Oregon Humane Society, Willamette Humane Society Announce Merger

PORTLAND, OR —It's no longer just a question of how much is that puppy n the window. Animal shelters are facing greater challenges as veterinary care becomes more complex and more animals are in need of care so that they can be adopted.

Starting July 1, two of Oregon's largest shelters – Oregon Humane society and Willamette Humane Society are merging into one organization with two locations.

There will be Oregon Humane Society in Portland and, in Salem, Willamette Humane Society will become Oregon Humane Society-Salem.

"The alignment of our missions and the work that we have already done together sets up perfectly for this next step as WHS becomes part of OHS," WHS Executive Director B.J. Anderson said.

"I anticipate that we'll have even more resources available to care for pets and serve our community."

Anderson will stay on at least until the merger is complete so he can help with the transition. Officials at the agencies say that it could take up to two years for the merger to be finished.

Representatives from the two agencies said that the decision to merge was made after years of discussion and analysis. It is also becoming a more frequently traveled path in the industry.

Washington Humane Society, San Diego Humane Society, and Wisconsin Humane Society have all been through mergers in recent years.

OHS President and CEO Sharon Harmon will hold the same titles for the the merged organization.

"Communities for the two largest metro areas in the state will benefit from the combined experience of some of the most skilled animal welfare professionals in Oregon," she said.

The two organizations have a history of working together.

They've conducted joint investigations into animal neglect cases, they've worked together on crisis response, and have worked together to lobby the state legislature for stricter protections for animals in Oregon.