The Pet Evacuation and Transportation Standards Actof 2006 established a mandate for States and localities to incorporate plans that account for the needs ofpeople with household pets and service animals. TheFederal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) National Response Framework outlines the roles of Federal, State, local, and nongovernmental entities inmanaging pets during disasters.This mandate is a lifesaver—for both pets and people.One of the many important lessons learned after Hurricane Katrina is that making sure pets are safe duringa disaster can make it easier to evacuate their owners—a practice proven to save many human lives.

Saving lives during a disaster is everyone’s goal. Thatis why the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)and its Animal Care program stand ready to help. We serve as a powerful planning resource that Stateand local officials can turn to in advance of a disaster.During a response, we can provide a critical source of expertise and support where it’s needed most.When a disaster strikes, things happen quickly. That is why the right time to make critical emergency response decisions is now—before a disaster occurs.

Protecting the safety and welfare of pets 

in disasters plays an increasingly important

role in our overall response efforts.

The time to plan for the safety and well-being of household pets during a disaster

IS NOW
Before a disaster...Throughout the planning process, APHIS’ AnimalCare program can be a powerful resource forState and local emergency coordinators and othergroups assisting States in planning an effectiveemergency response for household pets.• Shelter and Transportation:

We deliver technical support and subject-matter expertise, including details on appropriate housing

environments, heat stress monitoring, andtransport vehicle options. 

• Planning Facilitation: By bringing together all

of the stakeholders—from Federal, State, andlocal planners to nongovernmental organizations—we can help streamline the planningprocess, identify best practice models, and helpto locate potential resources for building Stateand local capacities.

• Training Opportunities: At the State and local

level, our employees can provide specific training in animal emergency management. 

During a disaster...At the request of State officials, APHIS’ AnimalCare employees can be available on the ground to support communication, aid in resource management, provide technical assistance, conductsituational assessments, and help with the transition to recovery. They can also act as liaisons

with other concernedstakeholders, such ashumane organizations,professional associations, and the privatesector.• Staffing: We can

support command and multi-agency coordination centers, such as State emergency 

operations centers.

• Situation Assessment:

We can provide

teams to assist States or communities in evaluating the needs and well-being of pets during

response and recovery.

• Expedite Requests: In response to a State’s

request for resources, we may be able to identify and provide critical resources in collaboration with FEMA.

• Regulated Facilities: Extensive experience

working with facilities regulated by the AnimalWelfare Act has positioned us to provide technical support in emergency response for zoos,aquariums, biomedical research facilities, andlicensed commercial pet facilities.

And we can help. To find out more about howAPHIS’ Animal Care program can assist in yourplanning process, please visit our Web site,www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_welfare/ep orcall APHIS Animal Care Emergency Programs at(301) 734-0746. 

The time to plan is

NOW...

How APHIS’ Animal Care Unit can

HELP