Pet Owners Face Dilemma With Shelters

Most don't allow animals, but experts say pets adapt well.

January 17, 2007
Melissa DeLoach
News-Leader

Greg Evans lost power at his Galena home Sunday and got in his pickup traveling to Springfield in search of warm shelter.

He found it at The Salvation Army. His dog, Pooda, however, was not allowed inside.

With shelter space at a minimal, Evans went inside. Pooda, his black Lab mix, is sleeping in the cab of his pickup.

"There was no option of leaving without him," Evans said.

Many pet owners have faced similar decisions. Most local shelters are not allowing pets.

But even though temperatures are dipping to single digits in a city still partly without electricity, local veterinary staff tell pet owners not to worry.

"Although they're not used to being in the cold, they pretty much adapt," said veterinary technician Linda MacDougall of All Creatures Pet Hospital on West Kearney.

MacDougall said a pet owner may want to consider boarding older pets, especially if they're sick, but a healthy, younger pet should be able to withstand lower temperatures.

As long as you give them plenty of bedding and food, they'll be OK, she said. And check on them periodically, if power is out.

"We're all in the same boat," said MacDougall, adding that she along with her son and boyfriend are sharing heat from a generator with two dogs and 10 cats in their living room.

MacDougall, like Evans, refuses to leave the pets behind to seek warmer shelter.

"That's why I'm at home with no heat, but once you get all the cats piled on top of you, you're warm," MacDougall said.

MacDougall arrived at work Monday to care for the 18 pets at the clinic. But at the clinic, like many other veterinary offices, there is no power.

Many local kennels are also without power. However, they're still accepting pets for those staying at hotels and shelters and unable to take them along.

Among those boarding animals this week is Academy Boarding & Grooming, 2424 Campbell Ave. They accept dogs, cats, birds, snakes, fish and turtles.

Lindsey Mayer said the kennel opened at 7 a.m. Monday and immediately began answering phone calls and beginning the process of returning messages left over the weekend.

"We're accepting pretty much everything," Mayer said before placing a reporter on hold. "We're inundated with calls."

Pet owners do not need to bring food or blankets unless the pet is on a special diet, Meyer said.

Some hotels do accept pets, but it's advised to ask beforehand.

As for Pooda, there is food in the cab. Evans took the pooch for a drive Tuesday. They stopped at Battlefield Mall for a walk around the parking lot.

"He's doing fine," Evans said. "He's just a little chilly."

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