the Oregon Humane Society
OHS MISSION
STATEMENT
To foster an environment of respect, responsibility, and compassion for all animals through education, legislation, and leadership.
To care for the homeless, to defend the abused,
and to fight with unrelenting diligence for
recognition of the integrity of all animals.
To care for the homeless, to defend the abused,
and to fight with unrelenting diligence for
recognition of the integrity of all animals.
History
After witnessing the brutal beating of a horse on Front Street, Dr. Thomas Lamb Eliot took action. Gathering a group of 12 prominent Portlanders on November 17, 1868, he founded one of the first humane animal welfare organizations in the country. Initially the Society focused on the plight of draft animals, but within a few years expanded its efforts to advocate for the protection of children and companion animals. In fact, OHS served as Oregon's child and animal protection organization from 1881 until 1933.
OHS Founder
Dr. Thomas Lamb Eliot
With the understanding that the only way to better the plight of animals was to educate humans about respect and empathy, OHS included humane education in its goals.
Since 1883, teaching children responsible stewardship towards all animals has been an integral part of OHS' mission. This concept became part of Oregon's mandate to all children in public schools. In 1921, one of the founders of OHS and a state legislator, J.K. Gill, proposed and saw signed into law that humane education be taught in Oregon public schools. (ORS 336.067(1)(c))
In 1916, OHS took over the city animal control, but let go of the contract in 1972. The reason: goals of the OHS were not consistent with the goals of an animal control agency. Since that time, OHS has been a stand-alone, nonprofit organization, operating without the assistance of government funding.
In 1918, OHS purchased the 10-acre parcel on Columbia Blvd. from which it now operates. This property is home to the oldest animal cemetery in the West. One of the most notable personalities buried in the cemetery is Bobbie of Silverton. This collie pup from Oregon went on a 1924 summer vacation with his family and unfortunately ended up lost in Indiana. The family was amazed when the lost dog returned home to Silverton six months later.
The original shelter constructed on Columbia Blvd. was lost in a fire in the late 1930s. A new facility was built in 1939 and housed the shelter's operations for the next 60 years.
In June of 2000, OHS opened the doors to a new state-of-the-art facility that stands on the site of the old shelter. The new shelter has the capacity to house 92 small animals, 120 cats and 120 dogs.
Learn about the capital campaign that raised funds for the new shelter project, budgets, information about the corporate details of the building and other useful data in OHS New Shelter Project 2000(PDF), prepared by Skanska USA Building.
In September of 2007, OHS opened the Animal Medical Learning Center (AMLC) adjacent to the existing shelter. The medical center is a state-of-the-art animal hospital that provides a full range of medical services for all shelter animals.
OHS also entered into a unique partnership with the Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine, allowing fourth-year veterinary students to complete rotations in the OHS hospital under clinical supervision. This is beneficial both to the shelter animals receiving top-quality care, and for countless more animals who will be helped by these students after they go on to become practicing veterinarians.
The new behavior and training center, open to the public, addresses one of the main reasons why dogs and cats come to animal shelters: frustrated owners who need assistance dealing with problem pet behaviors.
OHS Founder
Dr. Thomas Lamb Eliot
With the understanding that the only way to better the plight of animals was to educate humans about respect and empathy, OHS included humane education in its goals.
Since 1883, teaching children responsible stewardship towards all animals has been an integral part of OHS' mission. This concept became part of Oregon's mandate to all children in public schools. In 1921, one of the founders of OHS and a state legislator, J.K. Gill, proposed and saw signed into law that humane education be taught in Oregon public schools. (ORS 336.067(1)(c))
In 1916, OHS took over the city animal control, but let go of the contract in 1972. The reason: goals of the OHS were not consistent with the goals of an animal control agency. Since that time, OHS has been a stand-alone, nonprofit organization, operating without the assistance of government funding.
In 1918, OHS purchased the 10-acre parcel on Columbia Blvd. from which it now operates. This property is home to the oldest animal cemetery in the West. One of the most notable personalities buried in the cemetery is Bobbie of Silverton. This collie pup from Oregon went on a 1924 summer vacation with his family and unfortunately ended up lost in Indiana. The family was amazed when the lost dog returned home to Silverton six months later.
The original shelter constructed on Columbia Blvd. was lost in a fire in the late 1930s. A new facility was built in 1939 and housed the shelter's operations for the next 60 years.
In June of 2000, OHS opened the doors to a new state-of-the-art facility that stands on the site of the old shelter. The new shelter has the capacity to house 92 small animals, 120 cats and 120 dogs.
Learn about the capital campaign that raised funds for the new shelter project, budgets, information about the corporate details of the building and other useful data in OHS New Shelter Project 2000(PDF), prepared by Skanska USA Building.
In September of 2007, OHS opened the Animal Medical Learning Center (AMLC) adjacent to the existing shelter. The medical center is a state-of-the-art animal hospital that provides a full range of medical services for all shelter animals.
OHS also entered into a unique partnership with the Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine, allowing fourth-year veterinary students to complete rotations in the OHS hospital under clinical supervision. This is beneficial both to the shelter animals receiving top-quality care, and for countless more animals who will be helped by these students after they go on to become practicing veterinarians.
The new behavior and training center, open to the public, addresses one of the main reasons why dogs and cats come to animal shelters: frustrated owners who need assistance dealing with problem pet behaviors.
What is The Oregon Humane Society?
People Are Passionate about ohs
In 2013:
•11,110 animals were adopted
•1,645 volunteers donated time
•190,918 volunteer hours – among
the most donated hours in any
U.S. shelter
•Volunteer hours are equivalent
to 108 full-time paid staff
•11,110 animals were adopted
•1,645 volunteers donated time
•190,918 volunteer hours – among
the most donated hours in any
U.S. shelter
•Volunteer hours are equivalent
to 108 full-time paid staff
Things to know about The Oregon Humane Societies EUTHANASIA POLICY
- OHS’s goal is 100% adoption of all animals
- Adoptable animals are kept until adopted
- Reasons for euthanizing include: Untreatable health issue, Failed behavioral assessment (too aggressive)
- OHS does not euthanize for space or time issues
Adoption Statistics
5,161 Dogs (99%)
5,214 Cats (97%)
735 Other Animals (96%)
________________________
11,110 (98%) animals were adopted in 2013!
5,214 Cats (97%)
735 Other Animals (96%)
________________________
11,110 (98%) animals were adopted in 2013!
Aurora is a Shepard mix and she was adopted from The Oregon Humane Society as a puppy around 10 years ago this September (2014). Aurora has been to just about all of the training and behavior classes OHS provides. She happily demonstrated a few of her tricks to show off all of her hard work. She shows you how to "sit pretty," how she can "lay down," she can fall down after she is shot "bang," she can "sit," she also "circles right and left" in the video, as well as gives us a final "bow."
My Work with the ORegon Humane society
As I reflect back on my work this summer I find myself feeling that I had a fulfilling summer. I spent time with a wonderful organization I have always wanted to give my time for. I made new friends, especially furry ones, and I also got to give many animals some much needed love and attention that they deserved. I got to work with some creative people on fundraising, which was a great experience. There was a quote from the book Walk Out, Walk On that I shared in my first paper that spoke to friendship and walking through life being supported and love and the effect that can have on us in our lives. It said, "friendship creates a container in which we can co-create, support one another, and bounce back from the conflicts that arise. Conflict is an inevitable consequence of interdependence; the more interdependent we are, the more conflict there’s likely to be. But when friendship is present, so, too, is our commitment to stay together and work things out. We open our hearts to each other, knowing that we need kindred spirits – especially when the going gets tough. We can walk out alone, but we can only walk on in friendship.” I could relate to this quote in my work at OHS this summer. Working at OHS has been a very eye opening experience for me in that I have gained more love and respect for animals as I see the strength the have in moving on to the next chapter of their life. Sometimes it's hard to think that humans could be so cruel to these animals. They too deserve to be loved and in return they will be loyal and love you in return, as well as be your bestfriend and partner in crime. That should be cherished by all humans.