PRESS RELEASE

LA/SPCA URGES PET OWNERS TO PLAN FOR HURRICANE SEASON

NEW ORLEANS (6/5/07) The Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (LA/SPCA) is urging pet owners to include their pets as part of their hurricane preparation plans, and to make the commitment to evacuate with them should the need arise.

“The 2007 Hurricane Season is upon us and for every pet owner that means it’s time for families to make plans for their animals, in the event of an evacuation,” says Laura Maloney, LA/SPCA executive director. “I cannot stress enough the importance of families self-evacuating with their pets. People should have a plan that includes their animals, providing a safe haven with family or friends or staying at a pet-friendly motel/hotel outside the area of danger. The ultimate responsibility for any animal belongs with the owner. Now is the time to make your plans.”

“There will be assisted city evacuation,” according to Maloney, “however, space is limited and evacuation will be on a first-come, first-served basis. It is critical that people with pets make every effort to self-evacuate. In the long run it is physically and mentally less stressful for the animal and the owner.”

The LA/SPCA is the designated support agency overseeing pet evacuation and rescue functions for the city of New Orleans and the Office of Homeland Security. The LA/SPCA joined with city, parish, state and federal agencies to develop operational procedures to care for companion animals before, during, and after a hurricane or other disaster. The goal is to reduce the loss of life to animals and reduce the health/safety risk to the city.

Pet owners in need of city-assisted evacuation need to make their plans now as well. Households must pre-register with the City of New Orleans if they will need assistance. However, evacuees with pets utilizing city assistance are not guaranteed space on transport or at shelters. It is estimated that in Orleans Parish alone there are 10,000 animals in need of assisted city evacuation.


“To Do” for Pet Owners Planning for a Self-Evacuation

1. A safe evacuation location (A home, hotel/motel, or kennel outside of the impact area)

2. A portable pet carrier or wire kennel

3. A collar with up-to-date rabies and identification tags

4. Food and water supplies

5. Prescriptions and medical records, including proof of immunization

6. Veterinarian’s contact information

7. A current photo of your family with your pet

8. Health records if traveling out of state

9. Comfort items such as bed, toys, or treats

10. Leash, harness, muzzle, food bowls, litter pans

11. Cleaning items

LA/SPCA also advises pet owners to microchip their pets or to update existing emergency information with microchip companies in case the pet escapes while traveling.


“To Do” for Pet Owners Planning for the City Assisted Evacuation

1. Households must pre-register with the city’s 311 hotline if they will need assistance evacuating. They may call for information or to request assistance by calling 311, or 1-877-286-6431. There is no limit to the number of pets. The service is free to Orleans Parish residents, but they must meet certain criteria. It is only available to people who do not own a mode of transportation or the mode of transportation is too small to accommodate the entire family.

2. The city of New Orleans will provide transportation from designated pick-up points to centralized processing centers. No loose animals will be allowed to board a bus. Pets must be in a crate, pillowcase (cat, snake, etc.) or leashed and muzzled. Animals considered a threat for health or aggression reasons will be shuttled to processing centers by animal control officers.

3. At the processing centers households will be registered, including a family’s pets. Orleans Parish does not provide a microchip.

4. Pet identification will be provided to link the pets with owners.

5. Pets will be transported in air-conditioned vehicles to pet-friendly shelters within the state of Louisiana.

6. There are two co-located shelters in the state, which will house owners in one building and pets nearby in a separate building. Owners will be required to feed/water/walk pets while in the public shelter.

7. All effort will be made to place owners with pets but in some instances it will not be possible. In those cases the pets will be transported to a separate location and trained personnel will provide for the animals until reunited with the owner.

For more information on preparedness and evacuation please see disaster preparedness

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The Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is an organization devoted to improving the lives of animals and eliminating the homelessness, neglect and abuse that signal animal suffering. Chartered in 1888, our history has been paved with an understanding that only through an improved human-animal ethic can we better the lives of companion animals and that of our community. Our programs and services are infused with the highest standards of care and compassion.

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