This thread mainly revolves around dogs it seems. If I had a dog in moderate to good health I would take him with me. If his health was bad or failing I would probably put him down.

The reality is that I love all animals, companions as well as those who give their life to feed me. I live in a place where a dog is impractical, so my wife and I have 4 cats that we love. We have no car.

If bugging in was not an option and bugging out was a permanent situation that required us to move fast with little stuff, we would most likely put our oldest cat down (no teeth) and let the rest go. It would break our hearts, but unlike dogs cats are rarely a threat to humans and can take good care of themselves.

If the area was semi safe and we only had to bug out for a week but had to leave fast with little stuff, we would most likely leave the cats with an ample food supply and a bath tub full of water to drink. They easily take care of themselves with enough food and water, as well as each other's company. I would risk my life to come back and make other arrangements if plans suddenly changed.

Needless to say, we would attempt to bug in first or take them with us if at all possible. In a survival situation I would protect my pets with any necessary force against someone with ill intent.