Humane Society of the U.S. Urges Preparation as Isidore Approaches Gulf Coast States, Offers Tips for Disaster Preparedness with Animals

9/25/2002

From: Anne Culver of the Humane Society of the United States, 301-258-3101

DALLAS, Sept. 25 -- As hurricane watches are posted for Isidore's approach to coastal Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) warns people with companion animals, horses, and livestock to make contingency plans for their animals should Isidore necessitate an emergency evacuation.

The HSUS offers the following tips for protecting animals:

-- If you must evacuate, take your animals with you. You may have no opportunity to return for them. -- Secure a current identification tag to your pet's collar, include identification on horses' halters, and mark livestock. -- Transport pets in secure pet carriers and keep pets on leashes. -- Most emergency shelters do not allow animals. Call friends or contact hotels in safe locations. Ask hotel managers if a no-pet policy can be lifted during the disaster. -- Contact local officials for safe locations to take horses and livestock. -- If you and your pets cannot stay together, call friends, family members, veterinarians, or kennels in safe locations to arrange foster care. -- Pack a week's worth of food, water, and other supplies such as cat litter and medication. -- Rescue officials may not allow you to take your animals with if you need to be rescued, so do not wait until the last minute to evacuate. -- Keep a list of emergency phone numbers nearby, including veterinarian, local animal control, and animal shelters.

For more information on disaster preparedness with animals, visit http://www.hsus.org/disaster.

The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization, with more than seven million members and constituents. The HSUS is dedicated to protecting all animals through legislation, education, investigation, litigation, advocacy, and fieldwork. The HSUS has programs protecting wildlife, companion animals, farm animals and animals in research. The HSUS is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and has ten regional offices. Visit The HSUS on the Web at http://www.hsus.org.