Got this link from my friend, Elena.
From the Human Society of the United States (HSUS):
The PETS Act requires local and state emergency preparedness authorities to include in their evacuation plans how they will accommodate household pets and service animals in case of a disaster. Local and state authorities must submit these plans in order to qualify for grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Furthermore, the PETS Act:
* Grants FEMA the authority to assist states and local communities in developing disaster plans to accomodate people with pets and service animals.
* Authorizes federal funds to states to help pet-friendly emergency shelter facilities.
* Allows FEMA to provide assistance for individuals with pets and service animals, and the animals themselves following a major disaster.In addition to the trauma experienced by evacuees who are forced to abandon their animal companions and the subsequent suffering the animals endure, there are serious health and safety risks to disaster areas that are exacerbated by the abandoning of pets. Many of these problems can be mitigated or eliminated simply through the proper planning and response.
link to article
link to HSUS info page
Linkage:
HSUS Disaster Center | Disaster Preparedness Resources
FEMA | Information for Pet Owners