Animal Welfare Groups Hurricane Gustav

Hurricane Gustav preparations have taken animals into greater consideration than we had in Katrina. Back in 2005 when hurricane Katrina hit, up to 1900 people lost their life. Most likey the animal fatality rate was many times that. There was a huge loss of life, both human and animal. At that time, officials helping people to evacuate, refused to allow people to bring their pets. This policy was responsible for the unnecessary death of many animals. It is estimated that 44% of the people that refused to evacuate, stated that they were refusing because they would not abandon their pets. Therefore, this policy indirectly caused many people to die as well.

Animal welfare groups have been instrumental in evacuating animals, setting up shelters, and providing care for pets while we wait for hurricane Gustav. The difference in hurricane Gustav vs. Katrina, may in a small part be due to the Pets Evacuation Transportation Standards Acts President Bush signed in 2006. It is basically recognizing, and ensuring that State and local emergency preparedness operational plans address the needs of individuals with household pets and service animals following a major disaster or emergency. I would like to express my gratitude to all the animal welfare groups who have steeped forward to look out for people and their animals.

If you are able to donate, many of these organizations could use donations in any amount.
Animal Rescue Foundation of Louisiana: In Lafayette, Louisiana is looking for foster homes and donations.

Animal Rescue New Orleans: Organizing shelters are arranging pet evacuation.

Best Friends: Best Friends Animal Society is sendinding 3,000 pet carriers so that people evacuating with pets will be allowed on the evacuation bus.

Humane Society of North Texas: Needs donations and foster homes.

Humane Society of the United States: The HSUS is doing a fantastic job evacuating and caring for the animals from Louisiana shelters.

Noah's Wish: Organizing volunteers from the US and Canada that are assisting in Louisiana. Staffing three animal shelters to care for animals that have been evacuated from areas threatened by Hurricane Gustav.

Pasado Rescue Disaster Response: Opened largest triage center for Gustav. Hundreds of shelter animals in their care; 600 Acre farm generously provided for rescue.

Thank you!