Livestock sheltering available at Union County fairgrounds for evacuated animals

By Garrett Christensen on Thursday, August 6th, 2026 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News

UNION COUNTY – With wildfires continuing to rage across the entire state, it’s not just people and pets having to flee their homes, but livestock as well. For anyone in Union County in need of, or concerned about, emergency housing for their livestock due to an evacuation, options are available. Union County Emergency Services recently announced that the Union County Fairgrounds do have sheltering space available for evacuated livestock. Call 541-962-1600 or 541-962-1610 ahead of time to inquire. For more information, see the following details posted by Union County Emergency Services:

“if you need a safe location for your livestock and do not have an alternate location available, temporary shelter is available at the Union County Fairgrounds. Union County has established relationships with other local facilities in the event that alternate sites are needed.

To inquire about livestock sheltering at the Fairgrounds, please call 541-962-1600 or 541-962-1610. Please call before transporting animals so space can be coordinated, and appropriate accommodations can be arranged.

To help accommodate as many animals as possible, livestock owners should plan to bring their own feed, hay, water buckets or containers, halters, leads, and any other equipment needed to safely care for and handle their animals whenever possible.

Now is the time to prepare. Have trailers ready, ensure animals can be readily identified, and make an evacuation plan before an emergency occurs.

We sincerely appreciate the ongoing partnerships with the Union County Fairgrounds and other local facilities within Union County to support our agricultural community during emergencies.”

Aside from making use of the fairgrounds, Union County Commissioner Jake Seavert mentioned in a recent meeting that the Union County Cattlemen’s Association has created a list of volunteers that are both willing and have the equipment to assist with livestock evocations if necessary.

In addition to having evacuation options, Union County Emergency Services also recommend livestock owners develop an evacuation plan, including coordinating with family, friends, neighbors, and other resources. Owners should also identify alternative livestock housing locations in advance.

(A stock image was used for this article)