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Greenhill Humane Society and Lane County Animal Services Share Best Practices around Pet Rescue after Disaster

Eugene, OR – (September 17, 2020) – The best way to help pets after a disaster is to ensure that they receive the proper care they need and are provided the best chance at being reunited with their family.

Only trained professionals should remove animals from the evacuation zones. Only injured animals or animals reported by their owners to Lane County Animal Services (LCAS) as needing rescue should be removed from their properties. Cats should not be trapped unless they are injured or a known owner has been contacted.

As counterintuitive as it may seem, not all animals should be removed from the evacuation site. This includes barn cats and feral cats. Feral and free-roaming cats should remain on their territory with regular check-ins to ensure they have fresh food, water and a safe shelter. If a safe shelter cannot be identified, one should be created onsite.

The best chance for pets to be reunited with their family is to follow these steps:

• Report all lost and found pets to Greenhill Humane Society by calling 541-689-1503 or emailing lostandfound@green-hill.org.
• If your animal(s) are still in the evacuation zone, request feeding and rescuing to Lane County Animal Services (LCAS) by calling 541-285-8227.  This phone line is currently answered 24/7.  As a secondary method of contact, email LCAS@lanecountyor.gov.

Dogs, cats and other small animals removed from the evacuation zone should be taken to the Greenhill Humane Society/Lane County Animals in Disaster (LCAID) Veterinary Triage Center at VCA McKenzie Animal Hospital located at 5303 Main St, Springfield. Veterinarians there will determine if the pet needs further care or if they can be transferred to Greenhill for shelter.

Large animals/livestock can be taken to the Lane County Fair Grounds for care and sheltering. To contact LCAS for large animals/livestock, please call 541-285-8227.

For more information on reporting a lost and found animal or other animal resources, visit https://www.green-hill.org/emergency-updates/.

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About Greenhill Humane Society

Greenhill Humane Society has been caring for animals in Lane County since 1944.  It is a private, non-profit organization that relies on charitable donations. Greenhill is located at 88530 Green Hill Road in Eugene. We envision a community in which all animals are treated with compassion and respect. To learn more visit www.green-hill.org.

More information about Lane County Animal Services can be found at the website: www.lanecounty.org.