Your Pooch Should Be Smiling Today
Animals and animal lovers should be very happy today. A piece of legislation called the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards (PETS) Act has been approved and finalized by both the house and senate. It’s now just waiting for the President’s signature and approval.
The PETS Act will require local and state authorities to include evacuation of pets in their emergency preparedness plans to qualify for FEMA grants. The act also outlines the need for FEMA to help agencies in making these plans and arrangements. Finally, it will ear-mark funds to allow for pet-friendly emergency shelters.
Since two-thirds of American households have pets, this is great news. During the Hurricane Katrina disaster, many families had to choose between their own safety and the safety of thier pets (who in many cases are considered a member of the family). Once this bill is passed, they won’t need to make those heart-wrenching decisions during times of disaster anymore.
Pets are a big part of the family. In fact, according to the American Pet Association:
More than half of American dog owners are more attached to their pets than to at least one other human being. The following numbers represent those who say they are as attached to their dogs as to the following persons;
A) Best Friend 16,213,555
B) Children 8,321,566
C) Spouse 5,421,959
So… this PETS Act makes sense.