Multnomah County is seeking input from community members as it designs its proposed new animal shelter and service center.
The County has launched an online “open house” where community members can share feedback that can help shape the future facility while they also learn more about Multnomah County Animal Services and understand why a new building is needed.
- Watch this video to learn more!
- Take our survey now through Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026.
Multnomah County Animal Services is Multnomah County’s animal control agency, and its facility in Troutdale operates the County’s only public animal shelter. The shelter offers many services unavailable at private and nonprofit shelters, including taking in lost, abandoned, sick, stray and neglected animals, and responding to public safety and animal welfare concerns.
The current Animal Services building, in use since 1968, was built to serve as a Sheriff’s station rather than an animal shelter. And it has operated for decades without major updates.
Meanwhile, animal sheltering has changed dramatically in that time. Standards of care and best practices have improved significantly since the 1960s, making the current building obsolete. The County is also experiencing growing demand for animal services, putting additional pressure on a building that was not designed for today’s needs. That’s why the County is exploring plans to build a new, modern and humane home for the lost, sick and injured pets of Multnomah County.
Animal Services, which serves all of Multnomah County, cared for 7,163 domestic animals and responded to 7,783 field service calls in 2025. The agency's work includes animal intake and housing, veterinary care, adoptions, animal transfer and foster placement, field services, and in-shelter enrichment programs.
The County is now envisioning how a new animal services center would look, feel, and be accessed by the public, volunteers, and staff.
We need your input and support! Learn about the project and provide feedback at [https://form.jotform.com/261396614116154] through Thursday, Oct. 1. On this page, community members can:
- Learn about the County’s animal services programs
- Understand the challenges of the current facility
- Share what would make the future building more welcoming, easier to navigate and more functional
- Sign up for project updates
The County will complete a concept design for the new facility this fall, and will offer opportunities for the public to review and provide input on ways to make the facility welcoming to both the animals and people it serves.
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