By converting one of its supply closets into a small-mammal adoption room, the Oregon Humane Society created a less stressful environment for smaller pets and attracted new potential adopters.

Rabbits and rodents have it pretty nice at the Oregon Humane Society (OHS). But they haven’t always been so lucky. Not too long ago, these animals were housed in makeshift caging in a drafty area amidst the chaos of barking dogs. Not only was this housing arrangement stressful for the small animals, but the animals “looked like an afterthought,” recalls Carol Shively, director of education for OHS. “That troubled us. We are here to shelter all domestic animals.” So OHS decided to change the way it housed small mammals such as rabbits, hamsters, mice, rats, guinea pigs, and gerbils.

Because OHS has long-range plans to build a new facility, adding onto the current facility wasn’t feasible. So Shively formed a committee to find another solution. The group came up with an ingenious answer: OHS could convert its supply closet into a small-mammal housing and adoption room.

Shively and her committee discussed their plan with board members and staff, overcoming some initial skepticism by explaining how the conversion would work. After getting the executive director’s full support and securing a $2,000 donation from a local pet-supply “superstore,” the committee began turning its dream into reality.

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