The 10-day quarantine
has been officially lifted by the Oregon Department of Agriculture.
MCAS is now fully open for adoptions and found animal intake. Please call 503-988-7387 to schedule an intake appointment if you have a found animal to bring to the shelter.
Multnomah County, Ore. (Feb. 23, 2026)
— Multnomah County Animal Services (MCAS) is announcing that the Oregon
Department of Agriculture (ODA) has officially lifted the quarantine
notice issued Feb. 12, 2026. The shelter is now fully open for all services, including dog adoptions and standard intake. Enhanced safety protocols remain in place to prevent a resurgence of illness.
In close coordination with the State Veterinarian, the shelter
reports that no further unassisted deaths have occurred since the
initial outbreak was first identified and reported Feb. 12, 2026.
As previously reported, two dogs died from the Streptococcus zooepidemicus (SZ)
bacteria prior to the initiation of quarantine. On the day that
quarantine began, the shelter humanely euthanized one dog due to a
declining medical condition with symptoms similar to the previous two
dogs.
Under the direction of the State Veterinarian, the animal shelter on
Feb. 19 partially lifted its quarantine, resuming dog adoptions while
intake for stray dogs remained paused. The adoption process has been
updated to incorporate extra caution; adopters are asked to follow
safety guidelines, including limiting dog interactions at the shelter to
two per visit, observing a 14-day home quarantine post-adoption, and
reviewing a provided SZ information sheet.
Shelter capacity and animal health
During the closure, the community stepped up to keep stray dogs out
of the facility. This was vital in halting the spread of illness. And
while the lifting of the quarantine is a positive outcome, it brings
significant new challenges. As the animal shelter resumes full intakes,
MCAS expects a substantial surge in arrivals.
“The safety of the animals in our care remains our top priority and
we are grateful for the community’s patience, as well as the dedication
and vigilance of our staff and volunteers as we worked with the State
Veterinarian to contain this outbreak,” said Erin Grahek, director of
the Animal Services Division. “However, to maintain this healthy
environment and provide relief for good Samaritans in the community
holdin-g found dogs, we need to find homes for our dogs currently at the
shelter to make room for those arriving in the next few days.”
Animal Services expects intakes for stray dogs to rise due to the
10-day pause rise, meaning that the shelter population will grow,
increasing the risk of disease transmission. To keep pets in our care
safe and to prevent a resurgence of illness, MCAS is urging the
community to prioritize adoption immediately. Reducing the number of
animals at the shelter will allow for stray dogs to get the care they
need while also maintaining a healthy environment.
How the community can help
Adoption: Adopting a dog not only gives them a new
loving home, but also helps the shelter reduce overcrowding, lower
stress levels and stop the spread of disease.
Finder-fosters: MCAS is grateful to the community
members who have partnered with the shelter by caring for found dogs
during the closure. To help the shelter manage the expected surge in dog
intakes, officials ask that those currently holding a stray dog contact
the shelter at 503-988-7387 so that an intake appointment may be
scheduled whenever possible.
For information on available pets, hours of operations and ways to support the shelter, please visit multcopets.org.
Adoption Process Updates
While we are excited to find homes for our dogs, we are
operating with continued caution. Please note the following new
guidelines for adopters and the public:
- Showing Limit: Adopters are limited to meeting two dogs per visit.
- Adopted Dogs Home Quarantine: As a precaution,
adopted dogs should remain in “home quarantine” for at least 14 days
after adoption. This means they should not leave the home, or share the
same space or resources as other dogs within the home.
- Adopter Education: Every adopter will receive a physical or digital SZ Information Sheet. Counselors will review the specific risks and symptoms of SZ with you before you take your new dog home.
Safety Protocols for Visitors at the Shelter
- Low-touch precautions: To prevent the potential
spread of bacteria, visitors should limit touch points with the dogs,
and washing hands between any contact.
- Hygiene Precautions: All visitors are advised to
disinfect their shoes with a provided spray solution, and wash their
hands after exiting the adoption kennels or finishing meeting a dog.
- Protective Measures: If you interact with a dog in a
play yard, we strongly advise changing your clothing and washing before
interacting with other dogs at home as a precaution.
