Oregon Humane Society

Technical Animal Rescue (OHSTAR)

 

If you see an animal in danger

 

OHSTAR responds to situations in the tri-county area when an animal becomes trapped and needs human help. Call OHSTAR at (503) 802-6707 to report an animal in need of assistance. In cases of emergency, please call you local police department.

 

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 itself 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. Members assist the humane investigators when requested, usually for cases involving large numbers of animals suffering from neglect or abuse.

 

What type of training do OHSTAR members have or receive?

 

OHSTAR members receive training directly related to the handling of animals in rescue situations. Members are also trained in the following areas: Rescue Fundamentals, Incident Command System, Compass & Navigation, Basic Vertical Rope Work, Basic Rock Climbing, Rigging, Water Rescue, Human and Animal First Aid & CPR, zoonotic diseases, 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 technical 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 when needed to fill vacancies, with preference given to OHS volunteers. 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. Members must also pass a personal background investigation.

 

Read about our latest rescue

 

OHSTAR members recently performed a 10-hour marathon rescue of an injured dog stranded in the Columbia Gorge.

 

Read the full story and watch the video.