Possibly a positive change brought on by Katrina coverage?

[Lisa0825]

Buses will be evacuating Galveston Island residents starting at 10am Wednesday morning, from the Island Community Center. Residents ARE ALLOWED to bring their pets, as long as they are in a pet carrier!:applause: I have never heard this mentioned before during past coverage of our local evacuations. This time, it has been mentioned every time I have seen/heard the evacuation discussed. I hope that this will be standard procedure, so no one has to leave anyone behind, or choose to stay because they refuse.

[ernstbass]

1. Katrina ceratinly brought this issue to the public's attention

I'm impressed that MSM covered the pet issue - especailly in the past week or so.

[lukasahero]

2. It's a start but my dog weighs 92 lbs.

How do they suggest I get him in a pet carrier?

[Lisa0825]

3. you would have to crate him if he flew with you as well....

I don't know what people with large dogs do... are there large carriers with wheels?

[lukasahero]

5. I guess there are but it's something for the people in charge

to consider - would they even have room for several large dogs in large crates?

I think it's great that they are at least beginning to address the issue but I hope they really consider the practical logistics of the plans they're making or we're going to be in the same place all over again.

[IndyOp]

8. I will not fly with my big dogs -

the big crates have to go in the luggage compartment and dogs can die down there for lack of oxygen. Also, my Golden is terrified of crates and will not go in one.

:kick:

[SiouxJ]

4. That is awesome

I guess they finally realized that a lot more people will leave if they can take their family members with them (duh!).

[superconnected]

6. This is wonderful news!

Taking in account the animals for the first time. Progress!

[IndyOp]

7. I've been wondering why big dogs

could not sit on the floor at the owner's feet in the bus? I know that there are issues if there are multiple large dogs, or if people on the bus are afraid of dogs, but putting big dogs in pet crates would take up a whole lot more room than letting them sit on the floor next to their owners. Perhaps, if absolutely necessary, owners of big dogs would have to muzzle their dogs in transit - uncomfortable for the dog, but at least they get to stay next to their owner.

This is an important issue to me because my Golden Retriever is terrified of crates (he came from an animal rescue and had been abused in the puppy mill in which he was born).