Multnomah County Animal Services is the county’s only public animal shelter and control agency. Our mission is to protect the health, safety and welfare of people and pets throughout the county. We care for the community’s lost, homeless, stray, injured, sick, neglected and abandoned animals.
The shelter is publicly funded, and operated by the county government. Unlike private non-profit shelters, we are an open-intake facility. We are required to take in animals regardless of health status, behavior, or capacity. We must respond to public safety and animal welfare concerns.
We provide public services in six program areas:
Field Services
Animal control officers respond to 7,783 calls per year. These include calls for:
- dangerous dogs
- animal abuse or neglect
- bite investigations
- licensing enforcement
- nuisance complaints
Animal Intake and Housing
Staff receive, care for, and house animals delivered into custody. These may be surrendered by owners, brought in by field officers, or found as strays.
Animal Health
A veterinary team cares for all animals in the shelter’s care. This includes:
- health exams
- vaccinations
- spaying and neutering
- diagnostic services
- surgeries
Client Services
Our front desk staff manage admissions, lost and found, pet licensing and owner reunification. They support people through difficult decisions about their animals.
Adoptions and Foster
We manage pet adoptions, counseling services and foster placements. When our limited space is full, we work with partner organizations and re-locate animals through our transfer program.
Enrichment and Pathways
Every day, animals receive structured enrichment. This may include:
- daily dog walks and play groups
- Kongs filled with rotating recipes
- scent enrichment
- colony rooms for cats
We track each animal’s pathway toward a healthy outcome.