2014 was a record-setting adoption year at OHS. More cats found homes last year than in any year since the new shelter building opened fourteen years ago, along with the second-highest number of overall adoptions.
The adoption goal for 2014 was 11,000 pets, a goal that was me met on Dec.21 when Lucy, a four-month-old Jack Russell terrier mix, was adopted by the Bruns family of Vancouver, Wash. “This is what the holidays are all about,” said Sharon Harmon, OHS executive director. “It’s wonderful to see people opening their hearts to shelter pets.”
A record 5,757 cats found homes through OHS in 2014, beating the previous 2010 record of 5,628 feline adoptions. Adoptions in 2014 also included 4,924 dogs and 721 small animals, for an overall total of 11,402 adopted pets. That marks the second highest total since OHS first exceed 11,000 adoptions in 2010.
The large number of adoptions makes OHS one of the busiest shelters in the nation with one of the highest save rates. OHS adopts more animals from its shelter on NE Columbia Blvd. than any other single shelter facility on the west coast. 2014 was fifth year in a row that OHS reached the 11,000 mark for animal adoptions. The feat is especially remarkable because OHS never puts a time limit on how long a pet remains available for adoption.
Lucy (originally named Ornament until adopted) came to OHS from a shelter in California that was faced with too many pets and too few adopters. She is one of about 5,000 animals that OHS accepts each year from shelters in Oregon, Washington and California as part of the OHS Second Chance program.
Debbie Bruns said she was attracted to Lucy the moment she laid eyes on her. Debbie and Peter had met the dog for the first time yesterday, and came back today to complete the adoption. They previously owned a Jack Russell terrier who passed away.
Made Possible by You
Adoption fees cover less than 20% of OHS shelter costs — please donate today to support OHS education, investigation, adoption and medical programs. OHS receives no tax dollars or portions of dues paid to national humane organizations.
