MCAS Resumes Full Operations for Adoptions and Found Animal Intake
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.
