A new state law aims to protect pets during emergencies by requiring local governments to outline animal rescue procedures for their communities and share resources online to help owners reunite with their pets.

The FOUND Act, which stands for Friends of Oreo Uniting During Disasters, was signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom last month. The bill that led to the law, AB 478 , was inspired by Oreo the Pomeranian, who reunited with its Pacific Palisades owner in an emotional, viral video during January’s fires .

The law will require cities and counties to include procedures for rescuing pets during mandatory evacuations in their next emergency plans. Those plans need to be updated every five years to qualify for FEMA assistance.

Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur, who represents San

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