The "Pets Evacuation and Transport Standards Act of 2006" or PETS Act of 2006 requires "plans that take into account the needs of individuals with pets and service animals prior to, during and following a major disaster or emergency".

This is another example of the increasing awareness of "special needs" and a migration towards an "all populuations" hazard. "Special Needs" has been renamed "Universal Access" in Connecticut because of this. Note that "Special Needs" includes:

Quote:
The term disability does not apply just to people whose disabilities are noticeable, such as wheelchair users and people who are blind or deaf. The term also applies to people with heart disease, emotional or psychiatric conditions, arthritis, significant allergies, asthma, multiple chemical sensitivities, respiratory conditions, and some visual, hearing, and cognitive disabilities.


http://www.ncd.gov/newsroom/publications/2005/saving_lives.htm