The Humane Society of Central Oregon has a long history of winning multiple “Best of Central Oregon” categories, which shelter managers say is a tribute to the public.
“This community cares so deeply about animals and I am just astounded every time the community shows up in so many ways. We see that by people coming in to adopt animals. We see it by people bringing in donations, not only monetary donations but donations for our animals,” says HSCO Director of Philanthropy and Communications, Bekka Austin.
About 1,400 animals are adopted each year through the shelter which includes dogs, cats and small animals like rabbits, gerbils and guinea pigs. Its Veterinary Outreach Clinics also travel around Central Oregon providing discounted rates to people in need for services like vaccinations, exams, microchips and spay/neuter services. The shelter also reunites lost animals with their owners.
It’s a big responsibility, with big challenges. The nonprofit is celebrating its 65th anniversary, but the road there was no easy feat.
“Since 1961 we’ve gone through some rough times, but the board and the staff and everyone has just been so committed that we provide such essential and vital services to the community that we worked our butts off to make sure that we could raise the funds and keep the doors open,” says HSCO Director of Community Partnerships Lynne Ouchida.
She credits the more than a decade of wins as Best Nonprofit, Best Fundraiser and Best Thrift Store to the relationships and reputations HSCO has nurtured over the years.
“People know that we’re here to support the animals and their owners. I think we’ve been able to establish a lot of trust within that time,” Ouchida adds. To survive financially, the shelter relies on fundraisers, like Tuxes and Tails and the Pup Crawl.
The thrift store on SE Third Street has also provided a lifeline, bringing in $1.4 million a year in gross revenue. Ouchida says the store has a similar mission — rehoming something that still has value. It also fills a need during an economic downturn, often seeing a spike in business when people seek more affordable items. Shoppers can find clothing, household items, furniture, books, pet items, pottery and so much more.
Volunteers play a significant role in caring for animals at the shelter, sorting items at the thrift store and acting as foster homes when the shelter has more animals than space or those who need round-the-clock care. HSCO is also involved with mass rescues, defined as 10 or more animals, usually in partnership with law enforcement. Some recent high-profile cases involved more than 30 dogs each.
“In those times of crisis is when we’ve been able to activate our adult dog foster program,” Austin says. “Most of our fosters right now are kittens, very young bottle baby kittens.”
The shelter is always in need of more foster families. Training and supplies are provided.
It’s also hosting an open house on Aug. 29 for its annual Clear the Shelters campaign.
“We’re a voice for the animals and we’re a place for the people to turn to for those animals who don’t have a voice,” Ouchida says. “They can’t provide for themselves. They do need our support.”
Runner-Ups:
Best Nonprofit Serving Animal Welfare: Street Dog Hero
Best Fundraiser: Kids Center: Cork & Barrell
Best Thrift Store: REgroup Thrift Store
Humane Society of Central Oregon
Tue-Sat 10am-5:30pm
61170 SE 27th St, Bend
541-382-3537
hsco.org
HSCO Thrift Store
Daily 10am-6pm
61220 S. Highway 97, Bend
541-388-3448
This article appears in Best of Central Oregon 2026 and the Source August 13, 2026.
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