The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) is assisting St. Landry Parish officials, the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services and the Louisiana State Animal Response Team in staging assets at the Yambilee Building in Opelousas to prepare an emergency shelter for flood evacuees and their household pets.

Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M., said LDAF is moving 50 pet cages from the LDAF regional office in Woodworth to Opelousas. The cages will be used as temporary kennels for household pets whose owners self-evacuated from flood areas. Pet owners will be responsible for the care of their pets during their stay at the evacuation center. 

“The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry is happy to assist in any way we can during this crisis situation,” Strain said. “Our system worked very well during hurricanes Gustav and Ike and the BP oil spill and we are standing by to move our assets into place during this flood event.” 

Strain said the LDAF is monitoring the flood levels and tailoring pet evacuation plans as the situation warrants. 

Residents who anticipate evacuating to the Yambilee Building are advised to call the St. Landry Parish Office of Emergency Preparedness at 337-948-7177 for further information. 

Pet owners should bring at least several days’ supply of pet food and water, medications, proof of vaccinations, health records, collar and leash for each animal, food/water bowls, kennel or crate if they have one, comfort items, extra litter and litter box and identification. 

Exotic pets, like snakes and lizards, should be contained at all times and owners need to bring extension cords for plugging in heat rocks and lamps.

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