Update: Texas Veterinarians Call for Help in Aftermath of Hurricane Ike SCHAUMBURG, Ill. —The Texas State Animal Resource Team (TXSART) has established two telephone hotlines for residents who have inquiries regarding animal sheltering efforts. Galveston, Brazonia, Chamber and Harris County residents can call 713-435-2990. Residents in Jefferson and Orange Counties can contact 409-980-7290 or 409-838-2510 for further assistance.
"While Hurricane Ike has created significant challenges for the state of Texas, multiple agencies are currently working together to coordinate livestock and companion animal resources and response efforts," said Dr. Heather Case, coordinator for emergency preparedness and response for the AVMA.
Hurricane Ike, the largest hurricane to touch United States soil since Hurricane Katrina, made landfall on the Texas Gulf Coast in the early morning hours of Saturday, September 13, 2008.
People wishing to help are encouraged to be sure that any organization they donate money to is not just a political organization but one that uses donations to actually help save, treat and house animals and those who take care of them during emergencies. The American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) is one such group, offering grants to help fund disaster preparedness efforts, educating the public, providing disaster training, reimbursing veterinarians for their out-of-pocket expenses on medical supplies and offering grants to help rebuild veterinary clinics destroyed in a disaster like a hurricane. Make donations to the Animal Disaster Relief and Response Fund by calling the AVMF at 1-800-248-2862, ext. 6689, or visit www.avmf.org.
To aid in these evacuations the AVMA's Disaster Preparedness Series provides step-by-step information to veterinarians, pet owners, and others to ensure the health and well-being of people and animals during and after a disaster. For more information on the series, visit www.avma.org/disaster. For additional information on disaster preparedness, visit www.ready.gov.
For more information about Hurricane Ike, visit the Houston Chronicle at www.chron.com, the Texas Department of Emergency Management at www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem/pages/emergencyoperations.htm and the governor's Web site at http://governor.state.tx.us/.
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The AVMA, founded in 1863, is one of the oldest and largest veterinary medical organizations in the world, with more than 73,000 member veterinarians are engaged in a wide variety of professional activities. AVMA members are dedicated to advancing the science and art of veterinary medicine including its relationship to public health and agriculture. Visit the AVMA Web site at www.avma.org to learn more about veterinary medicine and animal care and to access up-to-date information on the association's issues, policies and activities
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