Before Hurricane Katrina, there was no law that said that all pets and service animals needed to be evacuated, rescued, and sheltered during an emergency or disaster. When the deadly storm hit the state of Louisiana, an estimated of 600,000 animals were left behind, deserted, and thousands died from drowning, starvation, and sickness.

The devastating affect of this storm has prompted the government, both local and federal, to either change their policies or add new ones to include the safety of these pets and service animals. In addition, different agencies are also teaming up with the government and local animal rescues that will protect our pets in times of disasters.

Since the 2005 Hurricane Katrina disaster, several new laws have been passed to ensure the safety and protection of our four-legged canine friends. The animal welfare organization has come up with a better emergency plan of action and more shelters have been established to keep the pets with their owners in case such an event happen again.