Alaskans buy protective gear for pets as volcano eruption looms

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – We love our pets and worry about their safety during natural disasters, especially something as unique as a volcanic eruption.Scientists with the Alaska Volcano Observatory have said that Mount Spurr, a volcano located roughly 80 miles from Anchorage, is likely to erupt in the coming weeks or months based on elevated seismic activity.In the event of an eruption, scientists said, it’s highly possible ash will make its way to Anchorage, causing issues with air quality and possibly disrupting travel.Anchorage Animal Care and Control (ACC) took to Facebook to remind pet owners of what to do for their pets to help prep for an eruption.They said anyone who has a pet with preexisting eye, nose, skin or respiratory conditions should talk to their vet about how to protect their furry friend during an eruption. With that, Anchorage residents have been not only buying protective equipment for themselves, but also for their pets.

These items include respirators, booties and goggles for their dogs.AK Bark, a pet supply shop in Anchorage, is one place selling these types of things for pups.Owner Mark Robokoff said he’s already sold roughly 600 pairs of dog goggles and pre-sold 2,000 dog respirator masks in the weeks since it was announced an eruption could happen. “One of the advantages of being a small, locally owned business is that we can more quickly flex and pivot depending on local circumstances,” Robokoff said.

“And Alaska has a lot of weird circumstances.” “We get earthquakes,” he said.“We get weird weather, and occasionally one of our mountains will blow up.”AK Bark sells two types of dog goggles.

One is called Rex Specs, and another is called Doggles.Both brands are designed slightly differently, with Robokoff comparing Rex Specs to the look of ski goggles and Doggles to the look of swim goggles.  He said they always carried the goggles, but they really only sold once a week or so for special cases. “They’r...