Disaster preparedness for pets: Lane County shelter gears up for fire season
Greenhill Humane Society has expanded its Disaster Response Program with the purchase of a truck and trailer that will be used to provide support for people with pets impacted by local wildfires and severe weather.
In addition to the new purchase, the shelter is now looking to raise funds to purchase supplies like heavy-duty collapsible crates, food and water dishes, and other equipment for the 2024 disaster response season.
"Lane County covers nearly 5,000 square miles. We needed a way to transport supplies for a remote shelter for people and pets evacuating from wildfires," said Cary Lieberman, executive director for Greenhill Humane Society. "The vehicles and trailer will also help us in the distribution of pet food and supplies during recovery efforts."
According to the shelter, Greenhill partners with local and state agencies to assist with disaster response coordination, animal care, sheltering, lost and found activities, and evacuation procedures.
In 2020, Greenhill aided in animal sheltering and animal search and rescue efforts during the Holiday Farm Fire. In 2021, the shelter also provided shelter for pets at the Lane County Fairgrounds cooling center. In 2022, they sheltered over 140 pets for people who evacuated the Cedar Creek Fire.
The shelter's biggest advice for pet owners preparing for a disaster event is to make a plan, build a kit, and stay informed through local and national emergency news outlets.
A pet "go kit" can include items such as food and water that should last three days, medications, vaccines and current medical records, carriers and crates, leashes and harnesses, comfort items such as a bed or favorite toy, and treats.
Donations can be made online at green-hill.org or by mailing a check to 88530 Green Hill Rd., Eugene, OR 97402. Donors should note “disaster response” in the memo.
This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Pet safety first: Greenhill's disaster response program preps for fire season
