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February 2006                                                                            Volume 10 - Number 1

Disaster Update...

 Hurricanes Highlight Red Cross Shelters Rules for Pets
by Bryan Taylor

The American Red Cross has a well-defined policy regarding the allowance of pets in shelters during emergencies, but the application of this policy has highlighted gray issues in emergency management. According to Red Cross policy, disaster shelters cannot accept pets, primarily due to states' health and safety regulations. The only exception is service animals that assist people with disabilities. The Red Cross encourages pet owners to plan ahead and identify a shelter designated for animal care in times of emergency.1 However, as was demonstrated by Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma, the realities of dealing with an impending large-scale disaster incur significant difficulties associated with pet evacuation and shelter.
According to research by the University of Colorado, as many as 20 percent of those who are ordered to evacuate will likely refuse because they will not leave their pets.  Those who stay behind place themselves, as well as rescuers tasked with ensuring their safety, in greater danger. This was most evident in New Orleans and surrounding areas in the face of Katrina. Reports indicate that thousands refused to evacuate when told that rescuers, in most cases, would not be able to bring pets and that shelters would not house them.2
In response to issues highlighted by the Katrina evacuation, local officials called for relaxation of some policies regarding pets in ensuing emergencies. When Rita loomed, the mayor of Galveston, Texas, as well as other Texas officials, opened evacuation buses and shelters to humans as well as their animals, resulting in evacuation rates near 90 percent. While the Red Cross policy remains in effect, the organization has the capacity to bend the rules in times of extremis, as was done on a case by case basis in places like Austin, Texas, where a shelter did offer special housing for pets.2 Learning from Katrina, public officials urged people to evacuate with their pets.  Where possible, local chapters of the Red Cross partnered with local animal organizations to provide housing for pets of their sheltered residents.3 Since this eye opening experience, several states including New York and Pennsylvania have begun addressing pet issues more specifically in their evacuation plans.  Animal groups from across the country will be meeting in Crystal City, VA this spring to discern how pet considerations should be best incorporated into disaster planning.4
The Red Cross has not initiated any permanent policy changes regarding pets and their allowance in shelters. The organization sites valid concerns over victim’s allergies or fear of animals, the potential for biting or other forms of aggression, as well as possible hygiene and disease problems. Rather, the Red Cross has issued specific instructions for pet owners to minimize future complications in emergency evacuations.  According to these instructions, pets should be included in family evacuation plans. First, owners should identify a safe place to take pets, such as hotels, friends, or relatives that could accommodate pets and boarding facilities, veterinarians, and local animal shelters that have emergency capacity.  Second, a portable pet disaster supplies kit is recommended, ready with medications, food, water and other necessary care items. Finally, the Red Cross implores citizens to be ready to act when a disaster approaches, and to act to protect your pet. For more information on emergency planning for pet owners, go to www.redcross.org. 1

References

1.    Red Cross Website, available at www.redcross.org/.

2.    Hoffman, L. Scenes of animal misery prompt pet-rescue plans. Scripps Howard News Service, October 04, 2005. Available at http://www.knoxstudio.com/shns/story.cfm?pk=HURRICANEPETS-10-04-05&cat=AN.

3.    Over Coffee Hurricane Katrina the American Red Cross and Pets, Available at http://www.animaladvocacy.net/overcoffee/2005/09/hurricane-katrina-american-red-cross.html.

4.    Wan, W. A Lesson From Katrina: Pets Matter. The Washington Post, Jan. 3, 2006.  Available at www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/01/02/AR2006010200442_pf.html.