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Disaster Preparedness for Animal Owners

A disaster event could happen at any time, anywhere. Whether you have household pets, livestock, or both; planning ahead can make all the difference in your safety and theirs.

Oregon has several disaster risks not limited to but including earthquakes, wildfires, tsunamis, flooding, landslides, winter storms & ice events, volcanic activity, and drought. In the event of a major or minor disaster, it is important to remember to be prepared, stay safe, and act fast.

Create an Emergency Plan

Your animals are an important member of your family, so they need to be included in your family's emergency plan. If you have a plan in place for you and your pets, you will likely encounter less dificulty, stress and worry when you need to make a decision during an emergency. If local officials ask you to evacuate, that means your animals should evacuate too.

To find more information on including your pets and livestock in your family's emergency plan, view Disaster Planning for Animal Owners.

Build an Emergency Kit

Just as you do with your family’s emergency supply kit, think first about the basics for survival, such as food and water. Have two kits, one larger kit if you are sheltering in place and one lightweight version for if you need to evacuate. Review your kits regularly to ensure that their contents, especially foods and medicines, are fresh.

Learn more about what to include when building an evacuation kit for pets, building an evacuation kit for livestock, as well as preparing to shelter in place with animals.

Stay Informed

Be prepared and stay informed of current conditions in your area. Know what hazards are likely in your area, and specific actions to take to prepare for those hazards. 

Don't wait until it's too late! Taking action now can save lives. Make a plan, prepare your supplies, and ensure your animals are protected when disaster strikes.

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