As of 2:00 p.m. Thursday afternoon the Louisiana SPCA closed to the public to prepare for the evacuation of all its shelter animals. On Thursday afternoon LA/SPCA personnel began transporting all owned animals in its care to its shelter partner in Baton Rouge. On Friday and Saturday, the shelter will evacuate all other animals, strays and adoptable animals, to partner shelters in Texas.

Ana Zorrilla, director of the LA/SPCA, said based on the current models and estimation that the storm will enter the Gulf as early as Saturday the LA/SPCA trigger plans call for evacuation preparations at least 96 hours out of any potential threat in cases of a Category 3 or higher storm. "We've always allowed ourselves enough time to safely move our animals out of harm's way well in advance of any potential threat." Zorrilla also said they will continue to monitor the storm's progress closely, but once the evacuation of the shelter goes into effect the shelter will not reverse its evacuation process. "We definitely don't want to wait until Saturday or Sunday to decide what to do," said Zorrilla, "our best course of action is to prepare in advance to allow enough time for a safe evacuation."

Depending on the outcome of Gustav, LA/SPCA is asking the public to continue to check the shelter's website, as well as listen for news updates, on when the shelter will reopen to the public.

The Louisiana SPCA is also strongly urging all pet owners to immediately begin putting into place their personal evacuation plans for them and their pets. "We ask that every pet owner in the city include their pets in the evacuation plans, in the event that a mandatory evacuation is called," said Zorrilla.

The Harris County Disaster Animal Management Task Force says that if Gustav heads towards the Houston/Harris County area, pets will be allowed on the evacuation transportation but you must have a crate for your small animal and a leash and muzzle for larger dogs. If you don't have a crate or leash, now would be a good time to purchase those items.

Every pet owner should take these precautions:

All animals should be current on their inoculations. Check with your veterinarian to see if your pets are current on their vaccinations and update them if needed.

All animals should be wearing current identification tags and microchips

Each pet owner should have a disaster plan that includes your pets. If your plans include evacuating with your pets you will need traveling supplies. If you would shelter in place, plan for keeping your pets indoors during the storm.

Some items that you will need to include in your disaster kit are:

Pet Food and water (one gallon water per pet/per day) for 5 days and bowls
Crates for small animals, leashes & muzzles (required for public transport) for larger dogs
Cat litter and litter box (that fits inside the cat carrier)
Sheet or towel for inside the carrier
Paper towels, trash bags, newspaper, and hand sanitizers.
Pet first aid kit
Pet comfort items such as toys or chew bones
Sealed plastic bag with: complete medical records, current photos of your pets (preferably with you in the photo), your information and phone number, and alternate phone numbers and alternate care-takers, be sure to include the name and number of someone who lives outside of the potential disaster area, and the name and phone number of your veterinarian.

Livestock pastures should be cleared of debris that may become airborne in a storm. Check fencing and buildings for needed repairs. Waterproof bags with your contact information should be posted on each entrance gate.

For more information on keeping your pets safe in disasters, visit: www.damtaskforce.com

Members of the Disaster Animal Management Task Force include:

Harris County Public Health & Environmental Services, Veterinary Public Health, Task Force Chair

City of Houston Health & Human Services

City of Houston Office of Emergency Management

City of Houston Zoological Garden

Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management

Harris County Sheriff's Department--Livestock Division

Harris County Veterinary Medical Association

Houston Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Texas Animal Health Commission

Texas Cooperative Extension--Texas A&M University

For the latest on our weather and the track of Gustav, click here.