With regard to how OHS compares and differs with county animal control agencies in Oregon, OHS operates the largest animal shelter facility enabling us to place more homeless animals. Both also place pets into new, loving homes. The difference between OHS and animal control agencies lies in the focus of each organization's protection arm. Your local animal control agency is generally charged with the duty of protecting you from animals. They are the ones you call when a dog is running at large or barking too much.
Animal control is also the agency that deals with vicious dog bites or attacks.
The license your pet wears comes from your local animal control agency and you'd visit their shelter if your pet were lost. Most animal control agencies are also the ones you contact if there is a dead animal in your yard, road, or neighborhood. The Oregon Humane Society works to ensure quality lives for all animals. Our main concern is for the well being of the animal. The Oregon Humane Society's Investigations Department works throughout the state, many times assisting local law enforcement agencies including animal control, looking into allegations of animal abuse or neglect with the emphasis being on making the conditions better for the animal - whether that includes providing education for the owner or removal of the animal.