Introduction
When a disaster strikes, first responders play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of both people and animals. Whether you're an emergency responder, veterinarian, or animal rescue worker, having a response plan for pets and livestock in disasters is essential. A disaster preparedness plan can include but are not limited to processes such as pet evacuation, coordinating livestock rescue efforts, identifying animal friendly shelters, coordinating with local resources, animal welfare and aid, animal identification, and reunification processes. Prepared responders save lives. Taking proactive steps ensures pets and livestock are protected when disaster strikes.
Oregon Veterinary Emergency Response Team (OVERT)
Veterinary professionals who are interested in learning more or joining the Oregon Veterinary Emergency Response Team can call the Animal Health Office at (503) 986-4680.
State of Oregon Resources
The Oregon Department of Agriculture can deploy animal disaster response resources upon request to Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM). To request resources in the event of a disaster, Oregon County Emergency Managers can utilize the Oregon Emergency Response System (OERS) through Oregon Department of Emergency Management. For more information on requesting state resources processes see Oregon Emergency Management (OEM) Requesting Resources.
The Oregon Department of Agriculture owns Animal Pallet Shelter Kits designed to help counties rapidly set up sheltering for companion animals and livestock during emergencies. Each Animal Pallet Shelter Kit set includes:
-
2 pallets of supplies for companion animal sheltering
-
1 pallet of supplies for livestock sheltering
Oregon counties that are interested in staging a kit set, or learning more about the requirements and process, can refer to the Animal Pallet Shelter Kit Flyer that outlines requirements, list of supplies, storage details, and contact information to express interest in obtaining a kit set.
Animal Response Resources and Training
FEMA Animal Disaster Response Training
ODA Resources
-
ODA - Animal Pallet Shelter Kit Flyer
Oregon Department of Agriculture's Animal Pallet Shelter Kit flyer for information about companion animal and livestock sheltering kit for Oregon counties interested in staging emergency animal sheltering supplies. -
ODA - Disaster Resources
Oregon Department of Agriculture Disaster Resources Page
Other Oregon State Agency Resources
Other Resources
-
AgriSafe Network
The AgriSafe Network, a non-profit organization, represents health professionals and educators who strive to reduce health disparities found among the agricultural community. We believe agricultural injuries, diseases, and fatalities can be prevented through the effective delivery of agricultural occupational health services. -
CDC - Crisis & Emergency Risk Communication (CERC)
CDC’s Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication (CERC) program provides trainings, tools, and resources to help health communicators, emergency responders, and leaders of organizations communicate effectively about risks during emergencies. CERC draws from lessons learned during past public health emergencies and research in the fields of public health, psychology, and emergency risk communication.
- Oregon Veterinary Emergency Response Team & Veterinary Disaster Response Team
The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) Animal Health Program has recruited veterinarians and animal health technicians who are willing to undergo training in animal health emergency management and serve as members of the Oregon Veterinary Emergency Response Team (OVERT).