us, no question. Heck, with his strength and energy level, he'll outlast us all!

[Warmbeer]

I have an interesting situation as I have two ferrets I have to bug out with. Seeing as its actually a violation of my lease to keep my two little fuzzies, I already have good experience with emergency bug outs when the landlord is snooping around.

I keep all their assorted medicine, treats, spare food, coat treatments, towels and blankets that I normally use for them handy in a small civilian backpack ready to rock at a moment's notice. I also have leash and harnesses for them in case they need to be walked or staked down, and a really handy collapsing outdoor play tube made of transparent mesh.

You can see the play tube at www.Abogear.com

the Pet Fun Run....maybe good for some of you forced to bug out with cats or other small animals. might make a good temporary chicken coop for the PAW too

Its awesome, a bit heavy but it folds up flat to hang on a pack, expands to a 5ft. tube about 18 inches in diameter that they can play in and serves as a makeshift cage. You can interconnect multiples if you want.

The fuzzballs themselves go inside their soft foldable pet carrier with a handle when walking/driving.

This Ferret BOB also works great for shorter camping trips.

Just goes to show you can bug out with more then just cats and dogs. In case of a fire or natural disaster, I don't have to worry that my kids will be ok. In the case of a massive zombie outbreak, I hate to say it but they get set free, with hope they can fend for themselves
(very doubtful)

[Firedan]

Great post. I like your planning.

[raptor]

So I have put some more thought in to this and I think I am going to make a "cage" of sorts which will allow my cat to be very comfortable and not feel enclosed.

I will share pictures as it gets developed but the idea is simular to those nets people out on thier decks to allows indoor cats to lounge around outdoors.

It will also be foldable so that its easly put in my truck with the rest of the gear.

I sure would like to see this. I have been thinking about the same thing, but lack the skills to make one.

The fuzzballs themselves go inside their soft foldable pet carrier with a handle when walking/driving.

This Ferret BOB also works great for shorter camping trips.

Just goes to show you can bug out with more then just cats and dogs. In case of a fire or natural disaster, I don't have to worry that my kids will be ok. In the case of a massive zombie outbreak, I hate to say it but they get set free, with hope they can fend for themselves
(very doubtful)

Warmbeer, after Katrina, the animal control people did not under that ferrets were pets (I do not know what rock there were under). Several times the domesticated ferrets approached the animal control asshats and they simple killed them thinking they were wild animals. They assumed the friendly approach by the ferrets was an attack. What can I say "dogcatching " has never attracted the best and brightest. It wasn't until one of the local humane society folks explained to them that ferrets were domesticated pets that this stopped.

If you have to leave ferrets (or any pets for that matter) leave a note about the pets. I suggest one like this one.


<img src="http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee289/bfleb2/601mehlenotefeedingstationtoleft2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket">

[Czechnology]

The Dog and Cat go in the BOV unless there's an EMP, in which case I'm Bugging In for now. Pinchy however, will likely become rations when TSHTF.



He would want it that way.

[Warmbeer]

Warmbeer, after Katrina, the animal control people did not under that ferrets were pets (I do not know what rock there were under). Several times the domesticated ferrets approached the animal control asshats and they simple killed them thinking they were wild animals. They assumed the friendly approach by the ferrets was an attack.

that is just horrible you have to be really REALLY slow to mistake a cute little bouncy ferret as dangerous, what is the saddest part of that is ferrets love people and love to play.....depressing in the extreme

[raptor]

Warmbeer, after Katrina, the animal control people did not under that ferrets were pets (I do not know what rock there were under). Several times the domesticated ferrets approached the animal control asshats and they simple killed them thinking they were wild animals. They assumed the friendly approach by the ferrets was an attack.

that is just horrible you have to be really REALLY slow to mistake a cute little bouncy ferret as dangerous, what is the saddest part of that is ferrets love people and love to play.....depressing in the extreme

+1000 to all of these points.

Nevertheless there were many documented instances where pets (dogs & cats also) were destroyed for no other reason than they were inconvenient to the authorities. Something to bear in mind; I saw it first hand and this is why I plan for my pets.

After a disaster, the authorities will destroy pets based upon their own decision making process and convenience (their convenience) is a key criterion for this decision. Trust no one, take care of your pets yourself.

[SamuraiBobX26]

I will be bugging out with both of my pets. They are small dogs under 30 lbs. But they are pretty vigilent and make a gerat early warning system. Plus, they are pretty fast and I have seen them work toghther to catch a rabbit at my parents house. So I know they can keep them selves feed. Plus, they don't really eat a lot anyway. A 50lb bag of food last like 6 months or something. I know I haven't bought any food recently and there is pelnty left. Plus, they will eat anything. Another thing, I would never hear the end of it from my wife if I left them. She would probally shoot me if I even suggest it.

[LittleTeapot]

Raptor, very good post.

Thank you very much for the great information.

[Dark Cloud]

Excellent words to all of you.

I am from Louisiana originally, but moved to Tennessee in 1999. I was a devout dog-person until I met my wife who, when we met, was down to her last cat (he was sick and had to be put down shortly after we met). I ALMOST didn't even date her because she had a cat. That's how much I hated cats.

We moved to TN and were not allowed to have pets inour apartment. Suited me fine. We became foster parents. Seems my wife is so big-hearted, she's always rescuing something. Heck, I can't complain. She married me, didn't she!

One day our foster daughter came in witha n orange tabby following her. I commanded my wife not to fall in love with the loathsome beast, but to no avail. Mango (pronounced MAHN-go) was added to the family.

Another stray had been hanging around the house, and since Mango never really took to me, I tried to make him jealous by paying attention to the other stray. This one was looked like a Maine Coon, but I can't be sure of the pedigree, of course. Wife named this one Smyrna, but I renamed HIM "Nick" after we took him to the vet. He was a mess. His ear was nicked up with bite marks (hence his name), one of his fangs had a broken tip, he had a BB at his collarbone and another along his spine. He was starved and dirty and had a bad case of worms.

When I took food to him, he stood on his hind legs and waved at the plate. He was quiet and frinedly and not neurotic at all.

I commanded myself not to fall in love with him, but I've always been a bit rebellious and stubborn.

Nick and Mango were the first two. We moved into a house and acquired four cats left to die when the renters behind us abandoned the house, the dog, the cats and their financial responsibilities to the landlord. We also sort of picked up a few more neighborhood cats and when we moved to our current house, we took 5 or 6 with us. That was an adventure and makes me wonder how we would ever bug out with them all in tow.

Mango disappeared after a few days at the new house. They were all inside-outside cats, but after his loss, we kept them all pretty much in.

Nick chased dogs out of the yard. He never backed down from a fight, and as aresult, he never had to fight (except for once, but I tagged him out, grappled with the beast he was fighting and dispatched it with haste) He would have stood off a stegasaurus if one had been dumb enough to encroach on our space!

Nick got feline diabetes and I took him to the vet to put him down. It was very difficult and i'll say no more about it, but when Katrina happened, and I saw people on rooftops waiting to be rescued, I wondered hwat I would do in their situation. I heard that the Coast Guard and such were not allowing pets on board. I can understand that when there are so many people to save. But I know that my atitude, if (heaven forbid) I should have found myself in that situation would have been "If my cat's not good enough for your helicopter, then neither am I!" I would have waved the bird off and sat on the roof with my cat.

But thanks to Zombie Squad, that won't be an option, will it?

Thanks for all the food for thought.

[CommonHighrise]

...He is a 130 pound Alaskan Malamute...

I would just like to take a moment to say I fucking hate you.



But the ladies like my 120lb Golden more.

[raptor]

Nick and Mango were the first two. We moved into a house and acquired four cats left to die when the renters behind us abandoned the house, the dog, the cats and their financial responsibilities to the landlord. We also sort of picked up a few more neighborhood cats and when we moved to our current house, we took 5 or 6 with us. That was an adventure and makes me wonder how we would ever bug out with them all in tow.

Dark Cloud you and your wife are good people!

But I know that my atitude, if (heaven forbid) I should have found myself in that situation would have been "If my cat's not good enough for your helicopter, then neither am I!" I would have waved the bird off and sat on the roof with my cat.

That sounds like something I would do.

If that ever happens just PM me and I will come get you and the cats.

[shillard]

What he said.


In a dire situation - would I eat my cat?

Nope, I'd shoot my neighbours and feed them to my cat.