Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act
H.R. 3858, the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act of 2006 (PETS Act), was passed by Congress as a response to the way in which household pets and service animals were handled during evacuation efforts resulting from Hurricane Katrina.
The passage of the PETS Act significantly changed the way pets are viewed by the Federal government during disasters and requires disaster preparedness planning to address the needs of pets and service animals. Following a major disaster or emergency, this act authorizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide rescue, care, shelter, and essential needs for household pets and service animals as well as to their owners.
For more information, please visit:
The AVMA’s PETS Act FAQ or http://www.fema.gov/pdf/government/grant/pa/policy.pdf for the entire DAP 9523.19.