Multnomah County Pauses Dog Intake and Adoptions Amid Canine Illness Outbreak

Deadly "Strep Zoo" respiratory illness forces temporary closure at local animal shelter

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Multnomah County Animal Services has temporarily closed its dog adoption and intake programs as the organization works to manage an outbreak of a dangerous canine respiratory illness known as "Strep Zoo" (SZ). The contagious bacterial infection causes rapid-onset, often fatal pneumonia in dogs, and two dogs have already died from the disease at the shelter.

Why it matters

The outbreak at Multnomah County Animal Services highlights the serious risks posed by highly contagious diseases that can spread quickly through animal populations, especially in shelter environments. The temporary closure of intake and adoptions aims to prevent further spread and protect the health and safety of all pets in the shelter's care.

The details

Per standard protocol, the Multnomah County Animal Services facility went under quarantine effective immediately after notifying state veterinary officials of the SZ outbreak. The shelter is ramping up disinfection efforts and providing more frequent veterinary checkups for the animals in their care. While owners can still reclaim lost pets, it is highly recommended that those pets receive extra veterinary care after returning home.

  • The outbreak was reported on February 13, 2026.

The players

Multnomah County Animal Services

The local animal shelter that has temporarily closed its dog adoption and intake programs due to the Strep Zoo outbreak.

Margi Bradway

The director of the Multnomah County Department of Community Services, who stated the organization is treating the situation with "the utmost urgency."

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What they’re saying

“We are treating this situation with the utmost urgency. Our team began shifting resources and responding immediately, and we remain fully committed to the safety of every pet in our care and the health of the broader community.”

— Margi Bradway, Director, Multnomah County Department of Community Services (kgw.com)

What’s next

Officials are asking the community to help support their efforts by networking with neighbors to find lost pets, offering community-based sheltering for found pets, and immediately filing "Found Pet Reports" when animals are discovered. Local veterinarians can also provide microchip checks to help reunite pets with their owners.

The takeaway

The Strep Zoo outbreak at Multnomah County Animal Services underscores the critical importance of disease prevention and response protocols in animal shelters to protect the health and safety of all pets in their care. The community's cooperation in locating and sheltering lost animals can also play a vital role in limiting the spread of contagious illnesses.