S. 4205 would require the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to establish an advisory working group to address the needs of household pets, service animals, and captive animals during emergency and disaster situations. Within one year, the working group would evaluate whether current federal guidance is meeting the needs of animals during those situations. If they find that the current guidance is insufficient, FEMA, in conjunction with the working group, would need to update and publish the revised guidance within three years. The working group would sunset after four years and members would serve without pay.
Based on the costs of similar working groups, CBO estimates that implementing S. 4205 would cost less than $500,000 over the 2022-2027 period; any spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds.
