investigations
Oregon Humane Society Technical Animal Rescue
What is OHSTAR?
OHSTAR is a volunteer based group of animal rescuers trained in a variety of rescue disciplines. Members are able to respond to individual animals in danger as well as provide disaster relief and emergency animal sheltering in large scale incidents. OHSTAR members may also be called on to respond to national disasters to assist with locating, rescuing, and containing displaced animals, reuniting pets with owners, and providing relief and comfort to pet owners. OHS is a member of the Humane Society of the United States National Disaster Animal Rescue Team.
What does OHSTAR do?
OHSTAR is designed to respond to situations anywhere anytime in the tri-county area when an animal becomes trapped and is unable to extricate themselves and needs human intervention. OHSTAR will assist in the evacuation of large and small animals during natural disasters. OHSTAR also provides education in disaster preparedness related to the care of animals.
What type of training do OHSTAR members have or receive?
OHSTAR members receive training directly related to the handling of animals in rescue situations, and zoonotic diseases. Members are also trained in the following areas: Search & Rescue Fundamentals, Incident Command System, Compass & Navigation, Basic Vertical Rope Work, Basic Rock Climbing, Rigging, Water/Swiftwater Rescue, Animal First Aid & CPR, and Animal Disaster Preparedness and Response.
How can you become involved?
All members serve on a voluntary basis and are required to complete the Oregon Humane Society's Volunteer Training and Orientation. Although it is highly desirable that members have search and rescue training prior to joining OHSTAR it is not required. We will provide you with the training you need. Watch our website for postings of open application times. OHSTAR recruits new members once a year in February. Members that wish to have an active role as a rescuer need to be in good physical condition and may be required to complete a physical fitness test for some portions of training.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I report animal neglect or cruelty?
- What written resources can I get about animal cruelty?
- How can I help prevent animal cruelty?
- Help! I've lost my pet. What do I do?
- How can I become an animal cruelty investigator?
- I want to volunteer to be an animal rescuer.
- Animal Hoarding Fact Sheet
- Dog Fighting Fact Sheet
- FAQs about OHS's cruelty investigators
- Bonsai Kitty web site is a hoax.
