Hurricane Gustav Pets
Emergency Preparedness Better Organized for Louisiana Dogs and Cats
Sep 1, 2008
In October of 2006, President Bush signed into law the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act, requiring emergency preparedness authorities to include in their plans accommodations for household pets and service animals. States that don't comply could lose funding for disaster relief.
Pet Evacuation
Applying lessons hard learned from Katrina, two million Gulf Coast residents heeded evacuation orders and most took their dogs and cats with them. Those without transportation were provided buses to safety and were relieved to find that their pets would be following them in large trucks. Some feared that only small pets would be allowed to go but news reports claim that Bull Mastiffs as well as Chihuahuas, cats and birds found a place in the mass exodus.
Organizations like United Animal Nations, Best Friends, American Humane Association, Code 3, HSUS, SPCA, International Fund for Animal Welfare, and Noah's Wish worked together to transport shelter animals, as well as pets, out of lower Louisiana.
Pet owners using public transportation brought their animals in carriers and registered them, receiving an armband with a number matching the number placed on their pet’s crate. Crates were then loaded into large trucks destined for safer ground. The driver of the pet truck would stop every two hours to check on and care for the cargo.
In some cases where pets not contained in carriers were rejected, emergency workers responded by rounding up hundreds of crates to distribute.
Pet Sheltering
Getting animals out of the hurricane’s path was only the first step. Shelters across several states have taken in Gustav pets and temporary shelters, such as the one in Reunion Arena’s parking garage in Dallas, have been set up to receive many more. Volunteer teams work round the clock cleaning, feeding, medicating, and providing general care for the evacuated pets.
In spite of the arrangements for animals to be moved out of the storm’s path, some residents apparently were not aware. Reports have come in regarding pets left behind. Animal rescue teams are now gearing up for these post storm operations.
Pet Disaster Planning
In preparation for future disasters, pet owners should plan an evacuation destination and assemble a pet disaster kit including:
- Appropriate restraints such as leashes or cages
- Bowls and 5 to 7 days worth of food, water, and medication
- Paper towels and plastic baggies (litter and pan for cats)
- Identification, medical information, multiple contact information
- Photo of the pet and proof of vaccination
- Pet first aid kit
