SPCA of Texas and the ASPCA Share Flooding Safety Tips for Texans Ahead of National Preparedness Month

DALLAS – In recognition of National Preparedness Month (September), and in response to forecasts that extreme rainfall events in Texas will continue to be more intense and frequent, the SPCA of Texas and the ASPCA^® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®) are sharing lifesaving flooding awareness tips and safety precautions to help keep Texas residents – including their pets – safe.

Increase in Flood Threats for Texas

Rising sea levels are increasing hurricane-driven storm surges, and more frequent extreme rainfall events are expected to make floods in Texas 30% to 50% more likely over the next two decades than they were in the second half of the 20th century. Being prepared in advance of these potentially helps to better protect people and their companion animals.

“When our team arrived in Uvalde after the flooding this summer, we saw firsthand how much the community had been affected. As we unloaded relief supplies, people were coming to the shelter looking for assistance or asking how they could help. It was incredibly heartwarming to see people coming together, and we were grateful to be able to provide supplies that would help both people and pets,” said Josh Cartwright, Director of Facilities for the SPCA of Texas. “It was also an important reminder that you never expect a disaster to happen to you. Taking a little time now to make a plan and put together a go-bag can make a real difference when you and your pets need it most.”

“Communities that are at high risk of sudden flooding and storm surges must understand the importance of flooding readiness. Preparedness cannot wait until water levels are rising,” said Susan Anderson, senior director of disaster response for the ASPCA. “For pet owners, being prepared means thinking ahead, putting together emergency kits, and including companion animals in every evacuation plan so families can move quickly and keep the pets who rely on them safe. We encourage pet owners to make, review, and update their flooding evacuation plans now to help protect the safety and well-being of their entire family, including their pets.”

Lifesaving Flood Preparedness Tips

A past ASPCA survey revealed that while a significant percentage of pet owners live in areas prone to

disasters, more than half do not have an emergency preparedness plan in place. Lifesaving flooding preparedness tips include:

• Get to high ground: In the event of flooding, go to the highest location in your home or a room that has access to counters or high shelves where your animals can take shelter.
• Don’t leave pets behind: If you do evacuate, never leave your pet behind or tether them to poles or trees, which prevents them from escaping high waters and getting to safe areas.
• Prepare emergency supplies: Create a portable pet emergency kit in case you need to shelter in place or evacuate. This kit should include essential items such as a pet carrier, medical records, water, food and water bowls, pet food, cat litter/pan, and any necessary pet medications to last at least ten days.
• Arrange a safe haven: Identify pet-friendly lodging options as part of your emergency planning process. If you cannot bring your pets with you into a shelter, arrange for them to stay at a boarding kennel or the homes of friends/family members.
• Practice advanced crating: Prepare your pet’s crate in advance and even consider crating them early. Not only will this ensure you’re ready to go when you do decide to evacuate, but this practice will also enhance your pet’s safety and help reduce stress.
• Confirm vaccination status: Make sure that your pet’s vaccinations are current, and all dogs and cats are wearing collars with securely fastened up-to-date identification. Many pet shelters require proof of current vaccinations to reduce the spread of disease.
• Update identification: Ensure all pets wear identification tags with current contact information. The ASPCA also recommends verifying microchip registration information to maintain accurate contact details.

More ASPCA preparedness tips and information can be found here.

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About the SPCA of Texas
Founded in 1938, the SPCA of Texas is a 501(c)(3) non-profit animal welfare organization that operates one shelter, one spay/neuter clinic, one mobile adoptions vehicle, and one animal rescue center, all located in Dallas County, and maintains a team of animal cruelty investigators who rescue hundreds of animals from cruelty each year in North Texas counties. The SPCA of Texas does not euthanize for time or space. Moreover, the SPCA of Texas serves as an active resource center for an array of services that bring people and animals together to enrich each other’s lives.

The SPCA of Texas is not affiliated with any other entity and does not receive general operating funds from the City of Dallas, State of Texas, federal government, or any other national humane organization. The SPCA of Texas is dedicated to creating a brighter future for animals, people, and the community. To learn more about the SPCA of Texas, visit spca.org.

About the ASPCA^®
The ASPCA^® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®) believes every animal deserves to live free from suffering. For more than 160 years, we’ve been on the frontlines to save, transform and protect millions of lives in the fight against animal cruelty. As the nation’s first and leading animal welfare organization, we assist animals in need through on-the-ground disaster and cruelty interventions, behavioral rehabilitation, animal relocation and placement, legal and legislative advocacy, and the advancement of the sheltering and veterinary communities through research, training and resources. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation with more than 2 million supporters nationwide, our commitment to eliminating animal cruelty is unwavering. For more information, visit aspca.org, and follow the ASPCA on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok.