Oregon Humane Society
Accredited Charity
Meets Standards
Accredited Charity
Meets Standards
Standards Legend
- Meets Standards
- Standards Not Met
- Did Not Disclose
- Review In Progress
- Unable to Verify
Standards For Charity Accountability
Governance
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Board Oversight
Oversight of Operations and Staff: Standard 1
Description
Organizations shall have a board of directors that provides adequate oversight of the charity's operations and its staff. Indication of adequate oversight includes, but is not limited to, regularly scheduled appraisals of the CEO's performance, evidence of disbursement controls such as board approval of the budget, fundraising practices, establishment of a conflict of interest policy, and establishment of accounting procedures sufficient to safeguard charity finances.The organization meets this standard.
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Board Size
Number of Board Members: Standard 2
Description
Soliciting organizations shall have a board of directors with a minimum of five voting members.The organization meets this standard.
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Board Meetings
Frequency and Attendance of Board Meetings: Standard 3
Description
An organization shall have a minimum of three evenly spaced meetings per year of the full governing body with a majority in attendance, with face-to-face participation. A conference call of the full board can substitute for one of the three meetings of the governing body. For all meetings, alternative modes of participation are acceptable for those with physical disabilities.The organization meets this standard.
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Board Compensation
Compensated Board Members: Standard 4
Description
Not more than one or 10% (whichever is greater) directly or indirectly compensated person(s) serving as voting member(s) of the board. Compensated members shall not serve as the board's chair or treasurer.The organization meets this standard.
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Conflict of Interest
Conflict of Interest: Standard 5
Description
No transaction(s) in which any board or staff members have material conflicting interests with the charity resulting from any relationship or business affiliation. Factors that will be considered when concluding whether or not a related party transaction constitutes a conflict of interest and if such a conflict is material, include, but are not limited to: any arm's length procedures established by the charity; the size of the transaction relative to like expenses of the charity; whether the interested party participated in the board vote on the transaction; if competitive bids were sought and whether the transaction is one-time, recurring or ongoing.The organization meets this standard.
Measuring Effectiveness
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Effectiveness Policy
Board Policy on Effectiveness: Standard 6
Description
Have a board policy of assessing, no less than every two years, the organization's performance and effectiveness and of determining future actions required to achieve its mission.The organization meets this standard.
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Effectiveness Report
Board Approval of Written Report on Effectiveness: Standard 7
Description
Submit to the organization's governing body, for its approval, a written report that outlines the results of the aforementioned performance and effectiveness assessment and recommendations for future actions.The organization meets this standard.
Finances
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Program Expenses
Program Service Expense Ratio: Standard 8
Description
Spend at least 65% of its total expenses on program activities.The organization meets this standard.
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Fundraising Expenses
Fundraising Expense Ratio: Standard 9
Description
Spending should be no more than 35% of related contributions on fundraising. Related contributions include donations, legacies, and other gifts received as a result of fundraising efforts.The organization meets this standard.
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Accumulating Funds
Ending Net Assets: Standard 10
Description
Avoid accumulating funds that could be used for current program activities. To meet this standard, the charity's unrestricted net assets available for use should not be more than three times the size of the past year's expenses or three times the size of the current year's budget, whichever is higher.The organization meets this standard.
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Audit Report
Financial Statements: Standard 11
Description
Make available to all, on request, complete annual financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. When total annual gross income exceeds $1 million, these statements should be audited in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. For charities whose annual gross income is less than $1 million, a review by a certified public accountant is sufficient to meet this standard. For charities whose annual gross income is less than $250,000, an internally produced, complete financial statement is sufficient to meet this standard.The organization meets this standard.
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Detailed Expense Breakdown
Detailed Functional Breakdown of Expenses: Standard 12
Description
Include in the financial statements a breakdown of expenses (e.g., salaries, travel, postage, etc.) that shows what portion of these expenses was allocated to program, fundraising, and administrative activities. If the charity has more than one major program category, the schedule should provide a breakdown for each category.The organization meets this standard.
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Accurate Expense Reporting
Accuracy of Expenses in Financial Statements: Standard 13
Description
Accurately report the charity's expenses, including any joint cost allocations, in its financial statements. For example, audited or unaudited statements which inaccurately claim zero fundraising expenses or otherwise understate the amount a charity spends on fundraising, and/or overstate the amount it spends on programs will not meet this standard.The organization meets this standard.
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Budget Plan
Budget: Standard 14
Description
Have a board-approved annual budget for its current fiscal year, outlining projected expenses for major program activities, fundraising, and administration.The organization meets this standard.
Fundraising & Info
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Truthful Materials
Misleading Appeals: Standard 15
Description
Have solicitations and informational materials, distributed by any means, that are accurate, truthful and not misleading, both in whole and in part. Appeals that omit a clear description of program(s) for which contributions are sought will not meet this standard. A charity should also be able to substantiate that the timing and nature of its expenditures are in accordance with what is stated, expressed, or implied in the charity's solicitations.The organization meets this standard.
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Annual Report
Annual Report: Standard 16
Description
Have an annual report available to all, on request, that includes: (a) the organization's mission statement, (b) a summary of the past year's program service accomplishments, (c) a roster of the officers and members of the board of directors, (d) financial information that includes (i) total income in the past fiscal year, (ii) expenses in the same program, fundraising and administrative categories as in the financial statements, and (iii) ending net assets.The organization meets this standard.
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Website Disclosures
Web Site Disclosures: Standard 17
Description
Include on any charity websites that solicit contributions, the same information that is recommended for annual reports, as well as the mailing address of the charity and electronic access to its most recent IRS Form 990.The organization meets this standard.
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Donor Privacy
Privacy for Written Appeals & Internet Privacy: Standard 18
Description
Address privacy concerns of donors by (a) providing in written appeals, at least annually, a means (e.g., such as a check off box) for both new and continuing donors to inform the charity if they do not want their name and address shared outside the organization, (b) providing a clear, prominent and easily accessible privacy policy on any of its websites that tells visitors (i) what information, if any, is being collected about them by the charity and how this information will be used, (ii) how to contact the charity to review personal information collected and request corrections, (iii) how to inform the charity (e.g., a check off box) that the visitor does not wish his/her personal information to be shared outside the organization, and (iv) what security measures the charity has in place to protect personal information.The organization meets this standard.
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Cause Marketing Disclosures
Cause Related Marketing: Standard 19
Description
Clearly disclose how the charity benefits from the sale of products or services (i.e., cause-related marketing) that state or imply that a charity will benefit from a consumer sale or transaction. Such promotions should disclose, at the point of solicitation: (a) the actual or anticipated portion of the purchase price that will benefit the charity (e.g., 5 cents will be contributed to abc charity for every xyz company product sold), (b) the duration of the campaign (e.g., the month of October), (c) any maximum or guaranteed minimum contribution amount (e.g., up to a maximum of $200,000).The organization meets this standard.
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Complaints
Complaints: Standard 20
Description
Respond promptly to and act on complaints brought to its attention by the BBB Wise Giving Alliance and/or local Better Business Bureaus about fundraising practices, privacy policy violations and/or other issues.The organization meets this standard.
Conclusion
Oregon Humane Society meets the 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.
Purpose
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Year, State Incorporated
1868, OR
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Stated Purpose
The mission of Oregon Humane Society is to foster an environment of respect, responsibility, and compassion for all animals through education, legislation, and leadership. To care for the homeless, to defend the abused, and to fight with unrelenting diligence for recognition of the integrity of all animals.
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Also Known As:
Humane Society Of Oregon, Oregon Humane, The Oregon Humane Society, Oregon Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Portland Humane Society, SPCA, The Oregon SPCA
Programs
OHS is the largest humane society in the Northwest andadopts more animals from its Portland shelter than any other single-facilityshelter on the West Coast. OHS puts no time limits on how long animals remainat the shelter—a pet stays available for adoption for as long as needed to finda loving home. If a pet in the care of OHS needs medical attention, the OHSveterinary hospital provides the pet with same level of care you would wantyour own pet to receive. OHS is located in NE Portland, with a state-of-the-artanimal shelter, veterinary hospital, and behavior facility. The current 46,000sq. footshelter opened in 2000 and can care for 92 small animals, 120cats and 120 dogs. The shelter features outdoor exercise areas and an extensivedog path through a wooded wetland.Sheltering and Adoptions – The Oregon Humane Societycontinues to maintain one of the highest save rates in the country – 11,712total adoptions for 2019. The animalsthat found new homes constitute an overall 98% save rate. Through the Second Chance Program, theSociety saves more lives by accepting animals from shelters and animal controlagencies across Oregon, California, Washington, Texas, Hawaii, andLouisiana. These shelters usually facethe dual problem of too many abandoned animals and too few adopters. In 2019, 7,834 animals were accepted from 75organizations.Low and No-Cost Spay & Neuter Services:The Spay & Saveprogram offers low and no-cost spay/neuter surgeries for cats owned bylow-income residents in the greater Portland metropolitan area. Spay &Save’s focus at present is on altering cats, as this is the greatest area ofneed in the community.OHS Humane Education:OHS Humane Educators provide a variety ofopportunities for school-aged youth to learn about humane treatment of animals.-Classroom presentations (Grades K-12): OHS Humane Educators can visityour school, often with a canine work partner, and give a short presentation tostudents.-After-school clubs: (Grades 3-8): Clubs at OHS are a popular activityfor youths looking to spend time helping at the shelter.-Tours & field trips: (Ages five and up):Educational tours ofthe shelter are available for small groups of youths or adults.-Summer camp:OHS offers educational day camps for youths during thesummer months. Eligible campers are grades 3-7; counselors must be grades 8-12.-Poster & Story Contest (Grades 1-12):This annual contestoffers students a chance to share their drawing and writing skills as well astheir love for pets.Investigations and Rescue:The Society has three Humane Special Agentswho are commissioned by the Superintendent of State Police to enforce Oregon’stough animal cruelty laws. The Societyhas officers in the field seven days a week, handling a variety of animal welfarecomplaints. In 2019, they traveledacross Oregon to investigate 239 new cases of animal cruelty, leading to 115animals being seized or removed from harm’s way and 4 criminal cases. They also assisted law enforcement agenciesand veterinary forensic services 80 times. There were 2,648 calls and e-mail messages to the Society’s crueltycomplaint line and web site. TheSociety’s goal is to save lives and enhance the relationship between people andtheir pets, while ensuring that the roughly two million pets in the region areprotected from abuse or neglect.Emergency Animal Rescue (OHSTAR):Contact the OHS Technical AnimalRescue Team (OHSTAR) when your pet is trapped or stranded and needs help tosurvive. OHSTAR members with animal first-aid and rescue training are availableto respond to animal rescue situations that require technical skills in thePortland metropolitan area and adjoining counties. For animal emergenciesneeding cliff rescue, water rescue, and other urgent situations, OHSTAR respondsdirectly to the incident site. OHSTAR members with animal first-aid and rescuetraining are available to respond to animal rescue situations that requiretechnical skills in the Portland metropolitan area and adjoining counties. Foranimal emergencies needing cliff rescue, water rescue, and other urgentsituations, OHSTAR responds directly to the incident site. Trained OHSTARvolunteers perform these types of rescues:- Evacuating injured pets from wilderness areas.- Retrieving pets stranded on cliff sides, river banks, and other areas andstructures that can only be accessed safely using ropes, climbing equipment andother technical rescue equipment.- Extricating animals trapped in enclosed spaces whose lives are in danger.Behavior and Training: OHS offered 207 public training classes and 1,557people attended Oregon Humane Society classes and consultations. 22 dogs and 42cats were helped through the Behavior Modification Program. OHS offers a free behaviorhelp line and 2,023 phone calls and emails were handled by the team.Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT): AAT provides medicaland emotional benefits to patients through teams of trained animals and theirhuman partners. The Society’s AAT schoolprepares individuals and their animals to take the national AAT evaluationexam. There were 144 people who attendedAAT classes and 89 people and their dogs were evaluated to be Pet Partners.Pet Memorials:OHS offers several options for a final resting placefor your pet:- Animal Cemetery and Mausoleum:If you prefer not to have your petcremated, the OHS Animal Mausoleum provides above-ground placement options. Youmay provide a coffin, favorite blanket or receptacle of your choice. Manypeople also choose to include a special toy, bowl, or photo. We require aminimum of three days to prepare for an interment. The Mausoleum has single ordouble interment options. Fees start at $850. A Mausoleum service includeseuthanasia, crypt choice, interment, flower vase, and plaque.- Euthanasia and General Cremations:When it is time to have your peteuthanized, OHS suggests you use your regular veterinarian. However, if you dochoose OHS’ euthanasia service (fees vary), their licensed technicians use thesame painless procedure as a veterinarian. Generally, all animals euthanized atthe shelter are cremated, but we can accommodate other arrangements if notifiedahead of time. OHS knows this is a difficult time for pet lovers, and you canbe assured that you and your pet will be treated with dignity and respect. Feesrange from $40 to $200, depending on the animal’s weight.- Private Cremations:Private cremations are scheduled as soon aspossible, but may take up to two weeks, depending on the number of otherrequests at the time. If you decide to have your pet’s remains returned, wewill provide an urn, but you are welcome to furnish a receptacle of your own.Fees range from $100 to $250, depending on the animal’s weight.- Columbarium:You may wish to have your pet’s cremated remains placed inour columbarium. Columbarium spaces can accommodate up to three pets. Placementin the columbarium includes euthanasia, urn placement, plaque, and flower vase.Cremation fees are not included with this service. Fee: $850.- Pet Cemetery:The OHS animal cemetery and memorial grounds offer atranquil place for quiet reflection. You are welcome to visit any time duringnormal shelter operating hours.Best Friends' Corner (BFC):This OHS store offer everything yourpet needs—from food to bedding, toys and more—as well as gifts for the animallover in your life. All store items are competitively priced. They also featuremany products, such as pet collars and pet furniture, that are made locally andfrom recycled materials. 100% of store proceeds go to help animals at OHS andmembers of OHS get a 10% store discount.
For the year ended December 31, 2019, Oregon Humane Society program expenses were:
| Sheltering and adoptions | $6,433,205 |
| Medical services | $2,848,809 |
| Community awareness | $1,476,206 |
| Humane education | $314,653 |
| Investigations and rescue | $994,927 |
| Best Friends’ Corner | $316,400 |
| Volunteers | $375,676 |
| Behavior, training, and animal-assisted interactions | $831,976 |
| ASAP/Spay & Save | $250,936 |
| Program Expenses | $13,842,788 |
Governance & Staff
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CEO
Mrs. Sharon Harmon, President/Executive Director
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Compensation*
¤0.00
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Board Chair
Mr. Dave S Hansen, SVP, Columbia/Willamette Market Region
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Chair's Profession / Business Affiliation
Columbia State Bank
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Board Size
22
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Paid Staff Size
170
Fundraising
Method(s) Used:
Direct mail appeals, Invitations to fundraising events, Television, Grant proposals, Internet, Planned giving arrangements, Cause-related marketing (affinity credit cards, consumer product sales, etc.), Membership appeals, Appeals via Social Media (Facebook, etc.), Solicitations for Used Cars.
% of Related Contributions on Fundraising: 13.91%
Tax Status
This organization is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. It is eligible to receive contributions deductible as charitable donations for federal income tax purposes.
Financial
The following information is based on Oregon Humane Society's Audited financial statements for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2019
| Source of Funds | |
|---|---|
| Grants and contributions | $7,917,359 |
| Legacies and bequests | $7,325,211 |
| Sales and program fees, less cost of sales of $407,944 | $3,477,441 |
| Operating investment return | $2,898,856 |
| Contributions restricted for capital purposes | $2,412,871 |
| Endowment and board-designated investment return, less appropriations for expenditure | $2,288,428 |
| Special events, less direct costs of $601,629 | $1,248,349 |
| Appropriation of endowment and Board-designated assets for expenditure | $628,566 |
| Rental income | $382,352 |
| Change in the value of the Society's beneficial interest in charitable trusts | $183,215 |
| Other | $89,827 |
| Change in the actuarial value of liabilities under split-interest agreements | $-21,136 |
| Total Income | $28,831,339 |
Breakdown of Expenses
| Total Income | $28,831,339 |
| Total Expenses: | $18,538,899 |
| Program Expenses | $13,842,788 |
| Fundraising Expenses | $2,628,698 |
| Administrative Expenses | $2,067,413 |
| Other Expenses | $0 |
| Income in Excess of Expenses | $10,292,440 |
| Beginning Net Assets | $71,151,806 |
| Other Changes In Net Assets | $0 |
| Ending Net Assets | $81,444,246 |
| Total Liabilities | $3,012,034 |
| Total Assets | $84,456,280 |
An organization may change its practices at any time without notice. A copy of this report has been shared with the organization prior to publication. It is not intended to recommend or deprecate, and is furnished solely to assist you in exercising your own judgment. If the report is about a charity and states the charity meets or does not meet the Standards for Charity Accountability, it reflects the results of an evaluation of information and materials provided voluntarily by the charity. The name Better Business Bureau ® is a registered service mark of International Association of Better Business Bureaus.
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