SALEM -- Oregon's official pet would be rescue dogs and cats under a measure being considered by the Legislature.  

2022 Oregon Kid Governor Emerie Martin says making rescue dogs and cats the official state pet would increase awareness, “By making shelter dogs and cats Oregon’s official pet, we are putting them front and center and promoting the adoption of these animals.”

State Representative David Gomberg (D-Central Coast) says lots of Oregonians have pets, many adopted from rescue shelters, “We want to honor that very special relationship between Oregonians and their pets. And we want to honor those pets, as well, many of whom have been through a difficult pathway on their way to finding a forever home and have shown resilience along the way.”

More than 40,000 dogs and cats entered Oregon shelters last year, and most were adopted.  State Senator Janeen Sollman (D-Hillsboro) says the goal is to get more rescue pets adopted, “This bill will help raise public awareness for shelter animals and many shelters around the state of Oregon.” Sollman notes 625 dogs and cats were euthanized last year at shelters, and if more animals are adopted that number would decline.