[NewToPrep]

If SHTF I just don't think I will be able to take my pets with me and my family. We have 3 wonderful dogs and 2 beautiful cats but I also have 3 precious babies, myself, and my husband to get out of the house. How do you emotionally deal with that? I may sound like a sappy woman, but those animals, especially the dogs have been with us since before we had any kids. They were my babies before I had my real babies! My children will also be very upset leaving them behind.
I know I'll have to suck it up in the end but I wouldn't mind hearing your advice.
Thanks.

 

[UncleJoe]

If at all possible, I would keep at least one (preferably all) of the dogs with you. They are just about the best early warning system you can have. They can hear and sense things that we never could. We also have cats but I'm afraid they would have to be left behind. JMHO.

 

[Herbalpagan]

Many people with pets have to make this decision. Our dogs will go with us, but they have their own little bug out bag and harnesses. A lot of people get their pets cages and a small trailer to haul them and other stuff.

 

[Canadian]

I'm not big on pets. If you can prep for them that's great.

Since I'm more of a cat person I'd say just let them go. Animals are pretty good at taking care of themselves. When I was a kid my cat only came by the house to say hello and get a snack. It pretty much lived outdoors and would hunt for most of it's food and that was in the heart of the city.

I'm sure if I had to evacuate when I came back the cat would be there looking at me like "hey where'd you go I need a snack." Unless the disaster was a flood or something like that. Then most of the pets wouldn't make it.

 

[mona]

I live at my bugout. So, I only worry about making sure that I have enough food for them. But with all the birds and squirrles rabbits and chickens and stored rice, beans and vegies, we should all be ok.

 

[NaeKid]

Depending on the pet, I will either turn them loose, flush them down the toilet or turn them into a meal. Creatures like birds and cats would be easy to "turn loose" - their instincts are strong enough to survive and stuff. Fish - if I cannot keep them alive for any reason - the toilet is my answer there. Gerbils and hamsters - they would make a nice meal for the cats.

 

[River Rafter]

I would never abandon my dog. He has his own bug-out-bag packed & ready to go. If I go, he goes with me.

 

[MaryV]

if you have 3 dogs, you may not be able to take them all. if it looked like things were going downhill, you may have time to decide to euthanize them before TSHTF fully. I have a yorkie, if things look like they are going downhill fast, I will have him euthanized. I dont think I could handle severe crisis and having to deal with him as well. but I will have to see...i would never turn him loose to die on the streets. a cat can survive, a yorkie? no way...

 

[shirls]

I have three chihuahua's they are family, and dont eat much lol they can come.

 

[Canadian]

Mad Max took his dog with him. Road warrior style.

 

[wildman800]

I don't have any cats, at this moment. If I had cat(s) & had to Bug Out, I'd set the cats loose to follow along OR do what they willed.

I have 2 dogs and although I wouldn't put them on a leash (in most places), We would keep them close in. They are extremely valuable in many ways in such a situation!

Pets are great watch dogs and cats. Pets have a soothing effect on humans during stressful times. My pets rate almost as high as my children, IMHO.

I have BoB's for my dogs and for my DD2's cat (in the event that the cat arrived at my home prior to bugging out, or if we met up with them @ a pre-arranged location).

It's really a question of each person getting their priorities in line with their own personal situation(s). Everybody's situation will differ according to many factors.

 

[Expeditioner]

I have dogs from the working group: a Kuvasz and a Bernese Mountain Dog. both stay and both have BOB supplies. From a morale standpoint alone I want them around. Both are very loyal, can pull heavy loads for long distances, and are great guardians.

 

[Woody]

My black lab will certainly come with me. I feel the benefits of having her far outweigh the advantages of not having the extra baggage. As pointed out you have intruder alarm while YOU are sleeping. That alone is worth some extra preparation or hassle to haul the dog along. Mine can help with chores, collecting firewood as an example. Although she is older and not the fastest thing in the woods she would be a help in tracking game to hunt and in tracking it after it is shot, if it is not a kill shot. And if it comes down to it she is a portable, non-perishable meal if it comes to starving. With that in mind I better add some barbecue sauce to the storehouse.

I took on the responsibility of having a pet and that responsibility does not end when it is not convenient to have her anymore. Besides she is family and I could never leave family behind.

 

[Expeditioner]

A1 works well with dog meat!

 

[triarii]

I have a couple of pit bull mixes. One can run down and dispatch rabbits in a fraction of a second, so I guess she'll come with us.

 

[The_Blob]

I have three chihuahua's they are family, and dont eat much lol they can come.

heh, I have 3 chihuahuas also & a black lab... they all can hunt (to an extent), the lab brings home squirrels, rabbits, groundhogs, raccoons, possums & the chihuahuas have brought me more mice & moles than my cat (of course, the cat EATS them)...

 

[sailaway]

I have two Yellow Labs, yellow dog is an Asian delicacy. I would need A1 Sauce.

 

[preparednesspro]

Guaranteed my dogs would come with me. My husband climbs a local mountain several times a week and often takes the girls with him -- they're incredibly resilient to the altitude and the workout, which is impressive. We'll just have to ensure we have all the appropriate medical/food supplies for the animals and that they can be quiet on command. Preparedness for Fido and Kitty « Preparedness Pro

 

[Canadian]

Don't forget to make your dog "tactical."

 

[Magus]

Cats hunt,its what they do.if worst came to worst I could live on thier "offerings" of headless squirrels and rabbits.