Support Disaster Planning For Pets


Update: President Bush signs the PETS Act on October 6, 2006!

Hurricane Katrina demonstrated that, as we prepare for future disasters, it is vital to incorporate in our plans ways to protect companion animals and their caretakers. Never again should people be forced to choose between their personal safety and leaving behind their pets in a time of emergency.

Read our poll:
90% of people say they would not evacuate without their pets in the event of a disaster

In the months since the hurricane, legislation has passed in several states (including California), and the federal Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act (PETS Act) has passed in Congress!


California Disaster Planning for Animals Bill (A.B. 450):

September 2006: Governor Schwarzenegger signs A.B. 450

The California Disaster Planning for Animals Bill requires that the state's disaster planners consider the needs of household pets, service animals and livestock in an emergency. Sponsored by Assembly Member Leland Yee, A.B. 450 requires the Office of Emergency Services to incorporate the California Animal Response Emergency System program into the standardized emergency management system.


The Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act (PETS Act):

October 2006: President Bush signs the PETS Act

Watch news video here

The Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act (PETS Act), S. 2548 and H.R. 3858, would require local and state emergency preparedness authorities to include in their evacuation plans how they will accomodate household companion animals or service animals in the event of a disaster. Local and state authorities must submit these plans in order to qualify for grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Articles of Interest:

Your pets need disaster kits, too
(Marin Independent Journal, 4/29/06)