Oil Spill Disaster Response

The Marin Humane Society is regionally recognized as a first responder agency for disasters in the Bay Area. Our officers and staff have been working around the clock rescuing and transporting oiled birds since the spill disaster on November 7. We have been leading the animal rescue response teams in Marin County and coordinating our efforts with regional agencies. As of November 27, we have rescued and transported over 485 birds. The Marin Humane Society will always be quick to respond to this or any emergency animal incident. As would be expected, we will be taking a proactive role in disaster planning by seeking and training response volunteers for future emergencies.

We have used dozens of cardboard animal carriers, plastic tarps, towels, goggles and hazardous material safety equipment and supplies. We have incurred considerable costs in responding to this disaster, which could impact our readiness for future emergencies. The Marin Humane Society appreciates your support for all our efforts to save animals’ lives.

Our greatest need now is for financial contributions. To donate now, please click here to make an online contribution. Or, mail a check to the Marin Humane Society (171 Bel Marin Keys Blvd., Novato, CA 94949) or call (415) 506-6257.

In addition, we are seeking the following equipment and supplies:

Emergency Animal Responder Equipment

• Tyvec jumpsuits in various sizes in good or new condition
• Hardhats in good condition
• Eye goggles
• Chest waders
• Rain gear (coats and pants)
• Flat cardboard animal carriers

Animal Supplies

Miscellaneous Supplies

To report oiled wildlife
If you find an injured or dead bird, you may take them to one of the seven staging areas in Marin County, from which the Marin Humane Society officers will transport them to the Oiled Wildlife Care Network in Cordelia. Wildlife exposed to oil are considered hazardous, so please take appropriate precautions and be sure to wear gloves when handling these birds.

Sausalito Fire Department #1
333 Johnson Street, Sausalito
(415) 289-4155

Tiburon Fire Department
1679 Tiburon Blvd., Tiburon
(415) 435-7200

Bear Valley Ranger Station
1 Bear Valley Rd., Inverness
(415) 464-5170

Richardson Bay Audubon
376 Greenwood Beach Rd., Tiburon
(415) 388-2524

WildCare
76 Albert Park Lane, San Rafael
(415) 456-7283

Mill Valley Fire Department
15 Hamilton, Mill Valley
(415) 389-4130

Sea Drift Security
184 Calle Del Arroyo, Stinson Beach
(415) 497-2375

These staging areas are available during the day from 9am – 5:30pm. After hours, please call the Marin Humane Society at (415) 309-6339.

Alternatively, if you see a bird or other animal that has been affected by the spill, please call the Marin Humane Society at (415) 883-4621 during the day or (415) 309-6339 at night.


Protecting your pets
People and their pets are discouraged from visiting beaches, marshes, creeks and any other areas that wildlife frequent and that have been impacted by visible oil. If your pet gets small amounts of oil on them, remove with mineral oil or bathe in the usual manner. If your pet becomes drenched in oil, contact your veterinarian immediately.


Media inquiries
For media inquiries, please contact the MHS public relations director at (415) 506-6263.


Health precautions and health effects
The Marin County Environmental Health offices advises the following information for all persons at or near the affected areas: