Providing Shelter to Companion Animals in Disasters (Washington)

​​The Animal Legal Defense Fund ​supports ​this bill.​

Sponsor: Rep. Marie Leavitt (D-28) 

Cosponsors: Reps. Dan Bronoske (D-28), Nicole Macri (D-43), Cindy Ryu (D-32), April Berg (D-44), and Tarra Simmons (D-23)

​Introduction Date:​ January 13, 2025

Natural disasters and extreme weather events such as wildfires, earthquakes, flooding, extreme heat, and extreme cold events are an increasingly prevalent threat in many parts of the U.S. — Washington high on the list. When disasters strike, individuals and families are often forced to flee their homes. Unfortunately, many emergency shelters do not accept companion animals, and people may feel they have no other option but to leave their animal family members behind. Animals are then left to face the disaster on their own and often languish or die as a result. 

A bill being considered in the Washington State Legislature, H.B.1201, would require counties or cities in Washington to designate emergency shelters that can accommodate companion animals. 

The bill would require: 

• Washington counties and cities to update their emergency plans to designate at least one emergency, one heating, and one cooling shelter that can accommodate people with companion animals. 

• Those animal-friendly shelters to have safety procedures regarding the sheltering of companion animals and comply with disaster assistance policies and procedures published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). 

• County and city Jurisdictions to publish information identifying these animal-friendly shelters on their website, offer information for creating a companion animal evacuation plan and emergency checklist consistent with FEMA recommendations, and identify local organizations that provide emergency companion animal assistance. 

Similar legislation has passed in California, A.B. 781, which was signed by Governor Newsom in October 2023 and went into effect January 1, 2024. 

​​Why is this legislation important? ​ 

It is predicted that extreme weather events — such as the severe flooding and wildfires that Washington regularly experiences — will only worsen with time. Animals are especially vulnerable to these extreme weather conditions. This bill is critical for protecting animals who may be left to suffer — or even die — when they are left behind. It would also protect the millions of Washingtonians who consider their companion animals valued members of the family and suffer greatly when faced with life-or-death decisions in the face of weather emergencies or natural disasters. Passage of this bill will help make Washington better prepared for future disasters. 

Coalition Support: American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)

​​For more information about animal protection legislation​ in California ​and opportunities to take action for animals, visit aldf.org/​washington.