The bill aims to enhance public preparedness for emergencies and extreme weather events in Washington by ensuring that emergency shelters can accommodate companion animals. It recognizes the significant emotional and psychological impact on pet owners during disasters, as many consider their pets to be family members. The legislation emphasizes the need for political subdivisions to incorporate cosheltering options in their local comprehensive emergency management plans, identify shelters that can accommodate companion animals, and provide relevant emergency preparedness information on their websites.

Specifically, the bill mandates that political subdivisions address cosheltering in their emergency plans, identify at least one coshelter during emergencies, and ensure that shelters accommodating companion animals have safety procedures in place. It also requires the provision of information on whether shelters can accommodate pets, guidance for creating evacuation plans, and resources for local organizations that assist with companion animal emergencies. Definitions for key terms such as "companion animal," "coshelter," and "emergency shelter" are included to clarify the bill's intent and scope.

Statutes affected:
Substitute Bill: 38.52.070