The Intent
HELP (Help Equines, Livestock & Pets) is a volunteer network dedicated to supporting Jefferson County’s small and large animal owners before, during, and after a state of emergency with information about evacuation, shelter, & reunification. HELP works under the discretion, and in coordination with Jefferson County DEM and the EOC when disasters strike. Our team’s focus is animal-specific disaster preparedness.
While we may be able to provide some coordination, communication and support during a crisis, preparation starts with you. Just as you plan for yourself, you need a strategy for your animals too. Use our quick reference guides and resources to build a disaster plan and to prepare Equine and Pet-Go Kits for your animals so you’re ready to move at a moment’s notice.
In the event of an Emergency, your animal’s survival is ultimately your responsibility.
What we do
- Preparation, Response & Recovery (after an event): Creating and / or providing reference guidelines for livestock, pets and equine owners.
- Coordination: Connecting with large and small animal subject matter experts for consultations, and potential help when needed and or available with handling or transportation needs
- Communication: Establishing social media and web channels for reunions and public info about animal-disaster specific preparedness.
- Education Preparedness: Lectures, potential site visits, one-on-one consultations
10 things you can do NOW to prepare your Equines, Livestock & Pets for an emergency event (Text adapted from AnimalCare/LACounty.gov) Large Animals Guides Download PDF Guidelines to your phone, have them with you! AAEP – Disaster Planning Checklist.pdf AVMA Small Farm Preparedness – Disaster preparedness for owners of farm…
Read more
KNOWLEDGE IS KEY FOR ANIMAL SPECIFIC PREPAREDNESS. When disaster hits, everything does not always go as planned and, sadly, casualties happen. With this in mind, it is important to be prepared and ensure your horse, livestock, farm and or business has an emergency preparedness plan. Individuals are strongly advised to…
Read more
Tips on what to do before an event (Text adapted from: FEMA and HSUS) Stay Informed: Watch for Jefferson County safety alerts on NIXLE and local radio KPTZ 91.9 and KROH 91.1, broadcasting directives and updates. Action: Always follow police/fire instructions. Prep: Prepare a 7-10 days of food, IDs, and…
Read more
What’s coming up
JUNE 27 – ALL COUNTY PREPAREDNESS DAY
This year’s All County Preparedness Day will be held at Finnriver Farm and Cidery located at 124 Center Road in Chimacum on Saturday, June 27 from 10AM to 4PM.
This is a free community event. The primary focus will be – PREPARATION IS THE FOUNDATION FOR RESILIENCE
Various agencies and organizations including the Department of Emergency Management, East Jefferson Fire and Rescue, Neighborhood Preparedness (NPREP) groups, Jefferson Transit, Jefferson County Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), OlyCap, Local 20/20, Help Animals volunteer group and many others will be available to answer questions and provide information to attendees.
To learn more and get involved: visit: theproductionalliance.org/preparednessday
- Jefferson County Fair – August 14-16th, 2026, come visit us at BCHW booth!
- Jefferson County Preparedness Library Series – Nov. 3, 2026
Contact
HELPanimals@L2020.org
Content for HELP is assembled courtesy of many sources including local experienced horsemen, Animal Rescue groups, LA County Animal Care and Control, County sites who have experienced disasters first hand, top veterinary universities, government agencies, and our local Back Country Horsemen of Washington (BCHW), specifically our local Buckhorn Range and Peninsula Chapters.
Suggestions to improve this web page
We’d like to read any suggestions you have to improve this web page. Click here to view a copy of the contents of this web page in a Google Doc where you can target your suggestions to specific text. Thank you.
Last updated:Wednesday, June 10, 2026