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Resources for Animals Outside of the Shelter

What to do if you need help for an animal we cannot take into our shelter, feral or community cats, or with non-domestic animals, such as wildlife.

We provide excellent care for stray dogs and cats. We may not be able to assist with other types of animals for reasons related to our authority in an area, resources, housing or equipment needed, or the safety of our staff or the animals themselves.

Consider the resources below if you have concerns about wildlife or other animals that need care.

Concerns about wildlife

For assistance with wildlife, please review the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife page on living with Oregon wildlife or call them at 503-947-6000. They also have a list of Wildlife Control Operators, which are businesses/individuals who are permitted by ODFW to deal with certain nuisance wild animals for a fee.

You may also find the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Living with Wildlife guide to be helpful.

Who to call for dead animals

Animal Services will pick up dead cats and dogs in any location that is safe for us to do so. If you need assistance with dead deer, elk or livestock in a public road right-of-way, call Washington County Land Use & Transportation Operations Division to request a pick-up.

If the dead animal is wild (coyote, opossum, skunk, etc.) and you live within city limits call your local city’s public works department for assistance.

Community cats/feral cats

We encourage those willing to care for outdoor community or feral cats to keep them where they are. The shelter is a very stressful place for them and is not ideal for these cats. Organizations like Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon (FCCO) can help provide resources for living with community and feral cats and provide low-cost spay/neuter services for these unowned cats.

Resources for owned dogs and cats

There are resources available if you need help caring for your pets due to financial challenges or life changes. Check out the ASAP Coalition Resource page for a list of organizations across the Portland metro region that may be able to help.

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