Sheltering Your Pets During An Emergency
On October 6, 2006, President Bush signed into law the Pets Evacuation and
Transportation Standards Act of 2006.This new federal law ensures that local and
state disaster plans include provisions for household pets and service animals in
the event of a major disaster or emergency.
As evidenced during past hurricanes, many people resist the decision to evacuate in an emergency if the welfare of their pets is uncertain. The health and safety risk to the general public, and to public safety first responders, is drastically reduced when the needs of companion and service animals are addressed.
The City of Williamsburg is revising its Emergency Operations Procedures to include sheltering plans for companion and service animals at the City’s designated local emergency shelter, Quarterpath Park Recreation Center, 202 Quarterpath Road. The shelter will accept pets during an emergency, however, they will be housed in a separate area from the general public. Those bringing pets to the emergency shelter are required to bring food, water and medicine, as well as a crate to house their animal(s). Uncrated pets will not be allowed to remain in the shelter.
Please contact the Williamsburg Emergency Management Coordinator at 220-6220 for additional information regarding the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act of 2006, or for further guidance on emergency preparedness.