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HR 7438

PETSAFE Act of 2026

119th Congress Introduced by Gus Bilirakis and 18 co-sponsors

HR 7438 expands grants to cover companion-animal preparedness in disasters, boosting eligible uses and federal cost-share up to 90% for animal-focused activities.

Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.
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Bill Summary · HR 7438

Overview

  • Bill: HR 7438 (Providing Essential Temporary Shelter Assistance For Emergencies Act of 2026), 119th Congress, 2nd Session
  • Purpose: Amend the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 and the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to strengthen emergency preparedness and response for companion animals.
  • Introduced: February 9, 2026
  • Primary sponsor: Mr. Mast, with a slate of co-sponsors
  • Committee action: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure; subsequently to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management

Key Purpose and Intent

  • The bill seeks to ensure that emergency management programs explicitly address the needs of companion animals (e.g., dogs, cats) during disasters and emergencies.
  • It aims to provide funding flexibility to states, localities, and tribal governments to support animal-related preparedness, response, and sheltering activities.

Main Provisions

  • Section 2: Improvements for Companion Animals (amendment to 6 U.S.C. 762, Section 662 of the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act)

    • Adds a formal allowance for grant funds to be used for companion-animal related activities.
    • Expands the permissible uses of grant money beyond traditional humanitarian or human-focused emergency management to include animal-related preparedness and response.
    • Specific eligible uses include:
    • Purchases of collapsible crates for transporting animals or sheltering them
    • Acquisition of companion animal mobile equipment trailers
    • Pet supplies (general provisioning for animals in emergencies)
    • Veterinary medical and animal health care supplies
    • Emergency sheltering equipment and supplies
    • Emergency generators
    • Disaster response software
    • Emergency management and response training
    • Animal response team development
    • Field rescue equipment and supplies
    • The amendment also creates a framework for the use of funds to support these animal-focused activities, recognizing the role of companion animals in disaster response and the needs of their owners.

  • Substantive change in funding rules:

    • The amendment alters the previously stated funding standard (striking “50 percent” and replacing with a two-part structure):
    • (1) 50 percent (existing baseline applicability)
    • (2) 90 percent for activities described in the new subsection (f) related to pet and animal preparedness
    • This indicates a higher cost-sharing threshold (up to 90%) for certain animal-focused preparedness activities, potentially increasing federal share for eligible programs.

Who Would Be Affected

  • States, local governments, and tribal governments that receive grants under the referenced sections of the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act.
  • Emergency management agencies and personnel responsible for disaster preparedness and response, particularly those coordinating animal welfare during disasters.
  • Animal welfare organizations and veterinary services involved in disaster planning and on-the-ground emergency response.

Procedural and Timeline Notes

  • The bill is focused on amendments to existing legislation, with an emphasis on clarifying and expanding eligible uses of grant funds.
  • Key procedural steps are standard for a bill: introduction, referral to committee, and potential subcommittee consideration. As of the latest action:
    • Introduced February 9, 2026
    • Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
    • Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management on February 10, 2026

Potential Impacts

  • Improved integration of companion animal needs into emergency planning and disaster response efforts.
  • Increased funding flexibility and higher federal cost-sharing for animal-related preparedness activities (up to 90% for eligible items and programs under new subsection (f)).
  • Enhanced capabilities for animal sheltering, veterinary support, field rescue, and rapid deployment tools during emergencies.
  • Potentially more comprehensive support for responsible pet ownership and compliance with animal welfare during evacuations and sheltering scenarios.

Summary

HR 7438, the PETSAFE Act of 2026, seeks to formalize and expand federal support for companion-animal preparedness within federal disaster programs. By authorizing a broader set of eligible uses for grant funds and increasing the potential federal cost-share for animal-focused activities, the bill aims to improve the inclusion of pets in emergency planning, sheltering, and response operations, benefiting both animal welfare and human disaster resilience.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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