WHEREAS, from 2020-2024 Utah experienced 12 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Major Disaster Declarations and Fire Management Assistance Declarations, demonstrating the recurring nature of emergency events in the state;WHEREAS, Utah families may be required to evacuate their homes with household pets during disasters, and failure for local emergency plans that account for sheltering families and their household pets can hinder or delay safe evacuation;WHEREAS, a 2015 study on the challenges of managing animals in United States disasters reported that 20 to 30% of human evacuation failures are attributed to pet ownership;WHEREAS, approximately 58% of Utah households own a household pet and would likely need a safe location to bring themselves and their pets during a disaster;WHEREAS, local governments in Utah are responsible for emergency operations planning, including mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery efforts;WHEREAS, the safety and wellbeing of Utah residents can be enhanced by ensuring that emergency plans account for the sheltering, evacuation, and care of household pets;WHEREAS, the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act of 2006 encourages FEMA to create plans to "take into account the needs of individuals with pets and service animals before, during, and following a major disaster or emergency";WHEREAS, the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act of 2006 allows for the FEMA to provide funding to local authorities who provide shelters that accommodate people with pets and service animals;WHEREAS, coordinated planning among emergency management agencies, local health departments, animal shelters, veterinary providers, and nonprofit organizations improves community resilience in disasters; andWHEREAS, incorporating household pets into disaster planning can reduce public safety risks, prevent abandonment of animals, and streamline evacuation and sheltering operations:NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the state of Utah encourages all local governments in Utah to develop, update, or expand disaster emergency plans to include provisions addressing the needs of individuals with household pets, consistent with federal guidance.BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Senate of the state of Utah encourages local governments to coordinate with emergency management professionals, voluntary animal organizations, public health agencies, and community partners to ensure adequate sheltering and care standards for household pets during disasters.BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent to the Utah Division of Emergency Management, each county commission or council, each municipal government, and relevant local emergency planning committees.