Hurricane Ike news

The Brazos Emergency Management Team is working with the local Brazos Animal Shelter and the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine to help shelter evacuees with both large and small animals/pets. Studies now show that many victims of Hurricane Rita and Hurricane Katrina refused to leave their pets, putting themselves in danger. Federal law now allows evacuees to bring their pets and livestock with them.

Livestock and pets are making the 96-mile trip from Houston to Bryan-College Station to escape the hurricane. Evacuees can go to Veterans Park, where they will be directed to the appropriate shelter depending on the size of their animal. Larger animals are being sent to the Brazos County Expo Center located just west of Bryan-College Station on Leonard Road, while smaller animals are being sent to the Riverside Campus shelter.

"Doors will be shut and covered and we will button things down to block the wind," said Clendenin of the Expo Center. Though they have the ability to house up to 200 horses, 80 cattle and 80 smaller livestock such as pigs, they currently have 130 horses, two cows and four pigs.

"Some of the horses have never been around each other so they are being closely watched in case we need to change stalls or separate them" says Clendenin.

The smaller pets are being kept at the Riverside Campus which, according to Clendenin, is a "solid building with good generators." The College of Veterinary Medicine is composed of the Small Animal Hospital and the Large Animal Hospital, and will be available for animals in need of emergency care.

Encouraged to bring your own food and shavings, the shelters are fully equipped for the weekend and part of next week, though evacuees are encouraged to bring their own food and shavings for their animals. Clendenin said she expects owners to head home by themselves first to check on the damage before bringing the animals back.


Steps you can take to be prepared for a disaster

1. Have a Pet Survival Kit Packed and Ready This includes a two-week supply of dry food and medication (if needed), water, bags to pick up after your dog, and cleaning supplies in case of an accident!

Be sure to include leashes, bowls, your dog’s favorite blanket and toys, a waterproof-sealed (laminated) picture of your pet (if your dog gets lost you can make copies for a flyer), up-to-date medical records, photo-copy of all tags, microchip information, and a list of emergency phone numbers (vet, local animal shelters that will house dogs in an emergency, and friends of relatives.)

2. BEFORE a hurricane threatens, research which hotels in and out of your area will accept pets. Store this information in or near your Pet Survival Kit.

3. Make sure your dog has all the necessary training to be a well-behaved companion. A solid “Come”, “Stay” and “Heel” command are essential for keeping your dog safe in unfamiliar circumstances.

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