The Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act (PETS Act) of 2006 requires local and state emergency preparedness authorities to include in their evacuation plans how they will accommodate household pets and service animals in the event of a major disaster. Local and state authorities must submit these plans in order to qualify for grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Keep in mind however that the Red Cross disaster shelters CANNOT and WILL NOT accept pets because of states' health and safety regulations! Service animals who assist people with disabilities are the ONLY animals allowed in Red Cross shelters.

That's exactly why you need to make plans BEFORE disaster strikes, when you can calmly talk to your neighbors, research your options, and make plans! Improvising anything that affects the life of others....is not an OPTION! 

So PLAN NOW! DO NOT WAIT UNTIL DISASTER STRIKES TO DO YOUR RESEARCH.
 
Remember that having a plan does NOT hurt! Not having a plan HURTS!

When you make that plan, plan to DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PETS BEHIND! Consider the following facts:
* Pets are not likely to survive on their own
* If by some remote chance they do, you may not be able to find them when you return.
* If they find a way out of your house while you are gone they could get injured or pose a threat to others!
* No one can accuratelly predict how long you will have to wait to be allowed back in!
* Taking your pet with you will not place you or your family in jeopardy. It's easier to not panic if you have a plan and eventually a back up plan. We all know Plan A generally is the first to fail...having more than one options available can't hurt!

Find your State Emergency Management Agency (EMA) by clicking here.

Find more information from the Humane Society of the United States (They know all there is to know about the PET Act since they had it introduced) here.