PETSAFE Act

The Providing Essential Temporary Shelter Assistance for Emergencies Act, or PETSAFE Act, aims to significantly improve emergency preparedness and response for companion animals during disasters. It amends the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 to allow states, local, and tribal governments to utilize federal grant funds for various companion animal emergency preparedness activities. These activities include acquiring essential supplies such as collapsible crates, mobile equipment trailers, pet and veterinary supplies, and emergency sheltering equipment, as well as funding training and animal response team development. Furthermore, the bill modifies the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to require that preparedness plans specifically address the needs of animal shelters that house and care for companion animals before, during, and after major disasters or emergencies. This legislation also increases the federal cost share to 90 percent for these specific companion animal preparedness activities, providing greater financial support for these efforts.