1. Animal Rescue and Pet Evacuation 2011 Texas Homeland Security Conference 27 April 2011 Texas Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) Texas Task Force 1

2. Recognize the Iissues PETS Act Solutions Texas A&M Veterinary Emergency Team (TAMU VET) Today’s Discussion

3. Problems highlighted during Hurricane Katrina Many animals abandoned Created hazard for pets, evacuees and rescuers Separating pets from owners threatened rescues Evacuating pets put rescuers at risk Many animals and owners were never reunited Needed medical support for working canines Recognize the Issues

4. PETS Act 2006 Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act What is Swiftwater Amends the Stafford Act Addresses needs of pets and service animals before, during and after a major disaster or emergency

5. Solutions Rescuers must pre-plan to evacuate pets Train rescuers for safe handling of pets Preplan for shelters housing people and pets Preplan for collection and housing of loose pets Utilize method for tracking and locating pets Estab lishment of VERT 5

6. Pet Tracking System 6 Motorola MC9090 “Pet Tracker”

7. Functionality 7 The function page provides buttons for the three primary operations of the Pet Tracker

8. 8 ‘Synchronization’ replicates the database so the device can make associations ‘Track’ allows users to ‘look up’ pets associated with an evacuee’s wristband ID and to check pets in and out of shelters ‘Information’ allows users to ‘look up’ evacuees associated with a pet tag

9. Track Function 9 After checking in or out, tap ‘Update info’ To check in or out tap the appropriate button Tap the RFID function Scan near the pet by pulling the trigger on the device.

10. Information Function 10 Tap the “RFID” selection button The Pet Tag RFID number will appear in the box. Tap the “Direct Access” box Scan near the pet by pulling the trigger on the device.

11. Options for Large Animal ID on a Limited Budget Paint Brands Ear Tags Halter Tags 11

12. Establishment of Texas A&M Veterinary Emergency Team Established in the post-Ike era – Firm commitment – Recognized need 12

13. Texas A&M Veterinary Emergency Team TDEM support Private support – AAEP – John Deere 13

14. TAMU VET Mission – Veterinary Medical Support for Search and Rescue Efforts Veterinary medical support of canine search and rescue teams Assist with animal issues during search, rescue, and evacuation efforts – Reporting of animal issues – Liaison with County Officials responsible for animal issues – Pipeline of information to TAHC 14

15. TAMU VET TTF Support Team Composition – Veterinarian(s) – Vet Tech – Information coordinator 15

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19. TAMU VET Mission: State of Texas Animal Issues during Emergencies – Texas Animal Health Commission Assessment of animal issues Triage and Hospitalization Support Emergency Animal Shelters Continued Support of Search and Rescue 19

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21. TAMU VET

28. PARTNERS IN EDUCATION

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30. Animal Rescue and Pet Evacuation QUESTIONS?

31. Contact Information TX-TF1 Phone: 888-999-9775 Email: usar@teexmail.tamu.eduusar@teexmail.tamu.edu TEEX Website: http://www.teex.comhttp://www.teex.com TX TF-1 Website: http://www.texastaskforce1.orghttp://www.texastaskforce1.org TAMU VET Phone: 979-845-3541 Email: wbissett@cvm.tamu.edu 31