Full Title Name:  Iowa Emergency Response Plan

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Country of Origin:  United States Agency Origin:  Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division Last Checked:  June, 2023 Last Date Amended:  2010
Summary: The Iowa Emergency Response Plan contains several specific references to pets and service animals. In fact, "[p]rovisions will be made for the care of pets in nearby locations. Service animals for persons with disabilities are allowed by law to stay in shelter with their owner and are not considered pets." There are requirements under the plan for agency coordination to shelter pets.
Documents:  PDF icon Iowa Emergency Response Plan.pdf (3.45 MB)

Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division - https://homelandsecurity.iowa.gov/

The current plan is available at http://publications.iowa.gov/17695/

The attached pdf is a download of the current plan dated 2010. Below are some provisions in the plan related to animals along with the page in which the provisions appear.

2.2.10. Provisions will be made for the care of pets in nearby locations. Service animals for persons with disabilities are allowed by law to stay in shelter with their owner and are not considered pets.

(Page 57 of the plan)



4.1.6. Coordinate with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the Humane Society for the care of pets.

4.7. Support Agency: Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

4.7.2. Establish and operate shelters of evacuated pets.

(Page 61of the plan)



The following are shelters that may be provided during emergencies/disasters. 1) warming or cooling centers; 2) American Red Cross (ARC) Shelters per the ARC guidance relating to special needs; 3) medical shelters, and 4) pet shelters. Special needs populations may require short-term/long-term sheltering in warming and cooling centers during periods of extreme heat or cold.

Pet Shelters – Are shelters designed to temporarily meet the needs of people and their animals during emergencies and disasters. Animal owners are responsible for their pets and should have a disaster plan prepared for them in case of emergency; however there may be situations where emergency sheltering may be needed. It is important to note that Service Animals are not considered pets by law and must be housed with their owners in other shelters.

(Page 137 of the plan)

 

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