October 9, 2019 – Keeping Families Together During Emergencies –
The San Francisco SPCA is thrilled to report that it will now be easier for Californians to evacuate from disasters with their pets. Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 397, helping to ensure that families who are evacuating can bring their beloved pets on public transit.
California is home to nearly 19 million pets, and about seven percent of California households do not have a motor vehicle. Numerous studies have shown that people are hesitant to evacuate during a disaster without their animal family members. Creating a plan for pets on public transit during disaster will save human and animal lives and keep families together. The SF SPCA is proud to have supported this important measure, and we thank Senator Steve Glazer for this important legislation.