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Emergency and Disaster Preparedness

How to prepare your animals for evacuations and other emergencies. 

Be prepared before disaster strikes

The best way to keep your pets and livestock safe is to prepare for possible emergencies like wildfires, earthquakes and extreme weather ahead of time. Emergencies are stressful, but planning for your pets and livestock will help reduce that stress. Start preparing now!

Animals need identification

  • Check that your dog or cat is wearing a collar that fits well. Make sure their ID tag is easy to read and that any contact information is correct. You can also have your phone number embroidered onto your pet’s collar in case the ID tag falls off.
  • Dogs should be licensed.
  • If your pet is not already microchipped, talk with your veterinarian about this permanent form of identification. If your pet is microchipped, double check that your pet’s chip is registered and contact information associated with it is correct. Many people assume their pet’s microchip was registered by their veterinarian, the organization they adopted from, or their breeder. This isn’t always the case. You might have to register the microchip yourself. Find instructions on how to register a chip or update the information connected to it on this page.
  • If you have pets other than dog and cats, or care for livestock, consult with your veterinarian about the best method(s) of identification for your animals and situation.

Prepare now for an evacuation

If you ever need to evacuate your home, take your animals with you. There is no way to know when you will be able to return safely. Don’t rely on emergency personnel to provide care for your animals.

Do these things now:

  • Make a list of places you and your animals can stay together if you evacuate. Many emergency shelters do not accept pets. If you must separate from them, do you have friends or family who could care for your animals temporarily?
  • Make a plan for your animals if you are not home or are unable to get home during an emergency. Do you have a neighbor who can care for or evacuate your pets if you aren’t able to get to them?
  • Practice getting ready to go! Running evacuation drills now will help ensure success in the event of a disaster. Teach pets to come when called, practice having them get into (and spend time in) their carriers, and practice loading your vehicle or livestock trailer. Use lots of yummy treats and positive reinforcement to make it fun for your pet!

Gather emergency supplies now

In addition to creating and maintaining emergency supply kits for the humans in your household, you should also have emergency supplies on hand for your pet. The items you gather will depend on your animal’s individual needs, but here are some things to consider:

  • Food and water: Have a three-day supply for each pet ready to go in case of evacuation. Keep at least a 10-day supply at home. Don’t forget bowls and a manual can opener, if needed.
  • Leashes, crates, carriers and other types of confinement: Consider keeping leashes at each exit so you can grab one quickly in an emergency. Your pet may need to be confined longer than usual in an emergency, so make sure crates or carriers are comfortable and big enough for your animal. Your pet should have enough room to stand up, turn around and lie down.
  • Sanitation needs: You’ll want litter supplies for cats or other small animals, waste pickup bags for dogs, and basic cleanup supplies for all pets. Include trash bags and disposable gloves as well.
  • Photos: Include any unique markings your pet has in your photos of them. If you become separated from your pet during an emergency, a picture of you and your pet together will help you document ownership.
  • Medical records and other paperwork: In addition to medical and vaccine records, write down care instructions and information about any behavior issues in case you must hand off care of your pet to another person.
  • Medications and other medical supplies: Ask your veterinarian how much of your pet’s regular medication to keep on hand in case of an emergency. You can also include a pet first aid kit with your supplies.
  • Comfort items: Include treats, bedding, toys and grooming items to reduce stress.

Check your emergency supplies regularly. Rotate the supplies and update information as necessary.

Other emergency planning resources for pet owners

Our local response to disasters

If disaster strikes, Washington County Animal Services is ready to respond. We have a trailer equipped with disaster response supplies, well-trained staff, and an emergency response manual that outlines procedures and lists community resources like where we can temporarily shelter stray small animals and livestock in a large-scale disaster.

Animal Services is included in all stages of Washington County’s emergency planning, response and recovery.

We are also a founding member of the Portland area Animal Multi-Agency Coordination Group (Animal MAC-G). This coalition of local animal services agencies and humane organizations meet quarterly to plan trainings, share emergency response information, and maintain communication and resource availability. We have mutual aid agreements in place that will facilitate interagency assistance and cooperation in the event of a disaster.