Most do not permit pets, and people being evacuated often have no choice --  
so it is indeed important to at least have some designated shelters
available (and access to them) for people for pets.  There have been some
heart-wrenching stories from Hurricane Katrina where cats and dogs were
literally seized from people's arms as they boarded evacuation buses.  One
was a small boy who cried "Snowball, Snowball" as his small dog was taken
from him.  This is brutal.  People who evacuated ahead of the hurricane had
some options, but those who were left behind (some for lack of planning but
many because of lack of cars and other resources) have generally been given
no choice at all.

I do understand that security guards are concerned with people first, and I
do understand that some animals running loose in a crowded shelter could be
dangerous.  However, we should be able to provide some secure locations.  We
have a number of evacuees in our town right now.  They are not permitted to
have pets in the local relief centers, but arrangements have been made with
local veterinarians to care for a sizeable number of pets.  Some traveled
here specifically because the motels permitted pets, and all motel/hotel
rooms are now filled.  That's for those who were fortunate enough to bring
their pets with them.  This is a small town, and that type of limited
arrangement obviously would be inadequate in larger communities.

MaryL

My cats --
Duffy: http://tinyurl.com/cslwf
Holly: http://tinyurl.com/9t68o
Duffy and Holly together: http://tinyurl.com/8b47e