Polk County Animal Services Adoption

What You Can Do to Find Your Lost Pet:

Immediately file a “Lost Animal” report online or at the shelter. (Sorry, we cannot take reports over the phone.) It is extremely important to come to the shelter, or file a report ASAP, as stray animals are sheltered for one to five days while we try to locate their owner. If the animal is not claimed, he/she will be evaluated for adoption, transferred, or even possibly humanely euthanized.

• Bring in a recent photo of the missing animal, if possible.
• Visit the shelter every 2-3 days to view the animals in stray holding.

Don’t see your pet? Here are some other ideas to help locate your lost pet:

• Go door to door in your neighborhood.
• Buy fragrant, high value food to lure your pet to you if in the vicinity.
• Call local veterinarians.
• Post flyers in your neighborhood, at pet supply stores, in local veterinary clinics, and on any local bulletin boards at stores, schools, etc.
• Check the classified ads in the Statesman Journal and/or other local paper.
• Place a “Lost” classified ad in the Statesman Journal and/or other local paper.

Important phone numbers

Marion County Dog Control 503-588-5366
Polk County Sheriff’s Office 503-623-9251
Monmouth Dog Control 503-838-0722
Stayton Police Department 503-769-3421
Woodburn Dog Control 503-982-5243

A note about stray holding time

Typically, dogs remain in stray holding for three (without identification) to five days (with id), giving their owner time to claim them. Cats usually remain in stray holding for 24 hours. From there, the animal is evaluated for adoption by our exam staff. If the animal meets temperament and behavior standards, the animal will be moved to our Adoption kennels.

If an animal has been in stray holding for more than five days, most likely the animal is waiting to be picked-up by a rescue organization or transferred to another animal shelter. Until an animal is moved to the adoption kennels, adoption staff will not be able to provide additional information to the public.