Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Is Building Second Mobile Pet Shelter

During emergencies and disasters, one of a pup’s parent’s concerns will likely be the welfare of their pups.

Glenda Parks had to face these concerns when her family home was overrun by more than 30” of water back in August, and she had to save her family, which included three basset hound pups. A boat was quick to arrive to their rescue, but she was terrified that her family would end up somewhere that would not accept dogs.

Luckily, Parks did end up being able to stay with friends who were happy to house the pups as well. But not everyone had that luxury, and many affected by the flood were forced to search for local shelters that were accepting pets at the time.

One of the only two shelters in the area that did so was the Celtic Media Centre, whose staff have the belief that pets are like family – few would agree to leave them behind. Seeing the severe shortage of safe places for pups and their families led the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry to build a mobile pet shelter, which was sponsored via a $72,100 grant from the Banfield Foundation.

The mobile shelter is set to be built 45’ long and equipped with 54 cages, water and food bowls, and a ventilation system. This will allow the organization to facilitate the location, evacuation, transport, and sheltering of any and all pets lost or clinging to families during disasters. This move was also necessary to keep pet parents safe, as many refused to evacuate without their pets.

The shelter will be up and running and ready to go by August. Do like and share the good news!