Sponsors (19)
The bill makes emergency preparedness more pet-inclusive by raising federal reimbursement and strengthening animal response, improving outcomes for pet owners and public safety, but it increases federal and local costs, risks diverting funds from human-focused priorities, and creates extra administrative burdens for smaller jurisdictions.
State, local, and tribal governments will receive 90% federal reimbursement (instead of 50%) for eligible companion-animal preparedness activities, significantly lowering local program costs for pet-focused emergency readiness.
Households with pets—including many rural families—will see better emergency sheltering, veterinary supplies, and rescue capacity during disasters, increasing chances that pets are evacuated and cared for.
Local and state animal-response teams and training will be strengthened, which can speed evacuations and reduce public-safety burdens during disasters.
State and local authorities may reallocate limited preparedness funds toward pet-related equipment and activities, potentially reducing resources for other human-centered emergency priorities and affecting vulnerable populations.
Taxpayers could face higher federal grant spending or increased program costs if the higher reimbursement rate raises overall demand for funds.
Smaller jurisdictions and tribal governments may need to build new administrative capacity to manage pet-specific programs and procure specialized supplies, imposing an implementation burden.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Permits FEMA grant funds to cover emergency preparedness for companion animals (equipment, supplies, training, team building) and raises federal reimbursement for those activities from 50% to 90%.
Introduced February 9, 2026 by Brian Jeffrey Mast · Last progress February 9, 2026
Amends federal emergency management grant rules to let States, local, and tribal governments use grant funds for emergency preparedness that supports companion animals (pets). It also raises the federal reimbursement rate for those pet-related preparedness activities from 50% to 90%, and lists specific eligible equipment, supplies, training, and team development items.