A proposed budget cut in Multnomah County is raising concerns about the future of emergency veterinary care for stray and lost animals. According to DoveLewis Animal hospital, the current proposal could eliminate funding for emergency veterinary care between 5 p.m. and 8 a.m.

A spokesperson for DoveLewis stated that without the funding, they would be unable to provide overnight care.

Tess Payne, Director of Community Engagement at DoveLewis, said, “Without Multnomah county’s funding, we won’t be able to offer that service overnight to animals found in Multnomah county, and that could mean that 500 animals next year go without medical care when they do need it most. Right now, we offer medical care to lost and stray animals who are in need of it, so that they can get stable and hopefully go on to be reunited with thier families.”

The potential loss of these services has been met with resistance from animal advocates.

Kiki Kinney, an animal advocate, said, “A lot of times, strays and lost dogs are coming in at all hours of the day, so that services needs to be available for people who find a dog, especially if they’re injured.”

Kinney reflected on her rescue puppy, Cate, and the care she required.

“But,had it been past five or six [p.m.] I don’t know what I could have done, honestly,” said Kinney.

Amendment Proposed to Restore Funding

Multnomah County Commissioner Julia Brim-Edwards has introduced an amendment aimed at preserving funding for dovelewis’ emergency services.

“I’m optimistic that we’ll be able to restore those services again,” said Commissioner Brim-Edwards. “To me, it would be heartbreaking to say we’re going to let that animal have to wait until the morning time to get some sort of care.”

commissioner Brim-Edwards hopes to reallocate funds from vacant county positions to maintain these vital services.

“To me, it would be heartbreaking to say we’re going to let that animal have to wait until the morning time to get some sort of care.”

A county spokesperson addressed the potential changes, stating:

“Like everyone who owns pets in this country, we, too, face the rising costs of veterinary care. We also have more pets in shelter than ever who need medical care, and more pets who need to be spayed or neutered prior to adoption.”

“To meet these needs, Animal Services has proposed hiring additional veterinarians at the Troutdale Shelter. we’re also budgeting $203,150 for DoveLewis Emergency Animal Hospital’s emergency medical services.”

“This means we are transitioning away from post-adoption spay and neuter surgeries that are conducted by multiple veterinary providers in the community through the voucher programme, and reducing some of the emergency services provided by DoveLewis for found animals after-hours.”

“We’re also eliminating after-hours emergency response by a contractor. While our after-hours contractor has assisted with transportation in some cases, foster caretakers are expected to provide a consistent means of transportation as part of their standard responsibilities.”

“in the face of a vrey tough budget, MCAS is prioritizing the services it is indeed required to provide by law and by county ordinance.The services being reduced do not fall within that scope nor are they provided by other regional jurisdictions.”

“For adopters with current spay & neuter vouchers, Multnomah County Animal Services and its contracted veterinary providers will continue to honor those issued vouchers, which are valid for one year after the adoption date up through and until June 30, 2026.”

The Multnomah County Board of Commissioners is scheduled to vote on the budget on june 12th.