Jefferson County residents could soon find themselves without a local animal shelter. The organization that operates the county’s animal shelter has warned that without a new contract extension — one that covers its actual operating costs — it will close its doors at the end of June 2026.
“Costs have gone way up. Animals are not being adopted,” the shelter’s leadership has said, according to reporting by Central Oregon Daily News this week.
The shelter, located at 1694 SE McTaggart Road in Madras, provides animal control services for Jefferson County under a subcontract arrangement with the Madras Humane Society. It currently operates Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Contract Dispute
At the center of the dispute is money. The shelter operator, Rockn EZ, reportedly asked for a $120,000 increase to the annual contract to keep pace with rising costs. Jefferson County commissioners, including Commissioner Kelly Simmelink, have said the county cannot afford that increase.
According to reporting by KBND, Simmelink said the group “refused to take less money,” leaving negotiations at an impasse. The county has invited the public to tour the empty shelter as it considers its options.
What Closure Would Mean
If the shelter closes, Jefferson County would need to arrange alternative services for stray and impounded animals. That could mean transporting animals to facilities in Deschutes or Crook counties — adding cost and complexity to animal control calls. Lost pets may be harder for owners to locate. And animals with nowhere to go face uncertain fates.
The closure would also affect the work of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, which uses the shelter as part of its animal control operations. The sheriff’s office can be reached at 541-475-6520 for animal control matters.
What’s Next
Jefferson County commissioners are expected to address the situation in the coming days. Residents who want to weigh in can contact the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners at the county courthouse in Madras or attend an upcoming board meeting.
Anyone looking to adopt an animal before a potential closure can visit the shelter Tuesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., at 1694 SE McTaggart Road, Madras. Call 541-475-6889 for information.