U.S. Representative Brian Mast (FL-21) has introduced the Providing Essential Temporary Shelter for Emergencies (PETSAFE) Act, aiming to improve emergency preparedness for pets during disasters.
When severe weather forces families to evacuate quickly, pet owners often face a difficult choice: leave their animals behind or risk personal safety by staying home. This situation can put both residents and first responders at greater risk if people refuse to evacuate without their pets.
The PETSAFE Act seeks to address these issues by expanding how existing emergency management funds may be used. The bill would allow states and local governments more flexibility in planning for animal evacuation, sheltering, veterinary care, training, and specialized rescue equipment—without authorizing new federal spending.
Currently, high local cost-share requirements limit many animal preparedness efforts. The PETSAFE Act proposes raising the federal cost share for eligible activities from 50 percent to 90 percent. This change is intended to make it easier and more affordable for communities to develop protective plans for both people and animals.
“When we plan better for animals, we save human lives too,” said Rep. Brian Mast. “This bill helps communities prepare smarter, respond faster, and keep families together when disaster strikes.”
Rep. Vern Buchanan highlighted the impact on disaster-prone states like Florida: “For millions of families, pets are part of the family and in disaster-prone states like Florida, families often won’t evacuate if they can’t bring them, putting lives at risk,” he said. “The PETSAFE Act improves preparedness and removes unnecessary cost barriers, so states and local governments have the flexibility they need to protect animals, families and first responders during hurricanes and other emergencies. As co-chair of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, I am proud to join Congressman Brian Mast in leading this commonsense, bipartisan effort.”
Rep. Dina Titus added: “Protecting pets during disasters is not just compassionate, it is responsible. As an original supporter of the bipartisan PETSAFE Act, I am advancing a practical, lifesaving approach that helps families evacuate safely without leaving their furry friends behind.”
Rep. Judy Chu referenced past emergencies in her district: “When the Eaton Fire tore through my district, so many families were forced into an impossible choice. As a result, many families delayed evacuating because they couldn’t bear to leave their pets behind. Thankfully, local shelters and community members across California stepped up to care for animals of all kinds that had to be relocated out of the fire’s path,” she said. “Disasters like these make it clear that emergency planning must also account for the safety and wellbeing of pets. That’s why I’m teaming up with Representative Brian Mast and Senator Adam Schiff to introduce the PETSAFE Act. Our bill would ensure that state and local governments can utilize FEMA grant money to purchase the resources they need to protect animals during disasters.”
Senator Adam Schiff stated: “Our pets are part of our families, and when disaster strikes, it’s important that communities have the resources to ensure they aren’t left behind. I’m proud to partner with Representative Brian Mast to reintroduce this legislation which will help us protect our animals during major disasters and emergencies.”
Animal welfare organizations across Florida—including ASPCA; Florida State Animal Response Coalition; Florida Association of Animal Welfare Organizations; Humane Society of Tampa Bay; Florida Animal Protection and Advocacy Association; Flagler Humane Society; and Humane Society of the Treasure Coast—have voiced support for this legislation.
Daniel Leonardini from ASPCA commented: “Americans consider their pets to be a part of the family, and many won’t evacuate during an emergency without them. Empowering communities to include animals in emergency response plans is critical… We are grateful to Representatives Mast and Titus for introducing the PETSAFE Act…”
Frank Valente from Humane Society of the Treasure Coast added: “Animal shelters in Florida… are constantly operating at capacity regarding animals in their care daily… The PETSAFE Act is critical legislation that will help communities across Florida better prepare…”
Brian Mast currently represents Florida’s 21st congressional district after replacing Patrick Murphy in 2017 [source](https://mast.house.gov/). He has served since then following previous experience in state government service.
Born in Grand Rapids in 1980 [source](https://www.congress.gov/member/brian-mast/M001199), Mast resides today in Fort Pierce [source](https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/M001199). He completed his undergraduate degree at Harvard University Extension School in 2016.
The proposed act aims ultimately at improving coordination before emergencies occur so that safe evacuations can take place while protecting both humans and companion animals.
