I honestly don’t understand how someone can leave a pet behind in a situation like this. I understand that in very few cases there is no choice, but pets are part of the family!
When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, Sweden was not in NATO and there were fears of an attack. Everyone was instructed as to where their closest bunkers was, and they were required to be ready for a crisis. No animals were allowed. My husband and I discussed it, and decided then and there that if our pets could not go with us, then we would remain in our home with them, no matter what. It was an easier decision for us than for many families, because we do not have young children and are older. Several of our friends made the same decision.
There was later a proposal in the Parliament to amend the law which prohibited animals in bunkers.
The decision to not allow pets in these shelters was later reversed, and instructions for pets were clarified. Yay!
