Federal guidance on integrating animal issues into emergency issues

The AVMA strongly recommends the appropriate federal organizations (e.g. DHS, USDA) and Congress periodically review and update as needed the federal guidance [e.g. the National Response Framework, the Pet Evacuation and Transportation Standards (PETS) Act of 2006, and the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act (PKEMRA)], in order to improve planning and programmatic support for the animal owning public, animal agriculture industry, and any other animal related issues during the whole continuum of disaster preparedness planning, response and recovery. This is necessary to resolve significant gaps for effective implementation at all levels of government.