About Us

Pictured: NWAC volunteers Beth and Ami with two of our rescued kittens

Northwest Animal Companions is a 20-year-old, no-kill animal rescue located in the Portland metropolitan area of Oregon.

Our 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization was founded in 2004 when a group of independent animal rescuers decided to pool their resources and talents for the benefit of all dogs and cats in their care. They opened their homes and hearts to create an organization where animals could have the best possible quality of life.

To this day, NWAC is completely volunteer-run, relying on loving foster homes for our animals in rescue and donations to cover the needs of those animals. With very minimal overhead costs, we channel donations toward veterinary care, spaying/neutering, grooming, nutrition, and enrichment for animals in foster, then find them permanent, loving homes.

Our Mission

To ensure respectful and humane treatment of animals by providing assistance, rescuing and educational services; bringing people and animals together to enrich each other’s lives through adoption and companionship; and creating a society in which all animals’ inherent value is recognized.

Our Board

The NWAC board is made up of hard-working, experienced animal rescuers and animal care professionals, all of whom are also foster volunteers for the organization.

Our Status

NWAC is a nonprofit organization exempt from federal taxes under U.S. Internal Revenue Code 501(c)(3). Contributions are tax deductible. Our employer identification number (EIN) is 02-0714780.

Our Policies

NWAC is an organization founded on values of kindness, compassion, respect, and understanding for people and animals. Any person or animal who interacts with our organization is treated according to these values.

NWAC volunteers graciously donate their time and skills to serve animals in need. Disrespect, harassment, intimidation, and threats to the safety and well-being of volunteers or animals will not be tolerated. Any adoption applicant who exhibits such behavior at any point in the adoption process will be permanently ineligible for adoption from NWAC. 

You can learn more about our policies via our FAQ and Adoption Process pages.

Thank you for understanding.

Our Partners

NWAC is very proud to partner with Mud Bay, Loyal Legion, and Pacific Pets. Check out our events calendar to learn about how you can attend an NWAC event at these incredible local businesses.

What We Do

  • Rescue

    Shelter and care for stray, abandoned, neglected, lost, abused and/or unwanted animals, providing them with veterinary care, proper nutrition, socialization, and love until they’re ready to enter forever homes.

  • Placement

    Find the adoptive homes these amazing animals deserve! We match the dogs and cats in our care with loving, dedicated individuals and families best suited to the animals’ unique personalities and needs.

  • Prevention

    Keep beloved pets from needing to be rehomed by providing shelter, care, and/or grants to owners who are temporarily unable to care for their pets due to illness, incapacitation, loss of housing, and other hardships.

Join Us

Want to foster cats or dogs? Have some spare time or valuable skills you’d like to use to help pets in need? Contact us about becoming an NWAC volunteer!