Update—September 5, 2023: Great news—California's disaster preparedness and sheltering bill has advanced again! After passing the State Assembly in May, it received unanimous support from its second Senate committee last week. Now this bill heads to the full State Senate where it could receive a vote at any moment. Please contact your state senator ASAP and urge them to vote YES on A.B. 781.
California lawmakers have introduced a bill to help families with pets stay safe during natural disasters and extreme weather events. This bill would require local governments to designate pet-friendly sheltering sites so families have a safe and comfortable place to go.
Natural disasters and extreme weather events are becoming more common throughout the Golden State, and many emergency plans have not provided adequate support for families with companion animals. When forced to flee their homes, people have sometimes had to make an impossible decision: evacuate without their beloved pets or risk sheltering in place to stay together. Your voice can help prevent these heartbreaking situations.
There are not enough public shelters in California that accommodate pets, and this has negatively impacted families with pets during natural disasters and extreme weather events. Those who are denied shelter with their pets may refuse evacuation, threatening their own safety and that of first responders. Some pet owners evacuate without their pets then attempt to illegally reenter evacuation sites to rescue their animals. This bill could help prevent many potentially life-threatening situations like these.
What You Can Do
Please use our brief online form to send a message to your state senator asking them to vote YES on A.B. 781.
