Also consideration has to be given to avoid unnecessary exposure of persons with allergies or phobias against animals. In a small study that we conducted during a Red Cross exercise we asked participants what they thought about keeping pets at shelters. Most pets owners, especially those that had more than one pet were opposed to the idea. Although this may sound surprising at first, it actually makes sense that owners know best that their animals may be intractable to other persons and animals. Clearly if an environment has become unsafe for humans the same applies to animals.
Animal health is, therefore, improved in disasters when animals are evacuated.
Again, the question arises if offering pet housing would be an effective method for improving pet evacuation rates. At the present time this is simply not known. The care of animals in mass care facilities should also be weighed against alternative approaches for housing. Therefore, most pet owners have already opted for the best solution for their pets by having made arrangements for alternative accommodation for themselves and their pets in the event of a disaster. Encouraging this type of self reliance is consistent with emergency management policy.