Ghost’s Story
Ghost was one of these pets. Ghost’s family had fallen on hard times, and on top of that, Ghost was diagnosed with long-term skin allergies that were difficult, time consuming, and expensive to manage. Ghost’s owner noticed that he was rapidly declining, no longer eating his food, and struggling to be the happy boy he once was—despite her best efforts.
OHS is a safety net for animals and families who need the most help.
Thanks to donor support, Ghost received medical care to treat his allergies, and his patchy red skin began to heal. Once he was feeling better, Ghost was adopted and is now thriving with his new family. He even has a new canine sibling to spend his days with.
While the decision to surrender a pet is a heartbreaking one, the relief that we can provide to families who have run out of options is an essential service in our community.
Your support is critical as we are helping more owner-surrendered animals than ever due to financial hardship. Currently, we are facing more than 200 requests for surrender every week. In 2023, 2,625 animals were surrendered to OHS, and that number ballooned to 4,266 last year.
With many life expenses on the rise, loving families, like Ghost’s, are left wondering how to make pet ownership work alongside ever tightening budgets. Through the generosity and support of our donors, OHS is doing what we can to be a part of the solution.
Average Annual Cost of Owning a Dog in Oregon: $3,470
Projected Inflation Price Increases
11% more for veterinary care
183% more for pet cleaning supplies
20% more for grooming supplies
85% more for enrichment like treats and chews
*Data from Rover True Cost of Pet Ownership Report 2025
**Projected increases compared to 2024 cost of goods and services
Keeping Pets & People Together
Every day, our programs and services are working with families in our community with the hope that we can help keep pets and people together whenever possible.
Access to Veterinary Care
Opened in 2022, our Community Veterinary Hospital had the express goal of keeping more pets and their people together. We offer financial assistance to families who qualify, giving pet families access to high-quality veterinary care—including preventive care, surgery, dentistry, and urgent care. Access to care greatly reduces the need for beloved pets to be surrendered to the shelter due to a lack of affordability. Since opening the CVH, there has been a 30% decrease in owner surrenders due to the cost of veterinary care. Learn more about our Financial Assistance Fund.
Spay & Save
In 2024, OHS performed over 13,000 spay/neuter surgeries. Our Salem Veterinary Clinic provides low-cost spay/neuter services to pet owners who qualify. These life-saving surgeries not only help reduce pet overpopulation, but they also protect the long-term health of animals. To ensure access to all families, OHS’ Spay & Save program offers reduced cost spay/neuter surgery to those who qualify. Learn more about accessing Salem spay/neuter services and Portland spay/neuter services.
Care in the Community
OHS board member Dr. Robert Mack leads a team that is bringing veterinary care to pet owners in our houseless community. Once a month, Dr. Mack and OHS vet techs provide vaccines to cats and dogs in partnership with local non-profit, Blanchet House. These vaccines not only help maintain the overall health of the pets, but the certificate of vaccinations is also helpful documentation for pet owners to have when applying for housing.
Behavior Helpline
Sometimes, all pet families need is an ear and some extra guidance to walk through tricky behaviors. Our pet behavior helpline is a free resource for all community members. Pet owners who have questions on pet behaviors ranging from litterbox misuse to leash reactivity can call (503) 416-2983 to connect with an OHS trainer.
Wrap-Around Support
In 2025, seeing the increased correlation between families struggling with troublesome behaviors and requests for surrender, OHS began offering financial assistance for behavior and training classes. In addition to access to veterinary services, supporting animals’ mental wellbeing is integral to their overall health. Enrollment in these courses can strengthen and renew bonds and create happier, stress-free homes. Learn more about our Financial Assistance Fund.
Veterinary Social Work
When clients come to the Community Veterinary Hospital for pet care, there can be other areas of need in their lives. OHS’ Veterinary Social Worker, Kelly Bremken, MSW, connects clients with other social services including housing, access to pet food, health care, counseling, and other needs. Kelly also receives client referrals through the Admissions team and our Community Resource Center.
Your Generosity Offers Hope to So Many People & Their Beloved Pets
With your support, we can sustain our financial assistance programs and be ready to respond to the growing requests from families in need.
Give today to help Oregon Humane Society care for owner-surrendered pets who come to our shelter in need of fresh starts. Your donation ensures all animals get the support they need while they wait for their new homes.
