Multnomah County Animal Services is ready to make a deal! With hundreds of cats crowding the Troutdale shelter, the county plans, effective immediately, to temporarily eliminate adoption fees for mature cats (over one year old). The “Certified Pre-Owned Cats” campaign aims to place as many cats in homes as possible in the upcoming summer months. 

In exchange for the privilege of taking home one of the cattery’s many full-grown cats, Multnomah County residents will pay only the required one-year licensing fee and an optional donation. All donations will be used to care for animals at the shelter. License fees start at $8 per year.

“People naturally gravitate towards sweet and tiny kittens while perfectly wonderful mature cats languish, waiting for a forever home,” Shelter Manager John Rowton said.  “We would never say that kittens aren’t cute and cuddly, but we think that Certified Pre-Owned Cats make just as good companions as cats raised from kittens.”

Potential adopters are required to undergo screening to ensure that the animals are placed in safe and happy homes. All Certified Pre-Owned Cats adopted from the shelter come with a free “multi-point inspection”: the cats have received a complete health exam, all their current vaccinations and a microchip, and have also been spayed or neutered. 

During the spring and summer, the animal shelter receives approximately 600-700 cats each month, forcing the shelter over capacity. Over the July 4th weekend alone, the shelter took in 88 cats.

“We want to lower the adoption fee to help place more cats into new homes, and make more room available to shelter and care for the lost and abandoned cats we receive every day,” said Oswald. “Our offices are literally crawling with cats! Its fun and we love them, but they really need forever homes.”

Kittens are also available for adoption, however no discount will be offered. Adoption fees for kittens range from $50-$100.

For more information such as shelter hours and to view adoptable pets, visit Animal Services’ website, www.multcopets.org, follow them on twitter (@MultCoPets) or find them on Facebook.

www.multco.us/news | pao.org@co.multnomah.or.us | @MultCo on Twitter | Multnomah County on Facebook