Bonnie Hays Animal Shelter in Hillsboro: Adoption, Lost Pets & Humane Help 2026
Use this page like a Washington County animal-services dashboard. Bonnie Hays is the county small-animal shelter in Hillsboro, but its daily role is mainly lost-pet reunification, stray intake, dog licensing, animal enforcement, education and partner placement.
Important adoption reality: Washington County says it does not always offer pet adoptions at Bonnie Hays. When pets are not reclaimed, the shelter often works with partner organizations that run larger adoption programs.
Choose What You Need
- Clickable action cards
- Best route by situation
- Address and walk-in hours
- Adoption reality
- Lost and found pets
- Finder rules and 90-day option
- Stray dog and cat intake
- Reclaim documents and fees
- Dog licensing
- Animal Services officers
- Barking dog and loose dog rules
- Owner rehoming
- Injured, feral or wildlife help
- Donate and volunteer
- Call scripts
- Map
- Official links
- 10 FAQs
Clickable Bonnie Hays / Washington County Animal Help Cards
Tap the action that matches your need. This avoids the biggest mistake: driving to the shelter expecting every service to work like a full public adoption center.
Best Route by Situation
Use this table before you call, drive, or post online.
| Situation | Use this route | What to say or do | Important detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Your pet is missing | Report a Lost Pet + 503-846-7039 | “My pet is missing near [cross streets]. Is a matching animal at Bonnie Hays?” | Update microchip and dog-license contact info immediately. |
| You found a dog | Report found pet; call first | Check tags, use dog license lookup, scan for microchip. | Stray dogs may be brought during open hours without appointment or fee. |
| You found a cat or kitten | Call 503-846-7039 | “I found a [cat/kitten] at [location]. It is [healthy/sick/injured/in danger].” | Cat intake is appointment-only and has a $20 fee per cat. |
| You want to adopt | Pet Adoptions | Check whether Bonnie Hays has a special adoption opportunity or partner route. | Direct adoptions are not always available at the shelter. |
| You need to rehome your pet | Rehoming Resources | Prepare photos, vet records, honest behavior notes and safe adopter screening. | Owner surrenders are not accepted as a normal intake service. |
| Animal cruelty, neglect or unsafe dog | 503-846-7041 | Give your name, address, phone, animal type, location and what you observed. | Immediate-danger cases get higher priority. |
| After-hours emergency assistance | 503-629-0111 | Ask if an officer is available to help. | Use 911 for immediate human emergency. |
Bonnie Hays Address, Walk-In Hours and Contact
The official building/location card is the best source for current walk-in hours and holiday notes.
Address
Bonnie Hays Small Animal Shelter
1901 SE 24th Avenue
Hillsboro, OR 97123
Main phone
Animal Services: 503-846-7041
Lost/found help: 503-846-7039
Walk-in hours
Monday-Friday, 11:00 AM-4:00 PM. The official location card says the shelter is closed most holidays.
Adoption Reality: Is Bonnie Hays a Humane Society Adoption Center?
This is the key distinction for searchers typing “Bonnie L Hays Animal Shelter & Humane Society.”
What the official page says
- Bonnie Hays / Washington County Animal Services focuses on reuniting stray pets with families.
- When reunification is not possible, the shelter often works with partner organizations that have robust adoption programs.
- Because of this, the shelter does not always offer direct pet adoptions on site.
- Direct adoption may happen in special cases, such as special adoption events or if a finder wants to adopt after the legal stray hold.
What adopters should do
- Check the official Pet Adoptions page first.
- Check area shelters and partner adoption organizations.
- Use Petfinder or partner links when Bonnie Hays does not have direct adoptions.
- If you bring in a found pet and want to adopt later, tell staff right away.
- License any new dog living in Washington County.
Lost or Found Pets in Washington County
Fast action matters. Washington County gives different instructions for lost owners, finders, pets with ID and pets without ID.
If your pet is lost
- Check the official lost/stray dog, cat and other-animal links immediately.
- Call 503-846-7039 if your pet may be at Bonnie Hays.
- Report your lost pet online, in person at the shelter or by phone.
- If your dog is licensed in Washington County, confirm your contact info is current.
- Update your pet’s microchip record with the microchip company.
- Talk to neighbors and ask them to check garages, sheds, crawlspaces, yards and hiding spots.
- Use social media, Craigslist, PawBoost, Nextdoor and local lost/found groups.
- Put bright photo flyers at veterinary clinics, groomers, pet stores and neighborhood businesses.
- Check newspapers because finders who keep a pet at home are supposed to publish notice.
If you found a pet
- Assume the animal has a family looking for it.
- Report the found pet online, in person or by calling 503-846-7039.
- Look for a tag and try to contact the owner directly.
- If a dog has a Washington County license tag, use the dog license lookup tool.
- Have the pet scanned for a microchip at the shelter or most veterinary clinics.
- Post flyers, talk to neighbors and post on social media.
- Notify Animal Services if you reunite the pet so the lost/found file can be closed.
Finder Rules: If You Want to Keep or Adopt a Found Pet
Washington County gives a very specific legal path for finders who keep the pet at home instead of bringing it to the shelter.
Report the found pet
Report to Washington County Animal Services online, by phone or in person. This creates an official record that helps the owner find the pet.
Check ID and microchip
Use collar tags, dog-license lookup, microchip scanning and neighborhood checks before assuming the pet is homeless.
Advertise in the newspaper for two weeks
Washington County says the finder should place a classified notice in a general circulation newspaper such as The Oregonian or Pamplin Media.
Care for the pet while searching
Make posters, talk to neighbors, contact other shelters and veterinary clinics, and post on social media.
Care for the pet for 90 days
If you keep the found pet at home, Washington County describes a 90-day care-and-search period while looking for the owner.
Confirm legal ownership after 90 days
At the end of 90 days, contact Animal Services to confirm you are now the legal owner. If the animal is a dog, you will need to buy a dog license.
Bringing an Animal to Bonnie Hays
Stray dog intake and cat intake are not the same. This is where many people waste a trip.
| Animal / situation | Appointment? | Fee? | Official action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stray dog | No appointment needed | No fee | Call 503-846-7039 before bringing the dog; staff may have owner-reunion information. |
| Healthy outdoor cat | Call first | May not be accepted as normal intake | Washington County says taking a healthy outdoor cat to a shelter may separate them from an owner or caretaker. |
| Cat or kitten | Appointment required | $20 per cat | Call 503-846-7039 for instructions. |
| Adult cat sick, injured or in immediate danger | Call first | Ask staff | Call 503-846-7039 and explain the condition and location. |
| Kitten or litter with mom cat | Call first | Ask staff | Call before moving kittens; staff can advise on safest next step. |
| Owner cannot keep pet | Not normal intake | Not listed as intake fee | Washington County says it is unable to take animals owners cannot keep; use rehoming resources. |
Reclaiming Your Pet from Bonnie Hays
If your pet is listed at the shelter, contact Animal Services right away.
Call right away
Call 503-846-7039 and tell staff you believe your pet is at the shelter.
Bring photo ID
Washington County says to bring photo ID for reclaim.
Bring ownership proof
Bring proof such as photos, vet records, microchip documents, license records or adoption paperwork.
Ask exact fees
Call for the current total. Washington County says fee quotes can change daily due to increased boarding fees.
Ask payment options
The county says money should not prevent reunification; talk with staff about payment options.
Update license/microchip
Make sure the dog license and microchip contact information are correct before the next emergency.
Washington County Dog Licensing
Dog licensing is a major service at Bonnie Hays. Cats do not need a Washington County license.
Which dogs need a license?
- All dogs living in Washington County must be licensed.
- Buy a license when the dog is six months old or gets permanent canine teeth, whichever occurs first.
- Buy within 30 days of moving to Washington County.
- Buy immediately when you take ownership of a dog old enough to be licensed.
- Bring rabies certificate and spay/neuter certificate if available.
Dog license fees
| License type | 1 year | 2 year | 3 year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spayed / neutered | $34 | $56 | $78 |
| Intact | $56 | $104 | $150 |
| Owner 65+ with spayed/neutered dog | $24 | $40 | $58 |
A late fee may apply. Replacement tags are listed as $5.
Animal Services Officers: Enforcement and Safety Calls
Washington County Animal Services handles more than shelter intake.
Abuse and neglect
Call 503-846-7041 if an animal may be deprived of food, water, shelter or veterinary care, confined dangerously or injured.
Dangerous dog incidents
Dogs that chase, bite or attack people or animals may be found dangerous and owners may have extra rules and fees.
Loose dogs
Dogs off their property must be on a physical leash seven feet or shorter and controlled by someone strong enough to handle them.
Barking Dog and Loose Dog Rules
This section helps residents avoid calling the wrong route too early.
| Issue | Official threshold / guidance | Best first step | When to call |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barking / whining / howling | Five minutes or more in any 15-minute period may be a nuisance. | Try talking with the neighbor if safe. | If talking or mediation does not work, use the complaint process. |
| Loose dog | Dog must be leashed off its property unless in allowed off-leash settings. | Note exact location, time, dog description and safety risk. | Call Animal Services if a dog is off leash where it should not be. |
| Alone loose dog found by officer | Officer may bring the dog to shelter. | Owner should check Bonnie Hays and call quickly. | Impound and boarding fees may apply. |
| Danger or bite | Public safety issue. | Move away and protect people first. | Use emergency route for immediate danger. |
Owner Rehoming: What to Do Instead of Surrender
Washington County says it is unable to take animals that owners cannot keep and need to find a new home for, so owners should use rehoming resources.
Start early
Do not wait until the last day. Rehoming safely takes time.
Gather real records
Prepare vaccine records, spay/neuter status, microchip info, medication, diet, behavior notes and bite history if any.
Use honest photos and description
Include age, size, activity level, house training, litter habits, other-pet history, kid history and known triggers.
Screen the new home
Ask where the animal will live, who will provide care, vet plan, landlord approval and what happens if the match fails.
Use a written transfer
Document the transfer, include records, and update the microchip and dog license if applicable.
Never abandon
Abandonment can lead to citation and can put the animal at risk of injury or death.
Injured, Feral, Community Cat or Wildlife Help
Not every animal belongs at Bonnie Hays. Use the right route.
Injured domestic pet
If you find an injured domestic pet, call Animal Services at 503-846-7041.
Feral/community cats
Washington County points caretakers of unowned feral cats toward the Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon for spay/neuter and care advice.
Wildlife
For wildlife, use Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife or pest-control guidance depending on the issue. Bonnie Hays is a small-animal shelter, not a wildlife center.
Donate, Volunteer and Support Bonnie Hays
If you want to help, use the official donation, wish list and volunteer pages.
Financial donations
Washington County says financial donations are generally the most helpful and can support animals at Bonnie Hays.
Wish List
The shelter maintains an Amazon Wish List with items it can use. Call or email if a receipt is important because donor details may not always come through clearly.
Volunteer
Use the official volunteer page or Animal Services Academy route to learn how Washington County onboards community helpers.
Copy/Paste Call Scripts
Lost pet
Hi, my [dog/cat/other pet] is missing near [cross streets]. Description: [color/sex/collar/microchip]. Is a matching animal at Bonnie Hays, and can I file/update a lost report?Found dog
Hi, I found a dog near [exact location]. It is [safe/injured/aggressive]. It has [tag/no tag]. Should I bring it to Bonnie Hays, use license lookup, or wait for an officer?Found cat or kittens
Hi, I found [a cat/kittens] at [location]. They are [healthy/sick/injured/in danger]. I understand cat intake is appointment-only. What should I do next?Reclaim
Hi, I believe my pet is at the shelter. I have photo ID and proof of ownership. Can you confirm the reclaim process and current fees before I come?Dog licensing
Hi, I need to license my dog in Washington County. I have rabies proof and [spay/neuter certificate if available]. What is the best way to complete the license?Concern about animal welfare
Hi, I am concerned about an animal at [address/location]. The animal is [description], and I observed [food/water/shelter/injury/neglect concern]. What information do you need?Map: Bonnie Hays Small Animal Shelter
Use this map for the official Hillsboro shelter location. Call first for lost/found, cat intake, adoption availability or time-sensitive reclaim.
Official Bonnie Hays / Washington County Animal Links
The important details are already summarized above. Use these official pages for live forms, current hours, service changes and final verification.
Bonnie Hays Animal Shelter FAQ
Where is Bonnie Hays Small Animal Shelter located?
Bonnie Hays Small Animal Shelter is located at 1901 SE 24th Avenue, Hillsboro, OR 97123.
What is the main phone number for Washington County Animal Services?
The main Washington County Animal Services phone number listed by the county is 503-846-7041.
What number should I call for a lost or found pet?
For lost or found pet help, Washington County lists 503-846-7039.
What are Bonnie Hays walk-in hours?
The official Washington County location card lists walk-in hours Monday through Friday from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with the shelter closed most holidays.
Does Bonnie Hays always offer pet adoptions?
No. Washington County says Bonnie Hays does not always offer pet adoptions at the shelter and often works with partner organizations that have adoption programs.
How long does Bonnie Hays hold lost pets?
Washington County says lost pets without identification are held for three business days, while lost pets with identification such as a microchip, name tag or dog license tag are held for seven business days.
Can I bring a stray dog to Bonnie Hays without an appointment?
Yes. Washington County says no appointment is needed to bring a stray dog to the shelter and there is no fee, but it encourages calling 503-846-7039 before bringing the dog in.
Can I bring a found cat or kitten to Bonnie Hays?
Cat intake is limited. Washington County says cat intake is by appointment only and there is a $20 fee per cat, so call 503-846-7039 before bringing a cat or kittens.
Do dogs need a license in Washington County?
Yes. Washington County says all dogs living in the county must be licensed. Cats are not required to be licensed.
Can I surrender my pet to Bonnie Hays?
Washington County says it is unable to take animals that owners cannot keep and need to find a new home for. Owners should use the county’s rehoming resources and should not abandon pets.
Animal Shelter Action Planner: Lost Pet, Found Pet, Adoption, Reclaim & Surrender Helper
Use this free tool to create a practical next-step plan before visiting or contacting an animal shelter, humane society, rescue, or animal control agency. It does not search a live shelter database, but it helps you prepare the right documents, questions, safety steps, and official-source searches.
Build a USA-wide shelter action plan
Select your situation and location. The tool will create a general action plan, search links, call questions, and a copyable checklist.
Lost pet recovery checklist
Check the steps you have completed. This helps you stay organized during the first urgent hours and days.
Found pet safety decision helper
Use this when you find a stray or loose pet and need a safe next step.
Adoption readiness checker
This helps adopters prepare before visiting a shelter or rescue. It is not a guarantee of approval.
Pet reclaim document checklist
If your pet may be at a shelter, prepare proof before visiting. Exact requirements and fees vary by agency.
Owner surrender preparation helper
Surrender rules vary. Many shelters require appointments, proof of residence, behavior/medical information, and may offer alternatives.
Animal control contact decision helper
Choose the situation and get a general USA-wide contact path. Local rules may differ.
Adoption and first-month budget planner
This is a planning guide, not a shelter fee database. Always confirm adoption fees and included services with the shelter.
Your generated shelter plan
Your action plan, search links, call script, checklist, or budget guide will appear here.
Start with the Planner tab
Select your state, city/county/ZIP, pet type, and goal. The tool will create a practical USA-wide shelter action plan.
Privacy note: this tool runs in your browser. It does not send your entries to animal-shelter.org.