Board Unanimously Approves Next Steps for New Shelter Facility
Multnomah County, Ore. (March 20, 2025) —The Multnomah County Board of Commissioners on Thursday, March 20, unanimously approved a resolution that advances replacing the aging, undersized Animal Services shelter by authorizing the next steps in planning a new facility.
Today’s approval marks a major step in the County’s commitment to improving animal care and animal services for the community. Multnomah County Animal Services can continue to proceed with planning for a new modern facility.
“I take pride in the work Animal Services has done in the past two years to rebuild this department, increase staff, reconsider services and align their work with best practices,” said Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson. “I’ve also seen the impacts on staff, volunteers and customers because of our shelter’s current state. Our action today authorizes research and development to better understand a new shelter’s design and funding, setting us up well to take next steps to build the facility our community and animals need.”
Commissioner Julia Brim-Edwards championed the Fiscal Year 2025 budget note that established a County project leadership team for the Animal Services Facility Replacement Project and requested the project leadership team bring forward a FAC-1 approval by the end of March 2025, in addition to regularly briefing the Commission throughout the fiscal year with capital funding options.
“I’ve heard from many residents, community groups, and committed volunteers about the need to modernize and increase space for essential programs and housing to align with industry standards and best practices to provide quality care for our animals,” said Commissioner Brim-Edwards. “This is a long time coming, and I’m glad the day has arrived that we’re moving forward.”
Volunteers express frustration, worry, about current conditions
The existing facility is 18,000 square feet and concept designs call for double that space to meet national animal care standards. The estimated conceptual cost for the new site ranges from $55 million to $85 million, projected in 2028 dollars.
Four long-time shelter volunteers who walk dogs, foster pets and support at the Troutdale shelter told the Board they strongly supported a new Animal Services facility with expanded space and improved conditions for veterinary care, adoption meetings, animal enrichment and safety, and staff and volunteer workspace.
“How is it possible that a vibrant, modern, progressive community that loves its cats and dogs presents such a squalid and desperate picture, when it comes to animal care?” said Multnomah County volunteer Diane Zhitlovsky, and called for the need of a new shelter. “Should the people of Multnomah County invest in the care and security of its living, breathing animals, by funding a new shelter? The answer is a resounding yes.”
The current facility, built in 1968, is physically outdated, cannot accommodate the County’s large and growing animal population, and fails to meet national standards for animal shelter care, as set by the Association of Shelter Veterinarians. Proponents call for a major expansion of the space for essential programs; and separate and appropriate housing areas for different species based on predatory/prey status, health status, behavior and length of stay; as well as quarantine spaces. It would also feature leather medical facilities and space for staff and volunteer meetings and trainings.
Next, as part of the preliminary planning work, a Design Advisory Group with community and professional expertise will help inform and create shared ownership of the conceptual design and further cost estimates. Staff will also hold a Board briefing in July, and are expected to share information on a siting analysis, communication and engagement and funding strategy.
View the complete discussion and presentation here.
