It's possible there won't be an ark ready to file all the animals in two-by-two if the predicted flooding hits.
So it will be up to pet owners to make plans for their four-legged family members ahead of time, according to Laurie Hagey, executive director of the Humane Society of North Central Iowa.
"You love your pets, they're like members of the family," Hagey said. "What we have found through national studies is that people just flat out say if they can't take their pets, they won't evacuate. And it's very important that you not just leave your animals behind - they don't do well on their own."
The Humane Society is working closely with the Webster County Emergency Management Agency to come up with a plan to care for the community's pets in times of disaster.
Currently, Hagey said they are working to identify animals who live in flood-prone areas and lining up volunteers to do pet rescue in case they do need people to go in and get the animals from homes. The Humane Society is also identifying temporary shelters and the resources - such as food and bedding - for animals if they can't stay in their homes.
"In most people shelters, you can't bring your pets inside," Hagey said. "It's important that people have a plan for what they would do and where they could take them in case on emergency."
The Humane Society is hosting a Pet Rescue Readiness program from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday at Shopper's Supply, 3112 Fifth Ave. S., to offer safety tips and "pets inside" window decals to indicate that animals live inside a home. They will also be microchipping animals for $20 to help identify lost pets.
Hagey said it is also important to have a "Go kit" with essentials for animals - such as food, water, crate and bedding, leash, medications, a photo of your pet for identification purposes and current veterinary records, in case you have to evacuate your home.
For more information or how to volunteer for the upcoming pet rescue readiness programs, contact the Humane Society at 955-8343.
"Pets need to be kept safe just like the rest of our family," Hagey said.
Contact Angela Burch at (515) 573-2141 or aburch@messengernews.net