MCAS Volunteers

09/01/2025

Animal Services is closed today in observance of Labor Day.

Please help spread the word about career opportunities at our shelter!

MCAS will be closed on Monday, September 1, 2025, in observance of Labor Day.

08/31/2025

Round of Apaws: Home Depot Protects Our Pooches' Paws

Thank you to Home Depot in Troutdale for donating a BIG roll of carpet to help protect sensitive paw pads and toe beans on the way from the kennels through the parking lot, to the walking path, and back. It's been a big help to keep that walking route open and support enrichment activities for our dogs this summer. Our volunteer dog walkers and staff are grateful.

08/30/2025

There's still time to register for the Catio Tour- an inspiring, practical and at times whimsical exploration of the many ways to create a catio to offer protection and enrichment to your feline companions outside AND protect your neighborhood birds and other wildlife. The event is hosted by Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon and Bird Alliance of Oregon , founding organizations of Cats Safe at Home . Spread the word and sign up today! Tickets are $15, and a child 12 and under may attend for free with each adult ticket.

Tour unique catios that are DIY to designer in Lake Oswego + SE Portland/ Milwaukie. This year’s Catio Tour is sure to bring some catio inspiration! You’ll see a variety of outdoor cat enclosure designs from simple to stunning, with different construction materials, access points, and some fanta...

08/27/2025

Multnomah County Animal Services is seeking applicants for two Program Supervisor career opportunities at our shelter.

Pay range: $85,774.23 - $131,454.21 Annual. Apply through September 16, 2025.

In this role, you'll oversee daily shelter operations, lead a team of animal care professionals, and ensure the highest standards of care for the animals in our shelter.

Learn more or apply: https://multco.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/Multco_Jobs/job/Program-Supervisor--Animal-Care-_R-18228

08/26/2025

Join us in celebrating the Grand Reopening of the Multnomah County CROPS Farm this Wednesday, August 27th, at 10 a.m. We've had a front-row seat watching this innovative and beautiful farm blossom right next to our shelter, and we couldn't be more thrilled for them!

This incredible partnership between Multnomah County, Oregon , Multnomah County Office of Sustainability , the Feed'em Freedom Foundation , and Mudbone Grown LLC. is creating economic opportunities for Black, African Immigrant, and other marginalized farmers, all while using climate-resilient farming techniques.

Register for the event to come see the future of community agriculture and help us welcome the new operation to the neighborhood!

🎉Register to Attend the Grand Reopening of the County CROPS Farm: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/crops-farm-grand-opening-tickets-1520569035919
🗓️ Wednesday, August 27, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
📍 1980 W Historic Columbia River Parkway, Troutdale, OR (Right next door to Multnomah County Animal Services)

Learn more about the event: https://multco.us/news/news-releasemultnomah-county-celebrate-grand-reopening-county-crops-farm-aug-27

08/16/2025

We're sending a huge "Round of Apaws" and a heartfelt thank you to Dawb, the owner of RubADubDog.SelfDogWash in Gresham, for her incredible generosity and kindness to give Coco a much needed bath!

Adopt Coco - https://www.multcopets.org/adoptable/358684

Recently, one of our wonderful volunteers, Arlene, had the pleasure of taking the sweet, lovable Coco for a much-needed spa day. This was all thanks to Dawb, who graciously donated her time, products, and expertise to give Coco a complete makeover.

Arlene was so moved by the experience that she had to share. "Dawb wants to help our dogs get adopted and knows that dogs like our Coco – larger and older – already have two strikes against them," Arlene said. "And God knows dogs have a better chance of getting adopted if they’re clean and groomed."

Dawb's kindness wasn't for show. As Arlene put it, "I know Daub keeps an eye on [multcopets.org] for dogs she can help. And she does so silently. And with the truest heart. Dawb did not do this for praise... she did this for FREE. She donated her time (and products) to us. She has a real desire to help MCAS. Especially our dogs who might [need some extra help]!"

For over two hours, Dawb dedicated herself to making Coco feel and look his best
"It was a pretty magical time," Arlene shared. "I watched the whole process - from hesitant Coco staring at that bath tub with an 'oh no you don't!' look, to Coco blissfully nodding off while Dawb massaged his fur and ran the blow dryer over him. I don't know where Daub got the stamina. She spent over two hours bathing, combing, detangling, and conditioning [Coco]. She cooed and soothed him, sang songs, and brushed him. And Coco left Rub-a-Dub looking like a superstar!"

It's community members like Dawb and volunteers like Arlene who make all the difference in the lives of our shelter animals.

Thank you, Daub, for helping Coco look like the superstar we know he is! Your support gives Coco a better chance at finding a new, loving, adoptive home.

08/14/2025

Oregon Health Authority has issued a recreational use health advisory for algal blooms in the Willamette River. The affected area now runs from the Ross Island Bridge all the way downriver to the Wapato Bridge and Kelley Point Park. Also remember to be vigilant around all areas- If you find thick, brightly colored foam or scum at a lake, pond or river, don’t let your pet drink or swim in the water.

The advisory is especially serious for children and pets, who are more likely to be exposed to cyanotoxins in the water because of their size and how they play. Dogs can get extremely sick or even die within minutes to hours if they come into contact with these toxins. This can happen if they drink the water, lick their wet fur, or eat the slimy algae mats that float in the water or dry up on the shore. The symptoms of algae poisoning, water intoxication, and heat stroke can all look very similar. If your dog shows symptoms such as drooling, weakness, vomiting, staggering and convulsions after being in water with potential algal blooms, seek immediate veterinary care!

Learn more, and see advisory info - https://www.multcopets.org/news/toxic-algae-alert-willamette-river-locations

07/30/2025

Nothing brings our animals closer to fine than the support of foster volunteers, adopters, and our community of supporters spreading the word.

A big thank you to Melissa Etheridge ; Amy Ray and Emily Saliers of The Indigo Girls ; and Monqui Presents for inviting us over to visit before their performance at McMenamin’s Edgefield Concerts on the Lawn . Amy also graciously promoted adoption inbetween songs during the performance, and on social media.

"We had a visit from the Multnomah County Animal Services," said Amy during the performance. "They're just... like... right over there! We got to meet five wonderful Mastiff puppies. They were left in a crate then someone found them. They need homes. There's a lot of dogs over there, and kitty cats. And they're having a special- $25 for an adoption. And my job will be done if someone adopts a puppy tonight!"

A monumental thank you to our foster volunteer, Roxy, for bringing her giant and adorable foster puppies in for some green room snuggle time, to volunteer Denise for her helpful support, to Foster Coordinator Tina for arranging candidates for the visit, and to County Photographer Motoya for capturing the moment.

We’d love your help to foster animals like these, and to adopt them when they’re ready to go home!

Learn more - https://www.multcopets.org/news/indigo-girls-and-melissa-etheridge-promote-adoption-their-edgefield-performance

07/20/2025

We're thrilled to announce that MCAS is sporting some fantastic newly wrapped transport vans, thanks to the incredible generosity of Friends of Multnomah County Shelter Animals , and our community! Funds for the vans were raised from a 2021 online auction. After a wait for available county fleet inventory, we're so happy to show you our new vehicles that will promote essential services for pets as they safely transport animals to regional shelters and rescues for adoption! Many thanks to Friends, OnPoint Community Credit Union , Oregon Design Co , and to all who donated to make these new vans and graphic wraps possible.

Learn more about the project - https://www.multcopets.org/news/new-wheels-new-look-thank-you-making-our-transport-vans-shine

07/15/2025

🐾 Keep Your Furry Friends Safe in the Heat! ☀️ When temperatures rise, our beloved pets are at risk of heatstroke, which can be life-threatening. Here are crucial tips to keep them cool and safe:

🚗 NEVER Leave Pets in Cars: Even with windows cracked, temperatures inside a car can skyrocket in minutes, leading to fatal heatstroke. If you see a pet in distress in a hot car, call 911 immediately! (Remember ORS 30.813 if you believe the animal's life is in imminent danger.)

💧 Hydration is Key: Always provide ample fresh, cool water. Add ice cubes to their bowl for an extra chill!

🏖️ Seek Shade & AC: Limit outdoor time during the hottest parts of the day. Provide plenty of shade, and bring pets indoors to air conditioning whenever possible. Fans don't cool pets effectively, as they primarily pant and cool through their paw pads.

🐾 Protect Paws: Hot pavement can burn paw pads! Test the surface with your hand for 10 seconds – if it's too hot for you, it's too hot for them. Opt for walks on grass or dirt, especially when it's 80°F or higher, and avoid excessive exercise in the heat.

🚨 Recognize Heatstroke Symptoms:
🐕 Dogs: Excessive panting, glassy eyes, weakness, fast heart rate, drooling, seizures, vomiting, diarrhea.
🐈 Cats: Rapid pulse/breathing, redness of tongue/mouth, vomiting, lethargy, staggering gait.
🩺 If you suspect heatstroke: Move them to a cool, shady spot. Apply cool (not cold) water or towels to their chest, neck, and head. Offer cool water to drink. GET TO A VET IMMEDIATELY! Heatstroke can cause severe organ damage.

🧊 Cooling Tips:
🏊‍♀️ Offer an outdoor pool with cool water.
🥵 If your pet is panting excessively, wrap them in a wet towel.

🏡 Multnomah County Cooling Centers: When activated, pets are welcome! Limited kennel space may be available. Check activation status at https://multco.us/help-when-its-hot.

📞 Need more help?
Call the Multnomah County Aging, Disability and Veterans' Services HELPLINE: 503-988-3646 or 711 (hearing-impaired).
Dial 211 info for additional resources.

Let's keep our beloved companions safe and cool! Share this post to spread awareness!

07/13/2025

The Animal Services Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2025 (July 2024 - June 2025) is now available! This report offers a comprehensive look at the division's outcomes and key statistics, which are vital for shaping the upcoming FY 2027 budget. Inside, you'll find important industry measures that highlight our operational effectiveness, including:

Return to Owner (RTO) rates for found animals.
Average length of stay (LOS) for animals in our care.
Live-release rates, showcasing our success in reuniting pets with their families or finding them new homes.

Read the report - https://www.multcopets.org/fiscal-year-2025-annual-report

🗝️ Key Takeaways:

📈 In FY 2025, combined total live outcomes for dogs and cats were the highest in our agency’s history, at 6,091 animals, with a live release rate of 90% for domestic animals.
🐕 MCAS received more dogs and puppies in FY 2025 than in any year since 2007, with a total intake of 3,449.
🐈 Cat and kitten intake also increased to 3,260, the highest since 2016.
⏲️ Average length of stay for dogs increased by one day to 12 days. Average length of stay for cats decreased from 20 days to 14.
🐾 MCAS Animal Health doubled spay & neuter surgery capacity since FY 2024.

07/13/2025

🚨 Scammers are targeting community members looking for their lost pets!

We’re receiving reports that scammers are pretending to be from Multnomah County Animal Services (MCAS), and telling lost pet owners that their pet was hit by a car and that they need to pay for treatment, or that they need to pay before they can pick up their pets at the shelter. In some cases, scammers send a code and ask for it to be texted back - which could be used to breach Two-Factor Authentication security to hack personal accounts or create fraudulent Google Voice phone numbers, allowing the scam to continue.

How can I tell if it’s Multnomah County Animal Services?

If you receive a call from MCAS about a lost pet, you won’t be asked to pay before picking up your pet. You won't be asked to pay for treatment if your pet is injured. We also don’t send codes. MCAS isn’t charging shelter impound or board fees for found animals.

What to do?

If you receive a call or text like this, file a police report. Also call 503-988-7387 or e-mail [email protected] to report it to Multnomah County Animal Services.