Prior to the advent of Hurricane Katrina, there was no law that clearly specified regarding evacuation, rescue and shelter of pets when there was a disaster or an emergency.
Hurricane Katrina was a deadly storm that hit the Louisiana state during which period it was estimated that about 600,000 animals were deserted, left behind and thousands of them died because of starvation, drowning, sickness etc.
Both federal and State Governments after looking at the devastating effect of this storm have started introducing laws either by modifying the existing ones or adding new ones to provide safety for the service animals and pets.
In addition to this, different agencies have teamed up with the Government and other local animal welfare associations so that these animals can be protected at times of disaster.
These pets and service animals are dependent wholly on the human beings for their survival and safety.
It is essential that animal owners know the procedures to be legally followed when the disaster strikes and this could happen without notice.
Irrespective of whether the disasters are natural such as storms, floods, fire etc.
or the handiwork of human beings such as terrorist attacks you can overcome its bad effects and come out of it only by proper planning.
By proper planning and execution you will be in a position to ensure the survival and safety of your family, dog and you.
You must plan for any disaster very well in advance and hence you should prepare planning for your pet's safety before the disaster arrives.
In order to ensure that your animal will be safe and secured at the time of disaster you must plan and prepare early.
The following measures of safety will help if you plan in advance.
1.
Crating your dog - your pet should be trained for getting crated in case a disaster or emergency so that you are in a position to put it inside the crate without any problem.
2.
If you have more than one animal at home you should request your neighbor to help you in this evacuation.
3.
Plan in advance - if you are out of home/ station at the time of striking of the disaster you should make arrangements for someone to go to your home immediately and ensure the safety of your dogs.
4.
Plan ahead about the place where you are going to keep your animals - during as well as after the disaster; the dog can be taken to your home once you go home safely.
5.
Immediately after you get the evacuation notice you must leave your home; you should not wait up to the last minute.
6.
Irrespective of whether the disaster strikes or not you might have to evacuate until you are sure that you, your family and your animals are safe.
7.
Your pet's disaster supply kit has to be kept in a convenient place inside your house; this kit should contain 3 days' supply of food and water, crate, a first aid kit, can opener, leashes, harnesses and newspaper or potty pads.
8.
Lastly you must ensure that your dog has an identity tag fixed to its collar with your phone number on it.
This phone number must be a cell phone which you carry with you all the time.