An estimated 250,000 pets were left behind and drowned or faced starvation, forced to fend for themselves in an abandoned city after Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans on August 29, 2005.   The people would not leave their homes without their pets and suffered the consequences of that choice.  It was such a terrible disaster that on August 4, 2006, just weeks before the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, the U.S. Senate passed the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards (PETS) Act, which requires local and state disaster plans to include provisions for household pets and service animals in the event of a major disaster or emergency.  The President signed the bill (H.R. 3858) into law on October 6, 2006. (see Public Law 109-308). 

The American Pet Cross was formed specifically to act in the event of a natural disaster or emergency in the United States to rescue, medically treat and kennel or foster the companion animals of people living in the affected area.

Working in conjunction with trained animal rescue personnel, veterinarians and others experienced in and compassionate about the care of animals, and in accordance with the PETS Standards Act, the funds raised by the American Pet Cross will provide for the fast, safe rescue of companion animals during natural disasters to insure the horrific consequences of Hurricane Katrina on animals and their people averted in the future.