Multnomah County Animal Services (MCAS) is facing a serious overcrowding crisis at its Troutdale shelter, prompting an urgent call for community help through adoptions and fostering. With more dogs entering the shelter than being adopted, the facility has exceeded its limits and is struggling to make space for the growing number of homeless pets.
The county’s main shelter, designed to hold a maximum of 92 dog kennels, is currently housing more than 103 dogs on site and a total of 128 dogs and puppies, including those in foster care. Since November 1, the shelter has taken in 86 dogs and puppies — 60 of which were strays.
“We are at a critical point where our kennels are full of wonderful dogs who are ready for their forever families,” said Erin Grahek, Director of Multnomah County Animal Services. “The single most helpful thing the community can do right now is open their homes to adoption or spread the word to friends and family who are ready to adopt. Every adoption creates space for another dog in need.”
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To help reduce overcrowding, Animal Services is also urging current foster volunteers to step forward if they can temporarily take in a dog. Officials explain that fostering is the quickest and most effective way to create room for incoming animals.
Shelter staff are working through the weekend to assist potential adopters and connect dogs with loving homes. Those interested in adopting or fostering can browse available dogs at multcopets.org.
In an effort to manage the crisis, the shelter has temporarily paused owner surrenders, meaning pet owners wishing to give up their dogs will need to wait until space becomes available.
Officials say that community participation is crucial during this time. Each adoption not only changes the life of one dog but also allows the shelter to rescue another in need.
As Multnomah County’s animal shelters operate at over 90% capacity, the hope is that more residents will step forward to adopt, foster, or simply spread the word — helping the shelter make room for every dog waiting for a second chance.
