CO HB1033

Emergency management plans amended or created on or after July 1, 2024, must address the needs of individuals with animals by January 1, 2025, when practicable, including provisions for evacuation, shelter, and transport.

Local governments must designate at least one emergency shelter to accommodate individuals with animals when practicable, considering shelter capacity, available staff and volunteers, and emergency transportation availability.

Shelter administrators may deny access to unsafe or unsanitary animals on an individual basis but cannot deny access based on breed, and protections for service animals under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act remain unchanged.

Cities, counties, and city and county governments are strongly encouraged to make public information available on animal emergency preparedness, including evacuation plans, local animal assistance organizations, and pet-friendly emergency shelters.

Local governments are encouraged to provide disability etiquette and service animal training to emergency response personnel, delivered by or with guidance from independent living centers or other training providers.