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Biden Signs Rep. Titus’ PAW Act Into Law

Protects Pets During and in the Aftermath of Natural Disasters and Emergencies

Washington, DC, October 17, 2022 | Sara Severens (202-924-1719)
"This law will empower first responders and federal disaster response workers to help pet owners plan to keep every member of their family, even the furry or feathered ones, safe."

Washington, DC – Today Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-01), a member of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, issued the following statement after President Biden signed the Planning for Animal Wellness (PAW) Act into law.

 

“Pets are an essential part of our lives,” said Rep. Titus. “No one should be forced to make the impossible choice between leaving them behind or evacuating to safety in the event of an emergency. This law will empower first responders and federal disaster response workers to help pet owners plan to keep every member of their family, even the furry or feathered ones, safe. It will also help people find and reunite with their pets if separated. Disasters are stressful enough; people shouldn’t have to worry about also losing their cherished pets.”

 

“No one should have to risk their lives because they refuse to abandon beloved pets before a natural disaster,” said Senator Peters. “This new law will help make sure that FEMA and first responders in Michigan and across the nation can help protect every member of our families – even the ones with four legs and fur.”

 

Background

H.R. 7789, Planning for Animal Wellness (PAW) Act:

 

  • Creates a working group at FEMA to review best practices and current Federal guidance related to the sheltering and evacuation of pets throughout the emergency management process.
    • The working group would consist of animal experts from academia, non-profits, the veterinarian field, and state and local government.
    • If the working group determines that current best practices are insufficient, FEMA would be required to update its federal guidance within 1.5 years of the bill’s enactment into law.

 

Introduced in the House by Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV), original co-sponsor Rep. Peter A. DeFazio (D-OR), co-sponsored by Reps. Brian K. Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Garret Graves (R-LA). Introduced in the Senate by Sen. Gary C. Peters (D-MI), original co-sponsor Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH), co-sponsored by Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL).

 

Find the PAW Act Introduction Press Release here.

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