In the aftermath of Katrina, the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards (PETS) Act of 2006 was passed. However, development and implementation of pet evacuation and sheltering plans during disasters remains widely insufficient, if it is even addressed at all. At least 15 states do not have any provisions for the evacuation, rescue and recovery of pets during disasters, according to Michigan State University’s Animal Law and History Web Center. More commonly, pet owners will sneak back into active evacuation sites to rescue their pets, risking injury and even death. Allowing pet owners to evacuate their animals may prevent significant psychological distress and can strengthen the emotional resiliency of evacuees.

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Persons: Robin Chadwin, Gail Chadwin, noncompliance, Justin Sullivan, ” Robin, Hurricane Organizations: CNN, Transportation, Michigan, University’s Animal, Web, Tulane University Hospital, Clinic Locations: Lake County , California, United States, San Francisco, Victoria, Australia, New Orleans , Louisiana, New Orleans