TALLAHASSEE — The Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act, signed into law in 2006 following the widespread abandonment of pets during Hurricane Katrina, requires states and localities receiving FEMA preparedness grants to include household pets and service animals in their emergency preparedness plans.
Implementation of the PETS Act varies significantly by state and county. Florida, which has the largest number of pet-owning households in a hurricane-prone state, operates a network of co-located pet-friendly emergency shelters where owners and their animals can stay together during evacuations.
Texas, Louisiana, and the Carolinas have expanded their pet-friendly shelter capacity following lessons learned from Hurricanes Harvey, Ida, and Florence. However, space is limited and fills quickly — pet owners are advised to register with their county emergency management office in advance of hurricane season.
For pet owners who cannot access a public shelter, options include pet-friendly hotels (which can be booked through apps like BringFido), boarding facilities outside the evacuation zone, and veterinary offices that offer emergency boarding during disasters.
The ASPCA recommends that all pets be microchipped and that owners carry a recent photograph of themselves with their pet to facilitate reunification in the event of separation during a disaster. Collar tags should include a cell phone number that will function outside the evacuation area.
