Animal Hospital Cypress
Cypress Animal Hospital Vet Writes Animal Disaster Plan
Cypress-area veterinarian Dr. Roy Cruzen of Steeplechase Animal Hospital is a leader in disaster preparedness for animals. He was honored in 2003 by the Texas Veterinary Medical Association for his plan, developed over a five-year period.
According to a story in the Houston Chronicle, "He basically put forth the plan that the Texas Veterinary Medical Association was comfortable in adopting when it came to being prepared for all catastrophic conditions - weather related, terrorist related and even animal health conditions.”
He got involved on a state level in disaster preparedness for animals after the Cypress-area Animal Hospital vet joined a committee to look at how to respond to bioterrorism. He helped coordinate communication between state and federal agencies in the event of disasters. He also helped develop local and regional disaster preparedness programs in case of hurricanes, floods, ice storms, disease or bioterrorism.
Cypress Animal Hospital Disaster Plan Helps Save Lives
"Three years ago there was nothing in the disaster preparedness plan that covered animals," Dr. Cruzen said. He also pointed to the importance of having a mechanism in place for pet owners who have to leave their homes during floods or other natural disasters.
This point was painfully clear with Hurricanes Katrina/Rita. According to the American Humane Society, an estimated 200,000 pets were killed, injured, or lost — and their owners devastated. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has since changed their policy to include pet evacuations.
"The number one reason why people go back to an evacuation zone or don't want to leave their homes is the pets," he explained. "If it's not safe for you and I to stay, then it's not safe for pets to stay. The challenge in many areas is that the mechanisms are not in place for pets to get shelter."
Dr. Cruzen has had a veterinary medicine practice in the Cypress-area Steeplechase Animal Hospital for nearly 30 years. Contact them today and make your plans.