Department of Agriculture and Forestry, State of Louisiana - Mike Strain DVM, Commissioner

NEWS

Construction Finished on Second Mobile Pet Shelter

Unit Made Possible through Banfield Foundation Disaster Relief Grant

December 22, 2017

Baton Rouge, La. (December 22, 2017) – Today, Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner (LDAF) Mike Strain, D.V.M., unveiled a second mobile pet shelter for emergencies. This additional pet shelter was made possible through a $72,100 grant from the Banfield Foundation. The Banfield Foundation is the charitable arm of Banfield Pet Hospital, which recently launched a disaster relief grant program to help ensure pets impacted by disasters receive much-needed care.

LDAF Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M., said, “The Banfield Foundation’s generous donation allows Louisiana another vehicle to co-locate people and their pets during evacuations.” Strain added, “When people are in harm’s way, it gives them a sense of comfort knowing their household pets are safe and nearby once an evacuation takes place.” In the past, victims have refused assistance unless their pets were accommodated.

“This year was no stranger to disasters—extreme flooding, hurricanes and wildfires destroyed communities, homes and lives. We saw first-hand the devastating impact that disasters have on people and their beloved pets and we understand the deep connection between pets and their owners,” said Kim Van Syoc, Executive Director of the Banfield Foundation. “By partnering with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, we can help ensure pets will be protected in the future and pet owners will have peace of mind knowing their pets will make it home safely.”

Similar to the first LDAF mobile pet shelter that rolled out during the 2015 hurricane season, this second unit is a 48-foot transport truck equipped with up to 55 metal cages, feed, water bowls and a wash down system. It has an air ventilation system to provide proper air circulation and temperature for the pets.

In all, the LDAF can accommodate up to 3,000 pets at established mega pet shelters. The mobile pet shelter is primarily used when no-notice events, such as the August 2016 flood, occur where pet sheltering facilities are not available.  It can also be used in search and rescue missions and will be available, upon request, to other states during a disaster.

The LDAF is designated by the Louisiana Homeland Security and Emergency Assistance and Disaster Act to evacuate, transport and shelter household pets during declared emergencies.

About the Banfield Foundation^®

At the core of the Banfield Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is the belief that all pets deserve access to veterinary care. In support of this belief, the foundation funds programs that enable veterinary care, elevate the power of the human-animal bond, provide disaster relief for pets, and advance the science of veterinary medicine through fostering innovation and education. It also leverages the expertise and passion of Banfield Pet Hospital associates to care for pets in need. At the Banfield Foundation, we are committed to making a better world for pets because they make a better world for us. For more information, follow us at Facebook.com/BanfieldFoundation.