The bill aims to enhance public preparedness for emergencies and extreme weather events by ensuring that emergency shelters can accommodate companion animals. It recognizes the significant emotional and psychological impact on pet owners during disasters, as many may refuse evacuation or experience distress when separated from their pets. The legislation emphasizes the importance of cosheltering—allowing individuals to stay with their companion animals during emergencies—and encourages political subdivisions to incorporate this into their local comprehensive emergency management plans.

To facilitate this, the bill mandates that political subdivisions identify emergency shelters that can accommodate companion animals and provide necessary safety procedures. It also requires the dissemination of companion animal emergency preparedness information on local websites, including details on which shelters can accept 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 also included to clarify the bill's provisions.

Statutes affected:
Substitute Bill: 38.52.070