California Evacuees: Motel 6 Accepts Pets

With the fires spreading in southern California, the Motel 6 chain is offering its services as a pet-friendly sanctuary to those who must evacuate their homes.

The motel chain is encouraging fire evacuees to go to Motel6.com or call 1-800-4Motel6 (800-466-8356) to find room availability. Motel 6 is also offering tips on how to prepare for your pet in case of an evacuation.

"The first priority is to make sure everyone who evacuates has a safe place to go with their pets, which is why we are encouraging anyone evacuating with animals to look out for a Motel 6 or other pet-friendly accommodations," says Sue MacGregor, vice president of risk for Accor North America, Motel 6's parent company. "Many people are facing evacuation in Southern California, and it is important that they know how to prepare themselves and their pets for this unexpected disaster."

• If possible, do not leave your pet behind. If it is not safe for you, it is not safe for your pet. Make sure your pet is a part of the family disaster plan. Keep in mind that most disaster shelters do not take animals, except for service dogs. Contact or surf the web for your local animal shelter, veterinarian or emergency management office regarding information on sheltering pets during an emergency. Be sure to identify pet-friendly hotels, like Motel 6, along your evacuation routes. Plan with your neighbor to ensure all pets are taken care of if one of you is not home during a disaster.
• Keep emergency supplies readily available to house and feed your pets. Each pet needs a sturdy crate to keep safe. Keep a two-week supply of water and food with bowls for each pet as part of your family's emergency provisions. If your pet is on medication, make sure you have enough medicine to last your pet for several weeks. A pet first aid kit, plastic bags, disinfectant, pooper scoopers, kitty litter and a small litter tray are also useful items to have on-hand.
• Be prepared in case you get separated from your pet. Get up-to-date identification that can easily trace your pet back to you. Take a current photo of each animal showing any distinguishing marks. Be sure each pet's shots are current, and know where records are for each animal.
• Monitor your pet's behavior. Animals can be easily frightened when stressed and may become aggressive or defensive in a disaster situation. Remember to put safety first: keep your pet in its carrier or crate, and watch for any changes in behavior. If you do take your pet outside, keep it on a leash. Give your pet extra reassurance and attention to help keep them calm.

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Nearly Half of Americans Won't Flee Without Fido

Flood waters may be approaching. Wild fires could be closing in. Yet 47 percent of Americans surveyed would refuse rescue assistance if it meant leaving without their family pet.

The statistic is perhaps the most eye-opening finding in a new study from the American Humane Association that sought to gauge the strength of the human-animal bond and public attitudes toward the rescue of animals during times of crisis.

The study also found that nearly three out of four people surveyed (72 percent) agree that there should be formal evacuation plans for pets. Not surprisingly, the support for formal disaster plans for pets and companion animals was strongest in the South (74 percent) and West (76 percent), areas most closely associated with hurricanes and wildfires.

"After Hurricane Katrina, American Humane and other groups rescued nearly 10,000 animals," says Marie Belew Wheatley, president and CEO of American Humane. "We have been first-hand witnesses to the power of the animal-human bond since our founding in 1877, but there's nothing more powerful than seeing a man or woman refuse rescue efforts because there is
not a rescue lined up for their family pet. This survey brings to light that rescue coordinators need to have plans in place for animal rescue. If they don't, more people could be left in harm's way."

The study surveyed 1,000 adults to gauge their attitudes and level of preparedness surrounding disasters. Areas of research included determining the public interest in formal evacuation plans for pets, policy surrounding ownership of pets that become lost in a disaster, and the steps people have taken to prepare their pet for a disaster.

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AKC Polls 21st Century Dog Owners

Not surprisingly, 99% of owners surveyed stated the reason they own a dog is for companionship. And 88% of dog owners surveyed regard their dog as a beloved family member.

These are just a couple of results from the first-ever AKC 21st Century Dog Owners Study, focusing on the behaviors, attitudes and purchasing habits of dog owners.

"The study reveals that dog ownership heavily influences both lifestyle and purchasing habits. We found that owners consider their best friends 47% of the time when buying a car," says AKC spokeswoman Lisa Peterson. "And when it comes to toys, two out of three owners purchased an average of 9.3 balls for their dogs to play with in the past 12 months."

Highlights from the study include:

-- When asked about the benefits of dog ownership, 72% of owners credited their four-legged best friends with enhancing their own personal health.

-- Over half (51%) of dog owners surveyed stated that their dogs affect how they spend their leisure time.

-- The top activity enjoyed by dog owners is a good old-fashioned walk. Almost half (48%) declared that they enjoy leisurely strolls with their four legged best friends.

-- Owning a dog provides natural entertainment for the family, and watching a dog show on TV is very popular

-- 87% of dog owners say they enjoy watching dog shows.

-- Good fences make good neighbors -- and safe pets. Nearly two thirds of owners fence their yards to contain their pets in various ways, affirming their commitment to responsible dog ownership.

-- Most owners enjoy their canine companions as household pets, and almost half (48%) have owned a dog for 20 years or more.

-- Four out of 10 dog owners have made arrangements for their dogs in the event that they pass away before their dog does. Over half (67%) of respondents felt that the most common drawback against owning a dog is the potential for feeling sad when the dog dies.

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