Multnomah County Animal Services is issuing an urgent plea to the community to adopt dogs as the Troutdale facility has exceeded its maximum kennel capacity.
The shelter is in a critical overcapacity situation due to an ongoing high intake rate that is outpacing adoptions and other outcomes. With a maximum capacity of 92 dog kennels, the facility is currently housing over 103 dogs on site.
Since Nov. 1 alone, the shelter has taken in 86 dogs and puppies, 60 of whom were strays. Animal Services is currently caring for 128 dogs and puppies total, with over 60 dogs and puppies immediately available for adoption at the shelter or in volunteer foster homes.
"We are at a critical point where our kennels are full of wonderful dogs who are ready for their forever families," said Erin Grahek, Director of Multnomah County Animal Services. "The single most helpful thing the community can do right now is open their homes to adoption, or spread the word to friends and family who are ready to adopt. Every adoption creates space for another dog in need.”
The shelter is also asking for those currently enrolled in the foster program to contact the shelter as soon as possible to temporarily take a dog into your home. Moving dogs from the shelter and into your foster homes is the fastest way to alleviate the capacity crisis and provide much-needed relief for the dogs as well as staff and volunteers.
Staff are on hand to assist potential adopters in finding the right match for their lifestyle. The shelter is open for adoptions this weekend (adoptions close at 3:30 p.m. to allow time for processing and counseling):
- Friday: 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
- Saturday: 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- Sunday: 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
The public is encouraged to visit multcopets.org to view the dogs available for adoption, along with detailed information about their breed, size, color, personality and an estimated adoption costs.
Owner surrenders temporarily paused (safety exceptions only)
Unless a pet poses a safety risk, Animal Services is unable to take owner-surrendered pets at this time. If you are in crisis and considering surrendering your dog, please call Animal Services first. Staff will work with you to provide resources and options to keep your pet with your family.
Found a stray pet?
Most found pets are very close to their home. Animal Services encourages you to help reunite pets with their owners by reporting them as found at multcopets.org, posting flyers, using social media (Nextdoor), and following found animal guides on the website.
Source: Multnomah County Animal Shelter