Washington state has taken a definitive step toward the welfare of animals and the safety of their human companions with the recent legislation advanced by Representative Mari Leavitt. After Governor Bob Ferguson put his signature on Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1201, effective plans for emergency shelters to accommodate pets during crises are now ensured by law, recognizing the deep bonds between pets and their owners. "Pets are family—and no one should have to leave theirs behind in a crisis," Rep. Leavitt said in a statement released by the House Democrats Washington.
The new law mandates that local emergency management plans must identify shelters allowing families to stay intact with their pets, include these plans in official preparedness documents, and publish the information online to help residents prepare in advance. While aligning with the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards (PETS) Act, this law helps elevate the importance of pet safety in statewide disaster planning, which was signed yesterday by Governor Ferguson and has been welcomed by animal lovers and advocates..
Leavitt's commitment to animal welfare and public safety spans several legislative efforts. In 2023, she introduced HB 1157, which banned the use of wild and exotic animals in traveling shows and circuses, a move that has contributed to broader public awareness about the ethical treatment of animals used for entertainment. Additionally, Leavitt has been the driving force behind HB 1046, legislation that protects Good Samaritans acting in good faith to save a child, vulnerable adult, or pet from immediate danger in a vehicle by providing them with civil immunity.
These legislative victories represent a broader dedication to compassion and common sense in the state's laws. "I’ve fought to make sure our laws reflect compassion and common sense—because protecting animals also means protecting the people who love them," Leavitt told House Democrats Washington. Her work echoes the sentiment that animal welfare legislation is as much about the human heart as it is about the animals themselves, relating to the many faces of resilience and humanity in Washington. With HB 1201 taking effect 90 days after the 2025 legislative session ends, local emergency management agencies are getting ready to meet the new rules.
