Emergency Animal Rescue: Oregon HumaneTAR
The Oregon HumaneTAR team is a skilled volunteer group that responds when animals are trapped, stranded, or otherwise in danger. From cats high in trees to dogs stuck on cliffs, we use technical rescue techniques—like rope systems, tree climbing, and high-angle extrications—to bring them to safety. We also provide expert support to partner agencies and connect the public to vital animal resources.
Trained volunteers perform these types of rescues:
- Safely bringing down a cat stuck in a tall tree
- Rescuing a dog stranded on a cliff or trapped down an embankment
- Freeing ducklings from a storm drain
- Locating and freeing a cat from a crawl space, vent, ceiling, or other tight spots
- Retrieving pets from areas and structures that can only be accessed safely using ropes, climbing equipment, and other technical rescue equipment
Is your cat up a tree?
If you see a cat that seems to be stranded in a tree, please follow the steps in our Cat In Tree Information Sheet (PDF) before calling for assistance.
Call Oregon HumaneTAR
(503) 849-5655 Daily (7 days/week between around 7am to 10pm) OR (503) 802-6724 (voicemail only). Please leave a voicemail, phone lines are monitored and all messages will be returned. In cases of emergency, please call your local police department.
Oregon HumaneTAR members with animal first-aid and rescue training are available to respond to animal rescue situations that require technical skills in the Portland metropolitan area and adjoining counties. For animal emergencies needing cliff rescue and other urgent situations, Oregon HumaneTAR responds directly to the incident site.
Oregon HumaneTAR members may also assist law enforcement agencies with the safe capture, containment, and transport of distressed animals. Oregon HumaneTAR volunteers are trained to assist during natural and man-made disasters, and have been called upon to assist in large-scale national emergency operations such as Hurricane Katrina and the tornado tragedy in Joplin, Mo.
Read more about what Oregon HumaneTAR does in this article on Dogster »
Emergency and Disaster Preparedness
Be prepared for emergency situations and remember your pets’ safety. Oregon Humane offers resources to help you plan for your pets in the event of a disaster or other emergency:
Oregon Humane Disaster Preparedness Tips »
Many of Oregon HumaneTAR’s rescues occur when a dog has fallen during a hike with his or her people. Keep your dog safe while hiking by keeping him on a sturdy leash. Even the best-behaved dogs can become distracted and bolt when they spot a squirrel or are startled by unexpected happenings on the trail. Below are some links and resources for safe hiking with dogs.
Oregon HumaneTAR recommends the book Best Hikes with Dogs in Oregon (and same title for Washington) »
Oregon HumaneTAR is comprised entirely of volunteers, and relies entirely on donations to fund all their rescue activities. Your online donation to Oregon Humane or donation through our Oregon HumaneTAR Wish List will help Oregon HumaneTAR and the many other rescue activities supported by Oregon Humane.
All members serve on a voluntary basis and are volunteers with the Oregon Humane. Although it is highly desirable that members have technical rescue training prior to joining Oregon HumaneTAR, this is not required: Oregon HumaneTAR will provide training as needed. If you are currently an Oregon Humane Volunteer, learn more about being on the team and apply here.
If you have any questions about becoming an Oregon HumaneTAR volunteer, please contact us.
