Evacuating Animals

One of the most disturbing and heartbreaking images from the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina were the pets who were left to wander the city and die if they weren't rescued. Not because their owners wanted to leave them there, but because they had no choice. At the time, people evacuating were not allowed to bring their pets and had to decide whether to risk their lives and stay with their animals or to leave them behind. Red Cross shelters have no-pet policies, as did the busses taking people out of the city.

Mayor Lyda Ann Thomas has helped to change the way those situations will be handled in the future. When Galveston was evacuated, pets were allowed to go with their owners, which was better for everyone. Helpless pets weren’t left to suffer, and people didn’t stay in harm’s way to prevent the latter from happening. It’s a win-win situation.

Before Katrina hit, a committee of animal advocates in Harris County had been meeting to discuss plans for evacuating pets. The storms have helped to speed up the process. Local and state officials are working hard to complete disaster plans before the next evacuation is called.

If you are a pet owner, you should prepare an emergency kit for them just like you do for yourself and your family. Make sure you have food, water bottles, bowls, leashes, carriers, medications and proof of vaccinations. And have a plan that doesn’t include boarding your pet in the area that will have to be evacuated. As Houston Humane Society spokeswoman Courtney Frank said, “If it isn’t safe for you, it’s not safe for your pet.” They rely on us for everything, including protection from the elements.

Photo courtesy of flickr user parrotcharmer.