Georgia’s Only Animal Facility for Disasters Opens in Fort Valley

FORT VALLEY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – As Hurricane Isaac tears through the Gulf Coast, we’re reminded here about our own emergency preparedness, but what do we do with our pets in the event of a disaster?

The State Animal Facility for Emergencies Center is the state’s first and only shelter to care for furry creatures during an emergency. The SAFE Center is located on Fort Valley State University’s campus. Dr. Seyedmehdi Mobini, the head of the school’s veterinary sciences program, says they are ready if disaster strikes.

“[It is] a facility in the state that will be used for animals, sheltering animals at times of emergencies, hurricanes, natural disasters or even some disease emergencies,” Dr. Mobini said.

The Center is funded by the Georgia Department of Agriculture. Dr. Mobini says there is enough room to feed and shelter up to 106 dogs, 80 cats, and 30 horses. The shelter is also a great opportunity for veterinary students to run the facility and take care of the animals.

“We focus a lot on hands on training here,” FVSU Veterinary Science professor Dr. George McCommon said. “We want to make sure our students know how to do things, not just mentally but physically hey know how to do things.”

During an emergency situation, animals that are sheltered at the SAFE Center that need treatment can go right next door to the university’s veterinary services.

“We do have an equine surgery, we do have a small animal surgery,” Dr. McCommon said. “We are a fully equipped department and so we can provide things that maybe others couldn’t.”

The SAFE Center will shelter animals from all across the Peach State and parts of northern Florida. And even though Hurricane Isaac didn’t impact us here in Middle Georgia, the cages at the facility are clean, supplies are stocked and students are prepared. Now all they are waiting on is your four-legged friends.

“We’re ready. There’s somebody here 365 days a year. We’re ready whenever the disaster comes,” Dr. McCommon said.