Inspired by the Story of Oreo, a Pomeranian Reunited With His Owner After Surviving for Five Days in the Debris of the Palisades Fire, the FOUND Act Not Only Protects Pets but Also Prevents Their Owners From Endangering Themselves by Attempting Unauthorized Rescues
SACRAMENTO, CA – Today, Democratic Caucus Chair and Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur (D-Hollywood) announced that AB 478, the FOUND Act—Friends of Oreo Uniting During Disasters—has been signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom. Sponsored by Social Compassion in Legislation, this bill will ensure that pets are accounted for during emergencies and that local governments have clear procedures in place, in advance, to support pet owners during evacuations. The bill was inspired by the heartwarming story of Oreo, as seen here on the Today Show, a Pomeranian who went missing during the Palisades Fire and survived for five days in the debris before being reunited with his owner.
"When disaster strikes, families are too often forced to make an impossible choice between their own safety and the safety of their pets," said Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur. "With the signing of the FOUND Act, California is saying clearly: no one should ever have to face that choice. This new law will give families peace of mind, protect the lives of countless animals, and disincentivize pet owners from putting themselves in harm's way to attempt dangerous rescues. I'm grateful to the advocates and first responders who inspired this law, and to the Governor for recognizing that in California, pets are family too."
Key Provisions of the FOUND Act
- Pet Rescue Procedures – Cities and counties must outline the procedures for rescuing pets during mandatory evacuations. Each jurisdiction has the flexibility to design a system that works best for its community, different types of emergencies, and various incident conditions.
- Authority of Emergency Officials – All rescue and reentry decisions remain under the authority of the lead responder, in coordination with emergency authorities, who determine what is safe based on incident conditions.
- Public Information – Local governments must provide accessible online information on pet evacuation, reunification resources, and lists of rescued animals.
- Extended Holding Periods – During declared state or federal emergencies, rescued pets must be held for a longer period before being adopted out, euthanized, or transferred out of the custody of the local animal control agency, giving owners more time to reclaim their animals.
"Time and again, we have seen animals left behind in disasters, and families devastated because they couldn't get help," said Judie Mancuso, founder of Social Compassion in Legislation, who brought forth the bill in response to the lack of authority and planning during the devastating wildfires at the beginning of the year. "AB 478 gives local jurisdictions and the office of emergency services a mandate to be ready when disaster strikes, so that animals are treated with the urgency and care they deserve. We are grateful to Governor Newsom for understanding the importance of this landmark bill in signing it into law, and to Assemblymember Zbur for carrying the bill and all of his hard work, and to the entire legislature which voted for it unanimously!"
The inspiration for the FOUND Act comes in part from the harrowing experience of Casey Colvin, a Pacific Palisades resident, who was not home when the Palisades Fire erupted and an evacuation order was issued. Determined to save his two dogs, Colvin attempted to return home, even renting a bike, but was stopped at a roadblock. CalFire Battalion Chief Brent Pasquat offered to go in his place and managed to rescue one of the dogs, but Oreo remained missing. That night, Colvin lost his home to the fire, but he never gave up hope of finding Oreo. Five days later, Colvin received a call—Oreo had been spotted on the remains of his property. Rushing back, he found his beloved pet waiting for him in the driveway.
"When the evacuation orders came down in the Palisades, I was away while my two beloved dogs were trapped at home. I was lucky enough to get the heroic assistance of Chief Brent Pascua to help me save my dogs, but so many were not as lucky as me," said Casey Colvin, dog father of Oreo and Teeka Teeka. "I hope that nobody ever has to go through a disaster like we did, but unfortunately we know they will, but with the passage of AB 478, cities and counties will be prepared to help those residents who need to rescue their pets - their family."
AB 478 takes effect January 1, 2026.
Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur serves as the Democratic Caucus Chair for the California State Assembly and represents the 51st Assembly District, which includes Universal City, Hollywood, Hancock Park, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Westwood, West Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and other portions of Los Angeles.
CONTACT: Vienna Montague, (916) 319-2051, Vienna.Montague@asm.ca.gov