Our Programs: An Overview
One of our most unique services is the long-standing program of providing assistance to pets in need of urgent veterinary care through our Animal Aid Fund for Urgent Veterinary Care (inspired by our founder, Jack Hurd). Animal Aid, working exclusively through the referrals of participating veterinarians, assists community members who are faced with urgent and overwhelming veterinary expenses. In the past few years we have assisted thousands of pets through this program. We always look for ways to find additional funding to keep this program active. We provide more funding for our size than any other rescue organization. The vast majority of our funding comes from private citizens through donations and through adoption donations and though various fundraising event efforts. Because of the program's unique structure, working from veterinarian referrals, we have eliminated almost all administrative costs and 100% of your donation goes directly to paying vet bills for animals in urgent need of care.
We also provide adoption services for 125+ dogs and cats per year and shelter 40+ abandoned cats and a handful of dogs at any given time. The majority of our adoptable pets are rescued from shelters in which euthanasia would be their imminent fate. We are always in need of new foster homes for both dogs and cats. Since our shelter is no-kill, animals remain in our care for as long as it takes to find them an adoptive home. Once adopted, our animals continue to ALWAYS have a place here, and if an adoption doesn't work out (even years later!) the animal are welcomed back to our care.
In addition to the above, we provide
- resource information and consultation to community members on a variety of pet related issues
- a wide variety of volunteer opportunities for youth and adults (we currently have 125+ active volunteers ranging in age from 6-80 years old)
- the opportunity for regular and occasional visits and volunteering for groups (Hands On Portland, Christie school, Quiet Waters, Clackamas County and Washington County transition programs, etc.)
- outreach programs where the public can view adoptable pets and learn about pet care and Animal Aid
- educational classes and workshops geared to pets and the family held at various venues throughout the city
- educational visits to schools and other organizations as requested
- a lost-and-found bulletin board
- Discount spay/neuter coupons available on our Web site, in our Newsletters, and at our office.