Animals in disaster: The emergency planning process of Heartland Humane Society, Corvallis, Oregon

Abstract

Animals play a major role in people’s lives. Humans interact with animals in the food chain, train them for entertainment, and often accept them as integral members of their families. Recent disasters have shown the strength of the human-animal bond; for example, a number of people have refused to leave flooded homes without their pets.
Organizations that deal with animal control can play a vital role during disasters. This case study highlights the employment of emergency management principles at a community animal shelter. The study follows the project from initial assessments through the development of an initial emergency program. Key elements in this process include a realistic risk assessment, training, and available local support, as well as economic concerns. Although this does not display a finished product, it demonstrates the initial steps involved in creating an emergency management program for a small public service organization.