THE HOUSTON SPCA AND DISASTER ANIMAL MANAGEMENT TASK FORCE HOLD “CRATE DRIVE” TO HELP SENIORS IN NEED (HOUSTON – May 23, 2011) – Hurricane season kicks off on June 1st and the Houston SPCA, in partnership with the Harris County Disaster Animal Management Task Force, is teaming up for a Pet Disaster Crate Drive. From June 1st through June 30th, you can donate a new or gently used pet crate of any size to one of the four locations listed below.  The crate drive will benefit all area senior evacuees, including those that are clients of Interfaith Ministries’ aniMeals on Wheels program. In the fall of 2006, Congress passed the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act The PETS Act ensures that state and local emergency preparedness plans address the needs of individuals with household pets and service animals following a major disaster or emergency.  In order to board a state certified evacuation buswith his or her owners, each animal  must have a crate, leash, and be up to date on all of his/her vaccinations.  In addition, disaster shelters for pets require that each pet have an individual crate.  If you would like to help our senior friends and their pets prepare for disaster, please donate a crate to any of the locations listed below: CRATE DRIVE DROP-OFF LOCATIONS WHERE: Houston SPCA 900 Portway Drive, Houston, TX 77024 713-869-7722 www.houstonspca.org Monday through Friday: 11am to 6pm Saturday and Sunday: 10am to 6pm HCPHES Veterinary Public Health 612 Canino Rd., Houston, TX  77076 281-999-3191 www.hcphes.org/vph www.countypets.com Monday through Friday: 1:00 pm – 5:50 pm Saturday: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm Jesse Jones Park 20634 Kenswick Dr., Humble, TX 77338 281-446-8588 www.hcp4.net/jones Open daily 8:00 am – 4:30 pm Burroughs Park 9738 Huffsmith Rd., Tomball, TX  77375 281-351-1378 Www.hcp4.net/parks/burroughs Open daily 7:00 am – dark   Hurricanes Rita and Katrina proved that animal issues during a disaster are people issues. By working together, we can save lives!