What Does "High-Save" Mean at Blue Mountain Humane Association?

"High-save" at Blue Mountain Humane Association (bmhumane.org) means the shelter aims to place every animal in its care into a new home rather than euthanize for space or convenience. According to the organization, it does not euthanize except in the most dire circumstances, as determined by a licensed veterinarian or for public safety. This applies to all animals it takes in, including breeds that are traditionally viewed as "difficult" or "violent."

The core commitments behind the label

Blue Mountain Humane Association describes itself as a 501(c)(3) non-profit animal shelter and rescue. Its stated mission is to provide a safe, compassionate, humane, and high-save environment for all animals in its care. The "high-save" approach rests on a few explicit positions:

• A second chance for every animal. The organization states that all animals deserve a chance at a great and happy life, and to live free of pain, discomfort, and despair.
• No breed-based exclusion. The high-save mantra explicitly includes breeds that have traditionally been labeled "difficult" or "violent," so animals are not written off because of breed perception.
• Euthanasia as a last resort only. The only stated exceptions are the most dire circumstances, decided by a licensed veterinarian or on public safety grounds.

What "high-save" does not mean

It is not a no-kill guarantee in the absolute sense. The organization's own wording leaves room for euthanasia when a licensed veterinarian or public safety determination requires it. So "high-save" describes a strong default toward saving lives, not a promise that euthanasia never happens.

How the approach works in practice

Because the shelter commits to keeping animals alive, it relies on partnerships to move animals toward placement. Blue Mountain Humane Association states that, as a high-save facility, it partners with organizations such as the Oregon Humane Society and others in the Pacific Northwest. It also provides adoption and rescue services and works to advocate, educate, and promote animal welfare in Union County and the surrounding areas.

If you have a stray or lost pet

The organization's site directs people dealing with a lost or stray pet to check its Facebook page or call 541-963-0807. That is the practical entry point if you are trying to reunite an animal with an owner or report one you found.

Staying informed

The site invites visitors to sign up to receive newsletters about saves, events, fundraising, and more. The page mentions a "subscribe" option but does not list pricing, so whether any communications or services carry a cost is not stated in the available material.