As we reflect on the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, Congress passes PETS Act to ensure no pets are left behind in future disasters.

© HSUS

On August 3, 2006, the Senate passed its version of the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards (PETS) bill, sponsored by Senators Ted Stevens (R-AK) and Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), by unanimous consent. A House version, sponsored by Representatives Tom Lantos (D-CA) and Christopher Shays (R-CT), passed on May 22, 2006, by a vote of 349-24.

© HSUS/Kathy Milani

Get more information about the PETS Act

• Read more about the ramifications of the bill and learn how state governments are also passing laws to protect pets from disasters.
• Read The HSUS's press release about the passage of the bill. 

Be prepared for future disasters

• Visit The HSUS Disaster Center for reflections on the Hurricane Katrina response efforts and the plans for future disaster responses.
• Visit our Resource Library section on Disaster Preparedness and Response for information on dealing with disasters yourself, as an animal welfare professional or volunteer.
• Volunteer as part of the Disaster Animal Response Team to help pets in future disasters.
• Help your local community get prepared for a disaster using our Disaster Preparedness Resources.

Reflect on the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina

• Read some of the March-April 2006 issue of Animal Sheltering magazine, which focused on Hurricane Katrina and the role shelters and other animal care groups played in the aftermath, and order a copy of this special issue.