New York residents in a disaster situation may no longer have to choose between saving themselves and saving their pets now that the New York State Senate has approved legislation to allow pets in shelters.
The Pet Evacuation and Transportation Standards (PETS) Act of 2006 was passed by the state Senate Tuesday, June 13.
The legislation would require local and state governments to have a plan for pets as well as people included in the preparations for hurricane season so that pets are not left behind.
Under current law, state and local shelters do not allow pets except service animals.
The New York State Assembly still has to vote on the legislation by the time the session ends Thursday, June 22.
According to a recent Zogby International poll, 49 percent of adult respondents said they would not evacuate without being able to take pets with them.
The 2006 hurricane season began June 1.
Posted: June 17, 2006, 5:00 a.m. EST