ohmidog!

With Gustav and Hanna behind us, and Ike still ahead, the American Humane Association is urging pet owners to review how prepared they are for this hurricane season and other natural disasters.

The Humane Association is the organization behind he “no animals were hurt” disclaimer on movie and television production — and it also brought us last year’s pet owner survey that confirmed what Hurricane Katrina vividly showed: many people love their pets too much to evacuate their homes without them.

The association’s 2007 study of pet owners found that 47 percent of Americans would refuse rescue assistance if it meant leaving their pet behind.

Nearly three out of four people surveyed (72 percent) agreed that there should be formal evacuation plans for pets — with support being strongest in the South and West, the areas most closely associated with hurricanes and wildfires.

“During Hurricane Katrina, American Humane and others rescued nearly 10,000 animals,” said Marie Belew Wheatley, president and CEO of American Humane. “…Now, with hurricane season in full swing, it’s important that the lessons and successes applied in Louisiana are applied elsewhere.”

The 2007 study surveyed 1,000 adults to gauge their attitudes and level of preparedness surrounding disasters and the steps people have taken to prepare their pets for a disaster.

While nearly half of all surveyed said they wouldn’t leave their pet behind, people with children were more likely to evacuate without their pet — 60 percent said they would. Among pet owners without children, only 37 percent said they would leave their pet behind.

Most respondents agreed that rescuing pets was a secondary objective, after rescuing people — 45 percent said animals should be rescued only after all humans have been, 34 percent said animals could be rescued along with humans “if time and space permits,” and 16 percent said animals and humans should be considered equals and pets should be “rescued at all costs.”

Survey takers showed a greater loyalty to dogs than cats — 55 percent of dog owners would refuse evacuation efforts, compared to 43 percent of cat owners.

“These findings really demonstrate the incredible power of the human-animal bond and make it clear that people believe animals should be considered in rescue efforts,” said Wheatley. “Now, we need to continue using this information to construct safe, fair and feasible plans for rescue situations.”

Founded in 1877, the association is the only national organization dedicated to protecting both children and animals. Based in Denver, it develops policies, legislation, curricula and training programs to protect children and animals from abuse, neglect and exploitation.

The association recommends the following steps for pet owners:

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