By Lauren McSherry

A cow grazes at her home on Purissima Road last week. A group of Los Altos Hills residents recently developed a plan to provide emergency evacuation for the city’s approximately 200-300 llamas, cows and horses when a disaster occurs. photos by joe hu/town crier

The estimated 200 to 300 llamas, cows and horses living in Los Altos Hills don’t have to be left unsupervised during an emergency, thanks to an evacuation plan developed by the city and Friends of Westwind Barn. After several months of collaboration among city staff, Palo Alto Animal Services and residents, the plan was presented to the city council this month.

Public Safety Officer Steve Garcia, who headed the effort, encourages residents to start preparing. The plan presents guidelines for large and small pets.

Garcia said the plan was developed because in an emergency, the city and first responders, such as firemen and police officers, will not have the resources to handle pets and horses.

The plan identifies 10 possible locations for sheltering animals in the Hills and organizes residents who have experience transporting horses and other large animals to help with the evacuation.

A list of volunteers will be maintained in the emergency operations center and will not be given out to the public, Garcia said.

The plan’s top emergency shelter is Westwind Barn, which currently houses 50 horses, because the property can accommodate the greatest number of animals.

The remaining nine locations are on private properties where there are stables that can temporarily house animals, Garcia said.

In the event of a widespread disaster, Los Altos Hills volunteers can be sent to other areas in the county to evacuate animals.

“The volunteers don’t just want to help the people in Los Altos Hills who own horses, they want to help other horse owners as well,” Garcia said.

Residents will receive more emergency information in the next town newsletter.