pet carrier

charlysmom&dad wrote:
You bring up a good point.
What was it like during tbe evacuation? Was the building you evacuated to crowded?

I often wonder what it would be like if we ever had to evacuate. I hope to never experience it.

VERY crowded. Imagine an entire CG crammed into a bath house. I've done one storm evacuation and one that I had to stay inside my RV.

To be honest AS a pet owner during the evacuation to a building? The worst part was the NON crated dogs. They were frightened, owners could not control them, owners leaving totally freaked out dogs on a long leash, snapping at other dogs and serious affecting other people.etc.etc. The nightmare of it all was the uncrated pets..:(

And most of them were small dogs that would have fit into the small airline crate safe and secure. Stacked in a corner allowing more room for the people.

If something did happen to the building you are in, a dog bouncing around within 12 inches in a crate will live thru it, loose they simply will not. Nor in a soft crate or a carrying sherpa bag.

ALSO. If you have advance warning of a storm PLEASE PLEASE bring in all the stuff you have outside your RV! Most of the damage done to the RV's during my experience with a tornado was from STUFF flying from other RV's and slamming into others causing damage.

My MH was ever so slightly briefly picked up lengthwise and lawn chairs coolers BBQ's from others slid under and jammed under my MH. I had to hire a tow truck to lift my MH up to get it all out before I could leave. Others had windows broken and huge holes in the side of the RV's NOT from trees but from flying chairs, tables, coolers etc. Be considerate and try and bring in all that you can even if it is only a storm warning.

Even if you don't believe in crating while driving your RV (albeit you should). Airline crates come apart and nestle together. You 'can' find some room for them and/or use it as additional storage bin in the RV to have one on board for in case of an emergency.

I hope I never have to experience this. I have 2 bigger dogs and large crates, not sure how that would work. I would have a very hard time leaving them behind.

You bring up a good point.
What was it like during tbe evacuation? Was the building you evacuted to crowded?

I often wonder what it would be like if we ever had to evacuate. I hope to never experience it.

IMHO, JMHO I would use ONLY "Airline crates" period. You want them to be SAFE from flying debris etc. Just because you are in a building deemed to be safe during a tornado doesn't guarantee that nothing will happen to your or your pets from falling or flying debris.

I want my dogs to be in something safe to keep them from harm. Soft crates or carry bags that are 'convenient for the owner' is NOT what is going to keep them from being injured.

I have had to evacuate in a CG to a safe building with 4 of them. Using Airline crates also allow respect for others. You can stack the crates on top of each other allowing more room for others. AND a dog in a crate with his favorite bed is less likely to freak and/or injure themselves.

And if you get separated from them they are still safely contained.

Last month remodeling a winter home we had a part of the old ceiling which was made of concrete, not drywall, come crashing down RIGHT ON TOP of the dogs!:E

They were all in airline crates and were not harmed. Not even one dent on the crates. Thank GOD. :C

And BTW: Do NOT buy the cheap knock offs that most of the stores have. Buy Vari KENNEL brand airline crates.

We just bought one from ebay. We're going to set it up in the house and practice.
Thanks for all the replies.

I'm all about the safety of a hard-sided crate for use in a vehicle. But, for an evacuation situation for a couple of little guys like your Chis, I would buy a couple of the soft-sided carriers used as airline carryon pet carriers. The Sherpa or Sturdibag brands are the best made, but you can also get knock-offs at Walmart. They are small, have a shoulder strap for quick getaway, and also have a zippered pouch where you can store an emergency food ration, any meds, some pickup bags, etc.
Do teach your dogs how to go into them without putting up a fight. Once you hear the tornado siren you don't have time to negotiate! Feeding them their meals in there with the door unzipped is a great way to make them like the bag.

I'd rather buy something now, in case of an emergency. My little chi would be really angry at me if I put him in a laundry bag. I don't like to get him mad. lol

How about one of those mesh laundry bags with the drawstring tie ups? That should work in a pinch, shouldn't it?

That would be a good emergency solution. Thank you.

I have posted this before but in an emergency such as a storm or worse a fire, finding a carrier and getting the dogs or cat into it quickly may not be easy or even possible. Dogs may be easier than cats to locate in the dark or smoke. A quick and easy solution is a pillow case. When seconds count grab the cats or small dogs, throw them in and get yourself and them to safety. They will hate it of course, but an angry and indigent pet is better than the alternative.