PRESS RELEASE

PREPARING FOR HURRICANE GUSTAV

Shelter Will Close to the Public Tomorrow as of 2:00 pm

To Begin Evacuation of Shelter Animals

NEW ORLEANS, LA (8/26/08) – The Louisiana SPCA is now putting into place its shelter evacuation plans due to the current tracking models for Hurricane Gustav. As of 2:00 p.m. tomorrow afternoon the Louisiana SPCA will be closed to the public to prepare for the evacuation of all its shelter animals. On Thursday afternoon LA/SPCA personnel will begin transporting all owned animals in its care to its shelter partner in Baton Rouge. On Friday and Saturday, the shelter will evacuate all other animals, strays and adoptable animals, to partner shelters in Texas.

Ana Zorrilla, director of the LA/SPCA, said based on the current models and estimation that the storm will enter the Gulf as early as Saturday the LA/SPCA trigger plans call for evacuation preparations at least 96 hours out of any potential threat in cases of a Category 3 or higher storm. We’ve always allowed ourselves enough time to safely move our animals out of harm’s way well in advance of any potential threat.” Zorrilla also said they will continue to monitor the storm’s progress closely, but once the evacuation of the shelter goes into effect the shelter will not reverse its evacuation process. “We definitely don’t want to wait until Saturday or Sunday to decide what to do,” said Zorrilla, “our best course of action is to prepare in advance to allow enough time for a safe evacuation.”

Depending on the outcome of Gustav, LA/SPCA is asking the public to continue to check the shelter’s website, as well as listen for news updates, on when the shelter will reopen to the public.

The Louisiana SPCA is also strongly urging all pet owners to immediately begin putting into place their personal evacuation plans for them and their pets. “We ask that every pet owner in the city include their pets in the evacuation plans, in the event that a mandatory evacuation is called,” said Zorrilla. The LA/SPCA is also urging pet owners to not let the Labor Day Holiday deter them for making any necessary plans. Additionally, the LA/SPCA is issuing the following preparedness information to assist all pet owners.

What Your Pet Needs for Evacuation:

• A secure, unbreakable, covered carrier for each animal. Clearly mark your name, address, and phone number on the cage. The carrier should be large enough that your pet can completely turn around.

• Leashes and harnesses that are strong and secure around your pet. Keep your pet on a leash at all times so that your pet can't wander off and hurt themselves or others. Fasten current rabies tags and address information on your pet's collar.

• Food and water bowls. Food should be in plastic containers so that water can't get in. There should be enough food and water to last your pet for at least two weeks. Include feeding instructions. For canned food, be sure to bring a manual can opener.

• Health records. Make sure your pet has current immunizations and records handy for evacuation.

• Current photo of pet. Bring photos of you and your pet together to show proof of ownership if you become separated.

• Household bleach and plastic bags. If you end up staying in a shelter, you will be responsible for cleaning up after your pet.

• Pet toys. After all, your pet will need some type of entertainment, and toys may help reduce the stress of unfamiliar surroundings.

• Hamsters and birds can be transported in their normal housing, but avoid glass enclosures. You can transport snakes in a well-secured pillowcase, if necessary. Bring any supplies and food they need, along with feeding instructions.

• Bring any outdoor pets inside well before the hurricane gets close to help them stay calm.

Major Don’ts

Don’t leave your pet behind.

Don’t rely on the city to evacuate or care for your pet.

Don’t leave your pet tied up outside to a tree or a fence— they can’t escape water, wind, or falling items or they’ll die trying to escape.

Don’t leave your pet indoors; floods from tidal surges can trap your animal in a house.

Don’t plan to leave your pet anywhere within the hurricane strike zone.

Don’t leave your pet at a boarding facility in the strike zone. Many veterinarians were forced to leave their clients’ pets behind when Hurricane Katrina threatened New Orleans. People who boarded their pets while on vacation were unable to get back and their pets died. Always make sure your boarding facility has an evacuation plan prior to leaving your pet for any reason.

Major Do’s

Choose an evacuation destination in advance of an evacuation order. Consider pet-friendly hotels, family, friends, and boarding facilities outside of the danger area. Pet friendly hotels can be found by visiting two websites —www.petswelcome.com or www.pets-allowed-hotels.com. If you don’t have a computer, you can also visit a local library or the LA/SPCA.

Call or check the website of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture or the LA/SPCA to find out where pet-friendly shelters may be located. (The location of pet-friendly shelters will be added as the information is received) These should be used as a last resort; they fill quickly on a first-come, first-served basis. You will be required to care for your pet so staying close-by the pet-shelter is required.

Keep a hurricane-ready pack for your pet so you can pick up and go without forgetting important items.

# # #

Back to News & Press Releases