Volunteer Spotlight: Multnomah County Animal Services
Multnomah County Animal Services (MCAS) is our county's open intake shelter, a division of the Department of Community Services. MCAS is the primary agency that offers lost and found pet services, houses stray and abandoned animals, investigates reports of abuse and neglect, recovers at-large animals, and offers pet adoptions and licensing. While it may seem off the beaten path, MCAS is conveniently located by car off of I-84, not far from McMenamin's Edgefield.
Farmer's Friend's social media manager Julie has enjoyed serving as a volunteer dog walker at MCAS for over 4 and a half years, thanks to the flexibility of being able to work at odd hours and having the support of her team at Farmer's Friend. Volunteer dog walk hours are from 10:30am-4:30pm every day, making it challenging for many with traditional working hours to volunteer at MCAS. The dog walk program has historically been short on volunteers, so we are happy to support Julie's consistent presence at MCAS, helping our community's dogs weekly, rain or shine.
MCAS takes in all sorts of dog from small to extra large, and puppies to seniors. Many MCAS dogs are young, still in the "teenage" stage of life. Being in a shelter is tough for any animal, but it can be especially challenging for younger dogs with a lot of energy to be cooped up in a kennel for the bulk of their day. Volunteer dog walks are often the dogs' only opportunity to get out of their kennel each day, so this role is crucial. MCAS has a fabulous enrichment team that runs dog play groups, but not every dog gets to participate and the playgroups do not happen every day of the week. Volunteer contributions mean so much in helping these active dogs have a bearable shelter experience with activity and engagement.
In addition to fun-loving active dogs who may enjoy fast walks, zoomies, and playing fetch in a play yard, MCAS often has puppies who are too young to be walked since they don't have vaccines yet. These pups still benefit from in-kennel quality time with a volunteer to play with them and give them love. Some of our shelter dogs are very shy and nervous. These dogs benefit greatly from time with patient volunteers who will go slow and help them gain confidence. There is nothing more rewarding than watching a scared dog warm up enough to enjoy going on walks and seek affection. Some dogs just want to cuddle up with their volunteer and enjoy some peaceful time outside of their kennel. Others enjoy a nice brushing to help them look and feel their best. However a volunteer spends time with a dog makes and enormous difference in their day, and helps them prepare for life with an adoptive family.
Living in a shelter kennel is very stressful for any dog, but some dogs have an especially difficult time. Foster volunteers help free up kennel space for incoming dogs while giving a shelter dog valuable time to help them thrive. Living in a foster home physically and mentally benefits the dogs, while foster volunteers are able to learn more about the dogs' personalities to help match them with a great forever home. Please consider MCAS if you have ever considered fostering!
Multnomah County Animal Services has a number of wonderful transfer partners that pull animals into their shelters and rescues, often providing much-needed medical care for these animals. When looking to adopt, please consider supporting some of MCAS's many transfer partners like Oregon Humane, Stumptown Strays, Street Savvy Dog Rescue, Humane Society of SW WA, Project Pooch, One Tail at a Time, and many more!
Home Grown Apothecary and Farmer’s Friend are teaming up this August and September to benefit Street Savvy Dog Rescue. Purchase cuttings and potted houseplants at Home Grown Apothecary throughout August and September with all proceeds benefitting SSDR. Stop by Home Grown Apothecary’s Yard Sale on Saturday 8/8 10-2pm for outdoor succulents (“hens and chicks”) and seedum. Get some SWAG if you purchase Farmer’s Friend while we’re there!
Street Savvy is Portland-area foster-based rescue that relies on a network of volunteers to house adoptable dogs from near and far, including dogs taken in from Multnomah County Animal Services. To date, Street Savvy Dog Rescue has helped find forever homes for over 3400 dogs with the help of volunteers supporting Street Savvy rescues in foster homes.
Thinking about fostering, adopting or volunteering? Please consider MCAS and Street Savvy Dog Rescue!