As of yesterday, 875 pets—including birds, lizards, rabbits, and rats—were housed on campus and cared for by an army of animal-welfare workers, most of whom are unpaid volunteers.
Diann Wellman is a regional director for the United Animal Nations' Emergency Animal Rescue Service (EARS).
In its 21-year history, the group has responded to more than 80 natural disasters and other crises, including Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, she said.
For Wellman, the most difficult part of this disaster is seeing families forced to give up their animals because they're either too overwhelmed or can't find temporary pet-friendly housing.
"Usually we're crying right along with them because it's just so heartbreaking," she said.
"They've lost their home. They've lost their belongings. Now they have to give up their pet."
The United Animal Nations, which runs the EARS program, is offering Lifeline Crisis Relief Grants to help flood victims with expenses for veterinary care and temporary boarding.
Cat Challenge
The Humane Society's Haisley said the majority of animals plucked from the putrid water and found huddled inside abandoned homes were cats, which made the rescue efforts much more difficult and time-consuming.
Cats instinctively hide to protect themselves, making it challenging not only for rescue workers to find them but for owners when trying to evacuate.
That's why it's important to plan ahead to keep you and your pets safe during a disaster, Wellman of EARS said.
(Related: "Katrina Pet Rescue Efforts Offer Lessons for the Future" [September 21, 2005].)
She recommends practicing loading your pets inside your vehicle and pre-packing an emergency bag with a three-day supply of pet food, water, and supplies.
"If you need to evacuate your house in a hurry you can just grab that bag and go," she said. "A lot of people don't think about it."
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