2023-Idaho-Emergency-Operations-Plan.pdf (7.86 MB)
The Idaho Office of Emergency Management (EOP) keeps the plans on its website at https://ioem.idaho.gov/preparedness-and-protection/plans/
The following excerpts relating to household pets come from the 2023 Idaho Emergency Operations Plan. Page numbers are provided to assist in locating animal-related provisions.
Policies:
5. In accordance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA’s) Eligible Costs Related to Pet Evacuations and Sheltering, (DAP 9523.19), ID-ESF #6 defines household pets as domesticated animals, such as a dog, cat, bird, rabbit, rodent, or turtle that is traditionally kept in the home for pleasure rather than for commercial purposes, can travel in commercial carriers, and can be housed in temporary facilities. Household pets do not include reptiles (except turtles), amphibians, fish, insects/arachnids, farm animals (including horses), and animals kept for racing purposes
Page ESF#6-3
Emergency Support Function Annex #6: Mass Care, Emergency Assistance, and Human Services Household Pets and Service Animals:
Animal shelters will be provided for domesticated animals and household pets/companion animals of displaced individuals and/or responders during emergency sheltering situations. Pet shelters will be near human shelters. This will allow for the pet owner to assist in caring for the animal. Local jurisdictions, as with human shelters, should locate, inspect, and set up MOUs with potential shelters before disasters. The state recognizes the varying and special requirements of individuals that require and use service animals and is committed to ensuring the needs of these individuals are appropriately addressed during emergency sheltering situations and the individuals and service animals remain together in accordance with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
- Service animals must generally be allowed to accompany their owner anywhere other members of the public are allowed to go, including areas where food is served and most areas where medical care is provided.
- While many emergency shelters do not allow residents or volunteers to bring their pets inside, shelters must generally modify no pet policies to allow people with disabilities to be accompanied by their service animals.
Page ESF#6-8
Emergency Support Function Annex #11: Agriculture and Food
Providing for the Safety and Well-being of Household Pets
1. In accordance with FEMA’s Disaster Assistance Policy 9523.19, a household pet is defined as a domesticated animal, such as a dog, cat, bird, rabbit, rodent, or turtle, that is traditionally kept in the home for pleasure rather than for commercial purposes, can travel in commercial carriers, and can be housed in temporary facilities. Household pets do not include reptiles (except turtles), amphibians, fish, insects and arachnids, farm animals (including horses), and animals kept for racing purposes.
2. In accordance with the American Disabilities Act, ID-ESF #6 defines service animals as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. In addition to provisions regarding service dogs, revised ADA regulations have a new, separate provision regarding miniature horses that have been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities, which informs ID-ESF #6 activities.
3. In accordance with FEMA’s Disaster Assistance Policy 9523.19, service animals must remain with their owners during evacuation and sheltering.
Page ESF #11-4
6. Providing for the Safety and Well-Being of Household Pets
a. Citizens who are directed to evacuate the disaster area will need assistance in finding shelter and food for pets. Pet shelters will be co-located with human shelters as outlined in ID-ESF #6. Household pets should be sheltered near their owners to the extent possible. Owners should be expected to provide food, water, husbandry, and exercise for their pets during the time they are in emergency shelters.
b. Based on the severity of the disaster or emergency, pets may be injured, lost, starving, and/or running loose. Identification and location of pet owners may be difficult.
c. Veterinarians may be needed for treatment of animals and can be accessed through the American Veterinary Medical Association by memorandum of understanding for deployment of a Veterinary Medical Assistance Team (VMAT).
Page ESF #11-6