NEWS: Sens. Schiff, Tillis Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Companion Animals and Families During Disasters

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), introduced the bipartisan Providing Essential Temporary Shelter Assistance for Emergencies (PETSAFE) Act , legislation to strengthen emergency preparedness for companion animals. During wildfires, hurricanes, and other emergencies, families are often forced to evacuate with little notice. For pet owners, evacuation can present an impossible choice: leave their pets behind or stay home and risk their own safety. Too often, families choose the latter, endangering themselves and complicating rescue efforts for first responders. The bill addresses these challenges by expanding the allowable use of existing emergency management grants so state and local governments can better prepare for animal evacuation, sheltering, veterinary care, training and specialized rescue equipment during disasters. Representatives Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.-16), Brian Mast (R-Fla.-21), Dina Titus (D-Nev.-1), and Judy Chu (D-Calif.-28) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. “Our pets are part of our families, and when disaster strikes, it’s important that communities have the resources to ensure they aren’t left behind. I’m proud to partner with Senator Tillis to reintroduce this legislation which will help us protect our animals during major disasters and emergencies,” said Schiff. “When disaster strikes, families should never have to choose between their own safety and the safety of a beloved pet,” said Senator Tillis . “The PETSAFE Act strengthens emergency preparedness by helping states and local communities better shelter and care for companion animals during natural disasters and emergencies.” The legislation is supported by the American Red Cross, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Animal Welfare Institute, Animal Wellness Action, Best Friends Animal Society, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Care and Control, Center for a Humane Economy, City of Fresno Animal Center, Humane World Action Fund, Humane World for Animals, National Animal Care and Control Association, National Animal Rescue and Sheltering Coalition, Pasadena Humane, Ridgecrest Animal Shelter, and Sarge’s Animal Rescue Foundation. “From last year’s devastating wildfires in Southern California to the recent severe winter weather impacting communities across the country, the ASPCA’s disaster response team has seen firsthand how a lack of emergency preparedness can lead to devastating consequences for animals and for the people who risk their lives to protect them,” said Matt Bershadker, ASPCA President and CEO . “Investing in resources, training and planning that includes pets in emergency response plans is critical to preventing further loss and suffering. We are grateful to Senators Schiff and Tillis, as well as Representatives Mast, Titus, Buchanan and Chu for introducing the PETSAFE Act to give communities the tools they need to better prepare and care for pets before, during and after disasters.” Under current law, many animal preparedness efforts are limited by high local cost-share requirements. The PETSAFE Act lowers that barrier by increasing the federal cost share for eligible companion animal preparedness activities from 50 percent to 90 percent, making it more affordable for communities to put comprehensive plans in place. By strengthening preparedness before emergencies occur, the bill ensures communities have the tools, supplies, and coordination needed to execute safe, organized evacuations that protect companion animals, people, and emergency personnel alike. The full text of the bill can be found HERE . ###