PETS/ PET OWNERS AS SPECIAL POPULATIONS IN DISATSERS

Hurricane Katrina and Pets

In 2005 Hurricane Katrina slammed into the Gulf Coast

When Katrina hit, tens of thousands of companion animals were left behind to fend for themselves

Thousands of people who were unable to take their pets with them refused to evacuate their homes

Many who stayed behind perished

Challenges for the Humane Society of US

Long after the storm was past, the HSUS was hard at work providing care for the animals affected by Hurricane Katrina.

They helped rescue 8,500 animals across the region, answered more than 45,000 calls from desperate pet owners and caring individuals, and helped with or followed up on more than 2,200 reunions between pets and their families.

The Humane Society of the United States mounted a national grassroots campaign to get a legislation passed.

Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act (PETS)

On Oct. 6, 2006 (one year and one month after the storm) President George W. Bush signed the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards (PETS) Act into law.

Important step in ensuring that Americans will never again be forced to leave their pets behind when disaster strikes.

Source: https://community.hsus.org/campaign/FED_2006_PETS3

Changes to Disaster Preparedness Planning The American Red Cross has recently

changed its guidelines to include planning for people with animals in local emergency shelter planning. 

These changes have resulted in a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the American Red Cross and the HSUS.

Changes instituted by HSUS

Since Sept. 1, 2005, the HSUS has committed or spent more than $34 million on,- general disaster relief/ recovery efforts in the Gulf

Coast states- the enhancement of its disaster response capacities- the transformation of public policy concerning

animals in disaster.  As of December 2007, more than 2,500

volunteers had been through HSUS Disaster Animal Rescue Team and Emergency Animal Sheltering training courses.

Shelter Medicine Programs and Community Outreach Development of HSUS has funded

programs in shelter medicine at the veterinary schools of Louisiana State University (LSU) and Mississippi State University (MSU). 

Educating veterinary students about humane issues, making them better advocates for animals once they take up their professional duties in private practices or in other venues.

Investments in People and Institutions, for Animals

In May 2008, the HSUS awarded 56 scholarships to 38 animal shelters in Louisiana and Mississippi, allowing personnel to attend Animal Care Expo.

HSUS staffers are sharing the research results of the ‘After Katrina’ initiative with shelter directors, animal control officers, veterinarians and local groups to ensure the broadest possible diffusion of the insights gained.

Extra Support for Shelters HSUS's commitments have also included

extra support for shelters operating under difficult circumstances. 

HSUS will waive its customary fee to provide Animal Services Consultation (to avoid animals from being euthanized).

Forging partnerships for new animal evacuation facilities HSUS continues its involvement with contingency and disaster planning throughout the country.

Disaster Preparedness for Pets

If You Have Pets: Can you gather all your pets and put them

into pet carriers in time? Do you have carriers for all your pets?

Are all your pets wearing collars and ID tags with their name, your name, your telephone number, and an emergency telephone number?

If your cat escapes the cat carrier and becomes lost, could you provide a photograph?

Disaster Preparedness for Pets Do you know where you can go with your pets in

the event of an emergency evacuation? Do you know of any animal-friendly motels nearby? Do you know where your local emergency animal shelter is located?

Do you have your veterinarian's telephone number on your list of emergency numbers in case your dog or cat becomes ill?

Do you have a contingency plan to evacuate your pets if something happens when you are at work?

Where is your pet's disaster evacuation emergency "go kit"?

Your Pet’s Kit Food and water for at least five days (can

opener) Medical and Veterinary records (in a

waterproof pack) Cat litter box and litter (garbage bags to collect

all pets' waste, and litter scoop) Pet carrier and/ leash Current photos with physical descriptions (in

case you become separated) ID attached to your pet Pet beds and toys (to reduce stress) Information about your pets' (feeding

schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems) Container to carry everything

Source:

The Humane Society of the United States, retrieved on 11/20/2008. http://www.hsus.org/about_us/index.html

Browse these links:Emergency Animal Shelters in LouisianaEmergency Animal Shelters in MississippiEmergency Animal Shelters in TexasOther Resources