Pets Aren't Forgotten In The Wake Of Hurricane Harvey

Unfortunately, many safe places for humans put restrictions on four-legged creatures. So luckily, local animal shelters and Humane Society facilities have been taking in those pets.

The Humane Society of the United States spoke to HuffPost, but did not have preliminary numbers to give. They did say that its field responders were already en route to Corpus Christi to aid recovery efforts. "At that point, HSUS responders will work with city officials to assess needs related to animal welfare," a spokesperson for the Humane Society told HuffPost. "Once a full assessment is conducted, there will likely be a need to rescue animals impacted by the storm."

The National Hurricane Center previously warned southeast Texas could ultimately see anywhere from 15 to 40 inches of rain before the storm finishes its projected course. And as Dallas residents evacuated to city shelters, many didn't realize that their furry best friends, would not be allowed in. So what was there to do? Well, the city's animal shelters decided respond by picking up the pets and providing them shelter from the storm.t"We are standing by to help as the need arises, armed with animal food, crates, carriers, and other supplies, along with emergency equipment and transport vehicles to evacuate and rescue animals," the Humane Society said in a press release. As more and more animals were in a need of shelter, the shelter also commented...

 "Additionally, the SPCA of Texas is putting out a call for foster homes to help us care for the animals already in our shelters and those coming from the Gulf Coast," the organization said in a press release. "We will continue to need fosters for the pets in our care as we bring in more animals." 

It may surprise you to know that Texas isn't the only state where pets may be displaced from their homes. Louisiana's, cities like New Orleans are braced for flooding and have already sent animals on to cities out of Harvey's way, such as Atlanta.  (better to be prepared) 

After Hurricane Katrina flooded and destroyed parts of New Orleans in 2005, rescue services weren't available to help animals in need. People have since urged congress to take action and to save animals as well when devastation emerges.  Thus, the Pet Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act was passed in 2006 to ensure that animals wouldn't be forgotten when emergency preparations were made. 

By the looks of it, it seems that the Act has since been in effect and no animal will be left behind.