The HSUS has compiled the following answers to some frequently asked questions about the season's second major storm to wreak havoc on an already weather-weary region.
For other questions related to the rescue and relief operations for Hurricane Katrina, please click here.
Evacuation and Animal Rescue
HSUS Presence in the Field
In-Kind Donations
~ ~ ~
Evacuation and Animal Rescue
How Did Authorities Prepare for Rita?
Not only did the federal government declare a "state of emergency" in Texas, which freed up federal funds for disaster response, but the Texas Animal Control Association (TACA) activated its Texas Animals in Disaster (TAD) program to assist people and animal evacuees.
Just as important, officials with the Texas department of homeland security allowed evacuees to bring their pets to shelters set up in Austin, Lufkin, College Station, San Antonio and Huntsville, which was able to accommodate at least 250,000 people. Texas authorities hoped to avoid the situation that occurred in New Orleans, where many remained in the strike zone because officials wouldn't allow residents to bring their pets to shelters or on buses.
Additionally, large private animal shelters such as the Houston SPCA, The SPCA of Texas, the Humane Society/SPCA of Bexar County and the Animal Defense League worked in conjunction with the Red Cross, TACA, and Texas Animal Health Commission to provide protection for animals. The shelters in Houston, Galveston, and San Leon also evacuated many, if not all, of their animals to safer areas before the storm.
How Did Rita Affect Rescue and Shelter Operations in Louisiana and Mississippi?
The Category 3 storm had little impact on either operation. Click here to learn how both sites weathered the storm.
Now that the storm has passed, The HSUS and other groups will refocus attention on New Orleans as well as assess the situation in southwest Louisiana.
What Shelters Are Accepting Animals?
• The Nacogdoches County EXPO Center
3895 NW Stallings Drive on the Nacogdoches Loop
Nacogdoches, Texas
Phone: (936) 564-0849
• Rita B. Huff Animal Shelter
530 Bearkat Boulevard, off Sycamore Street
Huntsville, Texas
Phone: (936) 295-4666
The Huff shelter is accepting animals; owned animals will be either placed in foster homes, kept at the shelter, or housed at the fairgrounds.
• Houston SPCA
900 Portway Drive
Houston, Texas
Phone: (713) 869-7722
The Houston SPCA will provide rescue and sheltering.
• San Marcos Animal Shelter
750 A River Rd.
San Marcos, Texas
Phone: (512) 393-8340
The shelter is accepting and holding animals for evacuees who are staying/residing in San Marcos.
• Austin Humane Society
124 W. Anderson Lane
Austin, Texas
Phone: (512) 646-7387, press 1 for Hurricane hotline
The Austin Humane Society will match foster homes for animals of evacuees.
• The Humane Society/SPCA of Bexar County and the Animal Defense League are accepting animals from evacuees. Animals can either be taken to the shelter or to the McCreeless Mall, which is south of San Antonio on the Highway 37 evacuation route. For more information, call (210) 226-7461.
Are There Hotels Where I Can Take My Pets?
The following lists animal-friendly, Dallas-area hotels. Many of them may be full, so try to call ahead to confirm availability.
Red Roof Inns
1-800-REDROOF (733-7663)
Motel 6
1-800-4MOTEL6 (466-8355)
Holiday Inn
Holiday Inns have suspended their no-pets policy for the hurricane.
1-800-HOLIDAY (465-4329)
AmeriHost Inn
407 Central Expressway South
Allen, Texas 75013
(972) 396-9494
Hotel ZaZa
2332 Leonard Street
Dallas, Texas 75201
(214) 550-9472
Mansion On Turtle Creek
2821 Turtle Creek Boulevard
Dallas, Texas 75219
(214) 559-2100
Omni Hotel Park West
1590 LBJ Freeway
Dallas, Texas 75234
(972) 869-4300
AmeriHost Inn
407 Central Expressway South
Allen, Texas 75013
(972) 396-9494
Omni Mandalay
221 East Las Colinas Boulevard
Irving, Texas 75063
(972) 556-0800
Wyndham Anatole Hotel
2201 Stemmons Freeway
Dallas, Texas 75207
(214) 748-1200
Westin City Center of Dallas
650 Pearl Street
Dallas, Texas 75240
(214) 979-9000
Where Else Can I Lodge My Pets?
Dallas Dog Trainer
1601 Tantor Rd.
Dallas, Texas 75229
(972) 241-9144
Happy Tails
10121 E. Northwest Highway
Dallas, Texas 75238
(214) 221-3999
Dee’s Dog Den
6060 Mockingbird Lane and Skillman
Suite C
Dallas, Texas 75206
(214) 823-1441
Holt Veterinary Clinic
5619 Yale
Dallas, Texas 75206
(214) 361-2834
Rutherford Vet. Hospital
924 S. Haskell Ave.
Dallas, Texas 75223
(214) 826-4166
PetsMart PetsHotel
12100 Inwood Rd.
Dallas, Texas 75244
(972) 392-9381
Is Foster Care Available for My Pet?
People who want foster care for their pet should either go to or contact one of the listed shelters, or call Petfinder.com to be matched with a foster home. The number for fostering through Petfinder is 1-800-485-5152.
Can I Request for HSUS to Rescue My Pet?
People who are evacuating from (or whose pets are in) Harris, Brazoria, or Galveston counties should call (713) 802-0555 if they lose a pet or need a pet rescued.
People from all other impacted areas (including western Louisiana) who lose a pet or need a pet rescued should continue to call 1-800-HUMANE-1.
What Help Is Available for Horses?
The Horse Gazette has emergency layup facilities for horse owners in Texas. Check out its online listings.
Habitat for Horses or Lone Star Equine Rescue can also assist. You can check out their web sites or call them. The phone number for Habitat for Horses is (409) 935-0277, and the number for Lone Star Equine Rescue is (817) 439-0412.
HSUS Presence in the Field
What Role Will The HSUS Play in Post-Rita Recovery?
Even though many HSUS resources are still on the ground in Louisiana and Mississippi in the wake of Katrina, we will provide logistical, personnel, material, and financial support to rescue and sheltering efforts along the Gulf Coast in the aftermath of Rita. Staffers in The HSUS's Southwest Regional Office continue to maintain contact with officials in Texas.
Click here to read the latest on our damage assessments in southwest Louisiana and about our ongoing work in New Orleans.
In-Kind Donations
What Supplies Are Needed to Respond to Rita?
Animal crates are desperately needed at all the locations below. The post-Katrina response in Louisiana and Mississippi has exhausted the readily available supply of crates for transport and housing. If you have a crate, donate it to any of the locations below. (Please do not bring any other item, such as food or litter, without checking with the location first.) Volunteers are also needed. If you are willing to foster, feed, clean and work on behalf of the animals, please contact each location individually.
Click here to see the current shelters in need.
Whom Do I Contact About a Large In-Kind Donation?
If you have a large offer (truckload), please email a detailed description of what you have to FSIntern@hsus.org or fax to (301) 258-3107. We will respond directly as and when we may have use of your offer.
