Evacuation of Hurricane Gustav Companion Animals

Two dogs in New Orleans await transportation to a temporary shelter. Aug 30, 2008.
Mario Tama / Getty Images.

After people were forced to abandon countless companion animals during Hurricane Katrina, evacuation plans for Hurricane Gustav include companion animals.

It's tragic that it took the deaths of thousands of dogs, cats, birds, rabbits and other companion animals in Hurricane Katrina to wake up government officials to the fact that companion animals must be a part of any disaster preparedness plan. As a result of Hurricane Katrina, Congress passed the Pet Evacuation and Transportation Standards (PETS) Act of 2006, which requires state and local authorities to include companion animals and service animals in their disaster preparedness plans in order to qualify for funds from FEMA. A press release by Rep. Christopher Shays, R-Conn., a co-sponsor of the PETS Act, explains, "Hurricane Katrina has clearly shown that when given a choice between their own personal safety or abandoning their household pets, a significant number of people will choose to risk their lives in order to remain with their pets."

Animal shelters in the area threatened by Hurricane Gustav have sent their animals to other shelters to free up shelter staff to help with evacuating people with animals. Evacuees arriving at the Dallas Convention Center can board their animals at a parking garage across the street. Transportation to animal-friendly shelters is even available to help families stay with and care for their companion animals.

Donations to help animal victims of Hurricane Gustav can be made through the Animal Rescue Site.