Dogs and cats in war: Preparing your pet for sirens and worst-case scenarios

The loud noises of sirens warning of rocket and missile alerts and explosions as the result of the Iron Dome (hopefully) intercepting the missiles startle animals as much as they do humans – without their having the ability to understand what is going on.

In addition, while people understand that they have to take shelter or potentially evacuate as the result of missiles, animals are unaware of these dangers and, like people, feel safest in their homes. Just as we have to prepare ourselves and family members for having to leave home quickly, whether for only a brief period of time if a rocket alert is received or, in a worst-case scenario, for a longer period of time, we also need to prepare for our animals to leave with us.

Therefore, it is important to have a go-bag prepared containing a dog’s vaccination booklets, a favorite toy and blanket, a few days’ food supply, and a collar with an ID tag and your phone number, as well as a strong leash. Cats need a carrier with a towel to cover it, which makes them feel a bit safer and less aware of what is going on outside.

Several days into the war, I discovered that the building next door had a shelter that residents of many other buildings on the street use. While I was hesitant to go there with four dogs, as I was concerned that people would object to my bringing dogs into the shelter, I saw an item on the news where the police stated that it was a punishable offence to prevent people from entering shelters and that people who did so had been charged and would serve actual jail time. I also researched the law online and took screenshots of it so I would be prepared to deal with any objections.

THANKFULLY, MY fears were unfounded. While some of the neighbors expressed incredulity at my bringing four dogs to the shelter, I was relieved to discover that mine were not the only ones there, as there were two others as well.

While my dogs normally get very excited seeing other dogs they don’t know, particularly when on a leash, they were rather stressed by being in a hot, stuffy shelter with lots of strangers, to the extent that one of my more fearful dogs was shaking. I held firmly onto their leashes and made sure that they didn’t bother any of the other people in the shelter, although some of them seemed pleased by their presence and the welcome distraction from having to worry about missiles.

It wasn’t easy having to take four dogs, including one that is almost 16 years old, down 60 steps and into the next-door building, especially since I usually walk two of them at a time. One of my main fears was that they would be startled by the loud noises outside while on the way to the shelter and try and escape. Thankfully, again, they seemed more excited about going on a walk (or so they thought) – and for several days after the war ended, two of my dogs tried to enter the next-door building because they had got used to going there.

As stated above, the law prohibits refusing entry to shelters for people, and there is no law prohibiting bringing in animals. This applies whether it is a public shelter or one in an apartment building. In fact, Clause 2A of the Law for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals prohibits owners or those responsible for animals from abandoning them or causing them suffering. Owners are also required to provide for the animals’ needs and their health.

DUE TO the importance of having to take shelter from ballistic missiles and the large number of dog owners in Israel, Dr. Tamir Goshen, head of veterinary services in Israel, issued guidance that stated, inter alia, that “The constant threat creates a need for animals, who constitute part of the family for their owners, to be protected. Separating them from their owners causes stress to both the animals and their owners; therefore, people are likely to refrain from going to a shelter, which endangers them and their surroundings. In apartments where there is no reinforced safe room, pet owners have no choice but to go to a public shelter with their pet.”

The main case where problems could arise is if someone in the shelter is allergic to animals. However, the website of the animal welfare organization Tnu LeHayot Lehiyot (Let Animals Live) states that even in the rare cases where someone has a strong allergy to dogs or cats, there is no definitive answer. It also states that if someone has a light allergy or is in a shelter where it is possible to keep the cat or dog a sufficient distance from the affected person, the owners should keep their dog or cat as far away from them as possible, and cats should be kept in a cat carrier (this applies whether someone is allergic or not).

The website also states that a dog must be kept on a leash of up to five meters, as is required by law when walking dogs. A dog that may be aggressive or is considered a dangerous breed also requires a muzzle.

While, of course, having to look after your pets and ensure their safety during times of war can be stressful and worrying, having a dog or cat with you can actually be a calming presence, a welcome distraction, and a way of getting to know your neighbors in the shelter.

Note: It is important to ensure that all pets are wearing a collar with your phone number in case they get lost.