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SACRAMENTO, CA — January 7, 2026 — On the anniversary of the devastating Los Angeles fires that exposed critical gaps in emergency animal rescue and reunification, Social Compassion in Legislation (SCIL) today announced the release of its comprehensive AB 478, FOUND Act Implementation Guide, created to help California cities and counties fulfill the requirements of the landmark law signed by Governor Gavin Newsom. The LA fires served as the impetus for AB 478, after countless families were separated from their animals and communities lacked planning and coordinated systems to rescue them during mandatory evacuations.
AB 478 requires local jurisdictions to update emergency plans to ensure residents can rescue animals during mandatory evacuations, establish a designated point of contact or hotline for animal rescue assistance, publicly post that information, and protect displaced animals with a mandatory 30-day holding period to allow families to reunite.
The SCIL implementation guide provides local governments with a clear, practical roadmap for compliance, including guidance on emergency planning updates, interagency coordination, animal rescue operations, sheltering and reunification protocols, volunteer integration, training standards, and public-facing communications.
“AB 478 recognizes what Californians already know: our animals are our family, and disaster planning must reflect that reality,” said Judie Mancuso, Founder, President, and CEO of Social Compassion in Legislation and sponsor of the law. “This implementation guide was created to help cities and counties move quickly and effectively, using proven models and best practices, so no family is ever forced to choose between safety and their beloved animals during an emergency.”
“When the fires hit and an evacuation order was issued, I was too far away to get back home to rescue my dogs, Teeka Teeka and Oreo, and the fear of not knowing if I’d ever see them again was unbearable,” said Casey Colvin. “Because of coordinated rescue efforts, my dogs were saved and we were reunited—but no family should have to rely on luck or improvisation. Implementing the requirements of the FOUND Act will ensure there is a real system in place so families and their animals aren’t left behind when disaster strikes.”
“I was actively rescuing animals during the fires, and many of us were ready and willing to do more—but the lack of leadership and coordination at the local level meant rescuers were held back,” said Aaron Christensen, founder, Animal Advocacy Network and Emergency Animal Rescue Services. “With clear plans, designated points of contact, and coordinated command—exactly what AB 478 requires—we could have saved even more animals. This implementation guide gives jurisdictions the structure they need so rescuers can act quickly and effectively when every minute counts.”
SCIL developed the guide in collaboration with experienced emergency responders, animal control professionals, and rescue leaders who have successfully implemented coordinated animal rescue systems during disasters, including Nevada County Sheriff’s Humane Emergency Animal Rescue Team (HEART) and Shelterly.
“Sheriff’s HEART shows what’s possible when communities and law enforcement work together to protect animals during emergencies,” said Stefanie Geckler, Animal Control Supervisor for the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office and founder of Sheriff’s HEART. “By integrating animal rescue efforts with law enforcement, training local volunteers, and working closely with the Sheriff’s Office, HEART provides a safe, organized way to rescue animals and reunite them with their families. My mission is to share the HEART model with any law enforcement agency that wants it, helping strengthen emergency response statewide and enabling California communities to care for both people and animals when disasters strike.”
“AB 478 is about turning good intentions into real-world capability,” said Trevor Skaggs, Founder and Executive Director of Shelterly. “Animal rescue during disasters fails when information is fragmented and coordination breaks down, leaving families uncertain about the safety of their pets. This implementation plan gives jurisdictions the structure, tools, and standards they need to act effectively, track animals accurately, and support reunification in ways that strengthen trust and support long-term community recovery.”
The AB 478 FOUND Act Implementation Guide is available to cities and counties statewide and can be accessed on SCIL’s website. SCIL and its partners stand ready to provide technical assistance, model language, and stakeholder support to help jurisdictions tailor and operationalize AB 478 ahead of the next disaster season.
“Passing the law was only the first step,” Mancuso added. “Implementation is where lives are saved, and SCIL is committed to working with every jurisdiction that wants to get this right.”
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