Just to add a question, but has anyone checked which, if any, of their local evacuation shelters will accept pets during an emergency? From anecdotal stories I have read about Katrina, many people did not evacuate when told to because they knew that pets were not welcome in shelters and were unwilling to leave them behind.

I read an article not long ago, about preparations for this year's hurricane season, where some jurisdictions have reconsidered their pet ban in light of Katrina, but it's not a simple change to make. Apparently any Red Cross-run shelters will not take pets as a matter of policy. And, I think by extension (but I don't know for sure), if people are already sheltering somewhere with pets, the Red Cross will not come in and set up relief operations there. Even with people from organizations like a local SPCA willing to host a separate pet shelter, many facillities, such as schools, will refuse to let them use their buildings. For example, due to concerns about pet dander in the ventilation system possibly causing health problems in sensitive children once school is back in session. It's a tricky change to make happen.