A Critical Gap in Care
In the years following the pandemic, communities across Oregon have experienced a surge in pet overpopulation. Thousands of families face a difficult reality: they love their pets but cannot access the veterinary care those animals need to thrive. Barriers such as distance, cost, and limited local services prevent timely care, particularly preventative services like spay and neuter.
Increasing access to spay/neuter is essential to addressing pet overpopulation.
Indicators of a Pet Overpopulation Problem
Increased requests for intake of unintended offspring
From 2020 to 2025, our Admissions team reported a 58% increase in kitten intake from unexpected litters. The #1 reason animals—both feline and canine—are surrendered to our shelters is “unintended offspring.”
Increased numbers of unaltered animals coming to Oregon Humane
Animals needing spay/neuter surgeries must remain in our care longer to allow for surgery and recovery time, putting them on a slower timeline for finding new homes. The increase in shelter animal surgeries also reduces surgical capacity for owned pets coming through our public clinic.
Increased numbers of cases involving “overcrowded” households
Oregon Humane Law Enforcement has seen an uptick in reports of households being overpopulated and crowded with pets. These cases often have a significant number of unaltered pets in the home.
An Innovative Solution with Immediate and Lasting Impact
Launching in 2027, the Oregon Humane Mobile Veterinary Clinic will bring high-quality veterinary services directly into underserved communities, removing barriers and expanding access.
This custom-built, fully equipped clinic will provide:
- Spay and neuter surgeries
- Preventative care and wellness exams
- Early intervention services that keep pets healthy and in their homes
By focusing on prevention and accessibility, this initiative addresses the root causes of pet overpopulation and will create measurable improvements for both animals and their families.
Artist’s rendition of the Mobile Veterinary Clinic
The Mobile Veterinary Clinic is designed for high-volume, high-impact delivery of care.
Once fully operational, it will:
- Provide spay/neuter services to more than 5,000 pets annually.
- Significantly reduce unintended litters and shelter intake.
- Expand access to essential veterinary care for families who would otherwise go without.
- Improve health outcomes across entire communities of pets.
- Increase surgical capacity at the Salem Spay & Neuter Clinic.
It is a commitment to:
- Keeping pets and families together
- Preventing suffering before it begins
- Building a more humane, equitable future
for animals across Oregon
This is not simply a mobile clinic—it is a strategic shift toward a more proactive, prevention-centered model of animal welfare.
Because, at Oregon Humane, compassion is not just a value, it is a call to action.
Help Make This Exciting Project a Reality
To learn more and get involved with this project, contact Sherri Partridge via email or at (503) 585-5900 ext. 305.
