Health & Well-Being

Disaster Preparedness

Planning now for disaster—earthquake, wildfire, tsunami, wind, snow, flood—will give you peace of mind and can make a crucial difference in your survival. With foresight and preparation, you can enhance the safety and well-being of your entire family, including your pets. These resources will help you get ready to care for your animals when disaster strikes:

Prepare Your Pets for Disaster – US Homeland Security
Disaster Preparedness – American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Pet Disaster Preparedness – American Red Cross
Pet Disaster Preparedness – Humane World for Animals

These links to downloadable information sheets will help you collect supplies to care for your dogs and cats in the event of a major disaster. Print them out, complete them, and keep them with your survival supplies.

Vaccinations

Ensuring your cats and dogs are up-to-date on their shots protects your pets, your family, and our community from preventable diseases. OCHS vaccinates pets prior to adoption, but they may not be in the shelter long enough to be fully protected, so you should follow up with your veterinarian soon after you bring your pet home. OCHS also schedules several low-cost vaccine and microchip clinics throughout the year. Here’s a list of suggested vaccines from the UC Davis Veterinary College.

 Spay & Neuter

Stopping pet overpopulation is at the core of the OCHS mission. Every animal adopted from OCHS is spayed or neutered prior to adoption, and we offer community low-cost spay and neuter clinics whenever possible. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, “Contrary to popular belief, there is no known benefit to delaying the spay procedure until a female dog or cat has gone through their first heat cycle.” For more information, see:

Why you should spay/neuter your pet. – Humane World for Animals
Spay/Neuter Your Pet – American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Spaying & Neutering – American Veterinary Medical Association

Alternatives to Declawing

Declawing is the surgical amputation of the last joints of a cat’s toes, similar to cutting a person’s finger off at the last knuckle, closest to the fingertip. OCHS, like many animal welfare organizations, opposes declawing of cats. OCHS is happy to suggest alternatives, and offers frequent affordable nail trimming services to assist you. Oregon law limits declawing, and it is completely outlawed in a growing number of jurisdictions nationwide. To learn more about alternatives, see:

Declawing Handout for Shelters – Little Big Cat
Position on Declawing Cats – American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Alternatives to Declawing – American Veterinary Medical Association

First Aid

In most cases, you will be the first responder if your pet needs immediate medical assistance. Especially in our rural area, your first aid knowledge, supplies, and preparation will be crucial. You can purchase a ready-made dog or cat first aid kit, or assemble your own, based on your pet’s specific needs.

How to Make a Pet First Aid Kit – American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
First Aid Kit for Pets – American Red Cross
First Aid Tips for Pet Owners – American Veterinary Medical Association
Pet First Aid app – The American Red Cross offers a free Pet First Aid app to help you when your pet needs you most. Download it by texting ‘GETPET’ to 90999, by going to redcross.org/apps, or by searching for ‘American Red Cross’ in app stores.

Poisoning

If you have any reason to suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. You may also get help from a poison control hotline by phone anytime day or night. Please be advised that a consultation fee will apply in most cases.

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435
Pet Poison Helpline® 24-hour animal poison control service at (855) 764-7661
How to Pet Proof Your Home and Yard
Common Poisons

All-Weather Safety

Just like us, pets can be harmed by exposure to hot and cold weather. To learn more about how to protect your pets from harm:

Cold Weather Safety – American Veterinary Medical Association
Warm Weather Safety – American Red Cross
Take care of pets during hot weather – KLCC

Oregon’s Good Samaritan Law – Learn when and how you can legally intervene if you see an unattended animal or child in a hot car.

Training & Behavior

Understanding, consistency, and positive reinforcement are keys to guiding your cat or dog to behaviors you prefer. OCHS opposes the use of aversive training techniques or devices such as prong or shock collars. Please contact the shelter if you have questions about your pet’s behavior; we are happy to assist in creating a lifelong happy home for both of you

DOGS

Dog Training Tips
Crating Guidelines and Tips
Canine Separation Anxiety
Help for Fearful Dogs (Help For You & Your Dog)
Ways to Keep Your Dog Safe

CATS

Cat Training Tips
Common Cat Behavior Issues

KIDS & PETS

Remember your first family pet? Parents can teach children responsibility, compassion, and kindness when the family provides proper care for a pet.

Guidelines for Kids and Pets
Pet Safety Rules for Kids and Pets
Dog Safety Guide For Parents
Teaching Kids Pet Safety Cues

SENIORS & PETS

OCHS believes animal companions can bring joy throughout our lives. Allow us to work with you to find a cat or dog suited to your life’s circumstances. For your peace of mind, OCHS even offers “A Plan For My Pets,” a way to ensure the continuing care of cats or dogs who may outlive you.

Older Adults and Pets – The pros and cons of senior life with pets.
Benefits of a Pet

Laws & Licenses

Dog Licensing

We do not issue dog licenses at OCHS.

Your licensing fees help support county animal welfare services and can be a lifesaving “ticket home” if your pet is lost. Licensing requirements vary depending on where in the OCHS service area you live, but in most cases, you will need to show proof of current rabies vaccination and spay or neuter (if applicable) to obtain a license for your dog. Cats are not required to be licensed in Lane County.

City of Florence – If you live within the city limits of Florence, you do not need to license your dog. The City Council voted to eliminate the City’s dog licensing program in 2016.

Unincorporated Lane County – If you live in Lane County outside the city limits of Florence or any incorporated city, you will need to obtain a dog license when your dog reaches six months of age or obtains their permanent canine teeth. Learn more and purchase your license online here.

Douglas County – Residents of Douglas County can find out how to license your dog here.

Animal Laws

Oregon consistently ranks among the top states in the country for the laws that protect our animals from abuse or neglect.

Oregon Animal Laws Summary – Michigan State University
U.S. Animal Protection Laws Rankings – Animal Legal Defense Fund
Oregon’s Good Samaritan Law – Learn when and how you can legally intervene if you see an unattended animal or child in a hot car.

Other Websites of Interest

Feline FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) FAQ’s
Can You Afford a Pet?
Travelling with Your Pet

Other Oregon Animal Shelters and Animal Welfare Websites