As we continue to move forward with lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina the Louisiana SPCA recently participated in a significant event. On September 20 we took part in the staging of the country’s first ever joint human and animal rescue drill involving non- profits like ours as well as all levels of government. The fact that animals received equal billing signifies that a major paradigm shift in disaster planning and response has occurred.

Thirteen federal, state and local agencies, including the LA/SPCA, FEMA, the Office of Homeland Security, the U.S. Coast Guard, NOPD, and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, among others, came together to test command and communications operations. Coined the Operation Lilypad, the drill was a day-long event of urban search and rescue teams acting out real-life scenarios not unlike those we witnessed last year in the aftermath of Katrina.

Many of you are familiar with the LA/SPCA’s mission of serving the homeless and neglected animal population of New Orleans, investigating dogfighting cases and initiating legislative changes both locally and statewide, but we are also the lead agency in New Orleans responsible for managing animal-related issues resulting from natural and man-made disasters. In emergency response jargon, we’re the designated emergency support function agency (ESF- 11). It’s one of the many hats the LA/SPCA wears in our work to improve the lives of our companion animals.

Let’s hope we don't have to put the drill to a real test this hurricane season, but being prepared is paramount. Of course, the best plan is to have your personal evacuation plans in place and always evacuate you and your pets.

Sincerely,

Having a Disaster Coordinator on staff is not a common post in animal welfare organizations, but at the Louisiana SPCA knowing the difference between “incident” command and the “stay” command is crucial.

As the designated lead agency responsible for managing post-disaster animal issues, disaster planning is a huge priority for the LA/SPCA. Of course the tragedies of Katrina elevated it to an unprecedented level. Every day we’re called upon by colleagues, the public and the media to address questions and often times find solutions related to animals and disasters.

Faced with the reality that the hurricane season combined with pre-planning fills up a 12-month calendar, it became clear that we needed someone who could devote her full attention to all things disaster related.

Our volunteers and staff can attest to the fact that we have some of the best adoptable animals you’ll find anywhere – cute and cuddly, well behaved, well- trained, highly lovable – you name it and you’re bound to find all these great qualities in our adoptable animals.

Add to that a very unique quality of being calm in stressful situations. In preparation for our Lilypad Exercise many of our adoptable dogs rose to the occasion in helping local, state and federal agencies conduct human/animal rescue drills. Thanks to our on-staff trainer Carolyn Kerner, our canines handled helicopter rides, boat rides and bus rides like consummate pros – calm, cool, collected and confident. They were truly the “best in show.”