Woman holding fluffy white and grey cat by a bright window

Every Outcome is Important

OHS tracks the status of every pet using a nationally recognized standard. The data provides a detailed breakdown of the health and adoption status of every animal in our care.

Adoptions in 2020: 97.8% Save Rate

OHS adopted 7,204 animals in 2020, with a 97.8% save rate. Our adoption rate is consistently three to four times above the national average and is one of the highest in the nation.

Pets at OHS remain available for adoption as long as necessary (sometimes six months or more), and are never euthanized for space reasons.

OHS’ save rate of 97.8% is even more impressive because it includes a record 4,513 animals transferred to OHS from 67 animal welfare agencies (such as humane societies and animal control agencies) in Oregon, Washington, California, Texas, Hawaii New Mexico and Louisiana. These animals were given a “second chance” at finding a home through OHS when time and resources had run out at their original shelters.

Rumour, two-toned-eyed Husky at OHS Salem in Mary's Place

Adoption Reports

The save rate, calculated according to the nationally recognized Asilomar Standard, reflects the many options for pets that come to the shelter besides adoption, such as animal transfers and animals who are returned to their owner. OHS is confident in its adoption figures because staffers conduct monthly physical inventories and spot audits.

Complete adoption statistics for OHS and the Animal Shelter Alliance of Portland (ASAP) are found in the following Asilomar reports (all PDF):

Additional Information