I have been a donor to the Willamette Humane Society in Salem for over a decade, but now that it has been taken over by the parent Oregon Humane Society in Portland, that support has ended. This is because I’ve seen the tv reports that the OHS in Portland agreed to spend $3.3 million to improve a road in front of their facility. Think of all the assistance that could have been provided to the animals with that money! I’ve had good experiences with the staff at OHS, but for their administration to squander that much money is unforgivable.
Not every animal can be saved, despite every effort. However, OHS does more to save animals than any I have experienced in my 71 years. Since OHS pays the salary of the only Oregon State Police commissioned Humane Special Agents, they are resources for the entire state to pursue animal neglect and cruelty cases.
The recently opened Animal Crimes Forensics center is literally the best in the world on par with the US Fish & Wildlife's National Fish & Wildlife Forensic Laboratory in Ashland which is renowned world-wide.
OHS does so much more than any other one state Humane Shelter. They are truly a treasure for Oregon.
Photo of 2017 kitten added just for attention.
My dog is terrified of veterinarians after having a poor experience in the past. The Community Veterinary Hospital at OHS has helped him overcome his fear! Their fear-free approach to handling has made a world of difference for my big guy, and I come away from appointments feeling confident and prepared with solutions for whatever my high-needs dog may need.
I have adopted two second chance dogs from Oregon Humane Society and have had a wonderful experience each time and both our dogs our so incredible and loved. Our second dog who we adopted last year was in a Behavior program at OHS, as well as a foster home for some time before we adopted him. We could tell how loving and supportive the staff were of him and his journey to becoming more confident as he was very fearful and shy when he first came to them. The adoption process was so thoughtful to ensure he went to the right home for him- we are glad that it was ours. We are so lucky to have two of the most amazing dogs from OHS!
I have adopted two dogs from OHS since 2019 and have always had an excellent experience. I've also taken 2 classes from OHS and have found it has made a tremendous difference my dogs' behavior and strengthened our bond with one another. Both of my dogs are from the second chance program and I am so thankful to OHS for saving my sweet puppies from potential euthanasia in another shelter. Thank you, OHS!
After losing our Boxer to cancer, we were heartbroken. After a year without a dog (our cat that we adopted from OHS Salem Campus...one 14 years ago provided as much cuddles as she could), we decided it was time to begin the search. At OHS Salem Campus, we met a dog who had been surrendered after being hit by a car and not receiving any medical attention. The medical team had to immediately amputate his left front leg. When we saw him, here was this big lug of a dog, with a huge cone, who was recovering from surgery, and we heard thump thump. Thump thump. After everything he had been through his tail was still wagging. We knew then he would join our family. We were set up as his medical foster while he recovered from the 90 staples in his chest. When he returned to the shelter to have his stitches removed, my husband said...he's coming home, right? We can't thank OHS Salem enough for everything they did to save this incredibly sweet, smart, loving dog...especially after everything he'd been through
I've adopted three dogs from OHS since 2005. Two of them were via the Second Chance program where OHS travels to shelters around the West Coast and helps out smaller or over crowded shelters. I'm impressed with the great staff and volunteers too. I'm a donor also and am grateful for the excellent work OHS does not only for the state of Oregon but across the country.
I have been a donor, client, and volunteer over the last 25 years. I have included a photo of our most recent family member, Bella. The reach and impact Oregon Humane Society offers far exceed "the norm". I am excited to see where they go in the next 25 years!
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Had a wonderful experience when I recently adopted a puppy from OHS. Friendly and knowledgeable staff, pristine shelter facility, and great adopter resources available. We're already enrolled in puppy training classes!
As a foster volunteer, I have been greatly impressed with the level of dedication and compassion from OHS staff. They are beyond helpful, knowledgeable, and committed to making the volunteer foster families feel comfortable and confident, and giving the best care to the animals being fostered.
I have been volunteering for OHS for only a short time (due to Covid-19) but am extremely impressed with the operation and organization as a whole. Every staff member and volunteer are highly trained and committed to doing excellent work to care for and dote on every animal that comes to OHS. I cannot say enough good things about this organization!
I went to OHS to find a sweet cat that could get along with my dogs. While there I noticed a very sweet cat who kept trying to get my attention by poking her paws out the kennel to play with my hair. The staff were friendly and let me meet with the cat who was amazing. I also got to meet with the behaviorist who evaluated the cat's behavior around my dogs. She gave the green light and Olay has been a great pet ever since. It's a great shelter that is very modern. I see the staff and volunteers care deeply for the pets in their care.
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I adopted my dog Brodie from OHS and my cat Ozzie. I found the staff and volunteers to be very knowledgeable and caring towards the pets. I also liked that they offered continuing support for me and my pets if I should need it. A good clean shelter with one of the highest save rates in the country. A ++!
Over the last month, OHS staff has maliciously lied on hourly, daily & weekly basis. I followed my written agreement, waited by the phone FOR A MONTH. Each conversation seemed like creative writing but trusted OHS. WHY WOULD THEY LIE? My pet: still too sick with a “mystery disease” that would keep his weight off and medical care, necessary. 3 full weeks and “biopsies still pending.” shelter supervisor said it “would likely lead to euthanasia” & “nothing you could have done to prevent this.”.. “birth defect or cancer.” Almost 30 days, trying to pay for all medical expenses for a stray cat, that I fell in love with & took extraordinary measures to save.
A month of “why wouldn’t you be able to take him home? We just aren’t out of the woods with vomiting, diarrhea... dehydration-obviously.
Imagine my surprise to find him adopted at 2am , his weight doubled taken home by “STAFF.” “It’s not about the money” she said after a month of trying to pay upwards of $10k. Every single day they said he was DYING. I HAVE HAD NITEMARES & awakened crying, waiting by phone.
At 2 am Sunday morning he is healthy not “swindling weight, vomiting, diarrhea.” I kept saying “but he never had diarrhea.” Didn’t phase anyone.
If care /love of animals nor finance matter, what purpose does OREGON Humane Society serve?
I contend that an unethical nonprofit has no place in this community.
Review from Guidestar
I've been a donor to OHS for about seven years and knew about the good work of adoptions, but until I took a tour of the shelter, I had no idea about how much the organization does! The stories of lives saved are truly inspirational. I have since adopted a cat who had been brought in injured. Other shelters might not have been able to save her, but the folks in their animal hospital took a chance and saved her life. I'm so grateful for all OHS does!
Review from Guidestar
The Oregon Humane Society has proven to be an invaluable resource for Jackson County Animal Care and Control. They provided an extremely thorough and professional review of our program, in addition to sending professionals to our shelter to train our staff. By implementing the recommendations they made, we have greatly improved our live release rates and reputation in our community. They are always willing to lend a helping hand when called upon. In short, Oregon Humane Society is a first-class organization.
Review from Guidestar
Over my strenuous objections, the Oregon Humane Society adopted an expensive kitten ($150) to two 18 year old boys (one of whom is my son) who lack a steady source of income. The cat will stay with the other young man, who will love the cat but also provide it with a steady source of second-hand pot smoke. Way to go Oregon Humane Society. Ending petlessness, two potheads at a time.
OHS is truly dedicated to animal welfare. I always feel my donation is well spent and much appreciated, not matter the size. Love the people there and the facility. Have visited some other Humane Societies around the country, and while all were good, OHS is the best!
As an OHS volunteer, I would like to say that OHS does an amazing job in engaging and empowering their volunteers, providing a most rewarding experience. By doing this, they have a huge amount of volunteer involvement which reduces employee expense and provides a more caring environment for the animals. As a donor and volunteer, I appreciate their use of volunteers and their amazing marketing and management-all of which contributes to a very high adoption rate.
I think the Medical learning center was also a stroke of genius for the shelter, the animals, and the training of vet students.
Review from Guidestar
I have been a donor for several years and a volunteer since 2008.
It is truly inspiring to see the dedication of the staff at the facility; their goal, and that of the volunteers, is to provide excellent care and find
good homes for all of the animals that come to OHS. There is no
time limit for an animal's stay at the shelter. If it takes 6 months or more to find a home for a special needs pet, that animal will receive the best medical care and socialization until he finds his perfect person.
Some animals come to the shelter with serious medical conditions, both injuries and illnesses; the medical staff treats the animals, who then spend recovery time in foster care. It is gratifying to see
injured or neglected animals blossom into healthy, happy pets
Review from Guidestar
I am a 10-year volunteer and donor and can attest to OHS' focus on animal safety and care. Volunteers are supported by training programs as well as hands-on mentoring. Working with animals is rewarding in itself, and the staff at OHS is appreciative of volunteer efforts. OHS has a good reputation with Portland and Metro population. Many animals have been given second chances because of OHS' commitment.
Review from Guidestar
I've been with OHS as a volunteer and a donor since 1998. My long-term committment is primarily due to the way this organization is run and operated. It's efficient, runs with a lean staff in comparison to the number of animals they are able to care for and place (with a strong volunteer base) and makes financial decisions that hit home and sit well with me. They are always the animal welfare organization that other shelters/rescues and law enforcement turns to for help with taking an overflow of animals and helping with large scale rescues, which wouldn't be possible if not managed soundly.
Review from Guidestar
I am a donor as well as a volunteer. From the start, OHS has been the best investment that I've ever made with my charity contributions.
OHS is a visionary facility always looking forward to implementing concrete, realistic goals. It has extremely talented leaders who have assembled an equally gifted staff. In 2010 alone, OHS adopted out over 11,000 animals.
Donor dollars are allotted carefully. Emphasis on animal care is always the top priority.
I've never encountered a more deserving nonprofit and plan to continue to support them to the best of my abilities.
Review from Guidestar