Adopt ASAP: Local Shelters Unite to Inspire Pet Adoptions

[Portland, OR] — In response to mounting challenges in animal welfare, five local shelters are joining forces for Adopt ASAP, a major adoption event happening Friday, October 25 to Sunday, October 27. Participating organizations include Cat Adoption Team, Humane Society for Southwest Washington, Multnomah County Animal Services, Oregon Humane Society - Portland and Salem campuses, and Washington County Animal Services. During the event, adopters can welcome a furry friend into their lives for 75% or more off adoption fees.

These five organizations are founding members of the Animal Shelter Alliance of Portland (ASAP), a coalition dedicated to reducing euthanasia and increasing live outcomes for shelter animals. ASAP members collaborate regularly on animal transfer partnerships, spay/neuter programs, and other lifesaving initiatives. With Adopt ASAP, the group hopes to inspire the community to take action at a time when shelters are seeing longer stays for large dogs and a surge of kittens and cats due to spay/neuter surgery backlogs from the pandemic.

"This event is about more than just finding homes for the pets in our care," says Sharon Harmon, President and CEO of Oregon Humane Society. "It’s about working together as a community to make sure that every animal has the chance to thrive."

Erin Grahek, Division Director, Multnomah County Animal Services, adds, “We’re grateful to our ASAP partners and the community of animal supporters for the positive difference they make.”

How the Community Can Help

The impact of Adopt ASAP goes beyond each individual adoption. Here’s how the community can get involved:

● Adopt a pet from any shelter and you help pets everywhere in the greater Portland/Vancouver area by reducing strain on the animal welfare system.

● Become a foster and open your home to provide crucial support and respite to shelter animals, especially those with special needs or longer stays.

● Support spay/neuter programs by donating or having personal pets spayed/neutered. The ASAP Spay & Save program offers low-cost options to help prevent unwanted litters. Shelters urge patience as veterinary shortages have caused delays in scheduling at both private and community clinics.

"Adopt ASAP is a critical effort to help pets across our community," says Andrea Bruno, President, Humane Society for Southwest Washington. "By adopting during this event, people aren’t just helping one shelter—they’re easing strain on the entire animal welfare system.”

“We’re looking forward to working together to help people find the right pet for their family through this event – no matter which shelter they adopt from,” adds Randy Covey, manager at Washington County Animal Services. “Adopting a pet from anywhere helps pets everywhere.”

Adoption Event Details

During the Adopt ASAP event from October 25-27, the public can adopt pets at a 75% or more discount at participating shelters. Adoption fees vary, and potential adopters are encouraged to visit the websites of participating shelters for details on available animals and adoption hours:

● Cat Adoption Team: catadoptionteam.org/adopt
● Humane Society for Southwest Washington: hssw.org/adopt
● Multnomah County Animal Services: multcopets.org/adoptables
● Oregon Humane Society: oregonhumane.org/adopt
● Washington County Animal Services (October 25-26 only): washingtoncountyor.gov/animal-services/pet-adoptions

Adopting a pet is a big step, but people can get support to ensure successful relationships with their pets. Oregon Humane Society offers behavioral resources and a post-adoption helpline, while Cat Adoption Team has its own helpline to support adopters and community members through common cat-related issues. Multnomah County Animal Services provides two-weeks of support for adopted pets with critical health concerns, and behavioral support as needed. The Humane Society for Southwest Washington and Washington County Animal Services each provide post-adoption support to help make the adoption process as smooth as possible for both pets and people.

“We want adopters to feel confident that if challenges come up, there will be someone there to help,” says Karen Green, Executive Director at Cat Adoption Team. “Our relationship with adopters doesn't end with the day of the adoption; that's where it starts.”

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About the Animal Shelter Alliance of Portland (ASAP)

Founded in 2006, the Animal Shelter Alliance of Portland (ASAP) is a working coalition composed of the following Portland/Vancouver-area animal shelters and organizations:

● Cat Adoption Team
● Clackamas County Dog Services
● Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon
● Humane Society for Southwest Washington
● Multnomah County Animal Services
● Oregon Humane Society
● Portland Veterinary Medical Association
● Washington County Animal Services

ASAP envisions a community that values, protects, and cares for animals and provides a safety net for homeless and at-risk cats and dogs. Working together, ASAP develops and sustains metro-wide programs and services that reduce the number of homeless cats and dogs, and save the lives of all shelter pets that can be humanely and responsibly rehomed. For further information, please visit asapmetro.org.

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