Just read that President Bush signed the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act (PETS) which requires state and local agencies to include provisions for people with pets or service animals to safely evacuate with their animals in the event of a disaster.
HOORAY!!
The PETS Act was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representatives Tom Lantos (D-Calif.) and Chris Shays (R-Conn.), and in the U.S. Senate by Senators Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) and Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.). It was approved unanimously by the Senate on August 4 and by the House of Representatives on September 20.
About the PETS Act:
Requires local and state emergency preparedness authorities that receive FEMA funding to include provisions for pets and service animals in their disaster plans
Grants FEMA the authority to assist states and local communities in developing such plans
Authorizes federal funds to help create pet-friendly emergency shelters
Allows FEMA to provide assistance for individuals with pets and service animals, and the animals themselves, following a major disaster.
