Clear the Shelters: Highlighting the Humane Society of the Ochocos in Prineville

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) - KTVZ is partnering with NBC for Clear the Shelters, a nationwide campaign that promotes pet adoption and supports animal shelters across the country.

Throughout the month, we're highlighting local shelters and the different ways Central Oregonians can help animals in need.

For decades, the Humane Society of the Ochocos has helped cats and dogs find their forever homes, despite operating for years in a building originally intended to serve only as a temporary shelter.

“It was hard,” Executive Director Chanda Wallace said. “Fosters — we were doubled up in kennels everywhere. It was hard, and we’re still full even with the new shelter.”

Despite its limited space, the Humane Society became Central Oregon’s first no-kill shelter in 2006. That commitment gives every animal the time it needs to find the right family.

For Banner, the wait has lasted more than eight years, making him the shelter’s longest-term resident.

“We do spoil them while they’re here,” Wallace said. “It is sad that they don’t have a home, but they do believe that this is their home.”

The shelter opened a new dog wing in 2025, but the additional kennels are already full.

Through the Clear the Shelters campaign, staff members hope more people will make the trip to Prineville, and perhaps meet their new best friend.

This month, the shelter is offering buy-one, get-one-free cat adoptions and spin-the-wheel discounts on dog adoptions.

Those who are unable to adopt can still help by donating, volunteering or fostering an animal.