To adopt a pet at OHS, you'll need to fill out an adoption application and complete an interview with an adoption specialist. But what's more important is everything that comes before the application and the interview, namely, finding the best match possible.
The links below provide more details about finding the right pet and how the adoption process works at OHS.
Finding the right pet
- Visit the Find Your Match section and and learn about the fit between your lifestyle and your pet's needs.
- You'll next want to read the pet descriptions on this Website with these lifestyle issues in mind. Photos and descriptions of all cats and kittens, dogs and puppies, and small animals available for adoption on our Website are updated continuously.
- Visit the shelter, and meet our wonderful pets. You'll want to take this opportunity to ask questions of our adoption counselors, who can offer their experience in helping you find your new best friend.
Understanding of what it means to adopt
OHS adoption procedures
- Visitors can meet one-on-one with pets in our "Get Acquainted Rooms." Bring the whole family--even your dog.
- To meet one of the animals in foster care, contact the Foster Care Department by calling (503) 416-5025 or email to set up an appointment. If provided in the animal's description, you may directly e-mail the foster care volunteer.
- If your pet meet is a success, you'll need to complete an adoption application (please do not fax or email the application, although you can download it and fill it out before you visit).
- You will be interviewed by an OHS adoption assistant to be sure you are familiar with any special needs the animal might have.
- We have a variable adoption fee policy
based on an animal's age, breed, temperament, behavioral issues, and physical condition. Learn more here. If you are over 60 years old, be sure to ask about the adoption discount offered through the Pets for the Elderly Program.
How to place a temporary hold
- To place a free, 4 hour hold on a pet you see on the Website
call (503) 285-7722, ext. 224, between 9 am - 6 pm and provide the animal's name and code number. If there are no previous holds, you can place a 4 hour hold.
- You can place a 24-hour hold on your favorite animal for $15. The hold fee is not refundable and is not applied to the adoption (ask the front desk for details).
Benefits of Adopting from OHS
When you visit OHS, you'll find the largest selection of animals in the area and experienced, caring staff who can help you make the best choice. You'll have the chance to get to meet pets one-on-one in special "get acquainted" rooms. We encourage dog owners to bring their current dog for a "pet meet" at OHS when you select a new dog to adopt.
To help fight pet overpopulation, every animal adopted from OHS is spayed or neutered before it goes to a new home. If an animal has a special issues, an OHS behavior expert or medical team member will meet with the adopting family to make sure they understand the animal's needs.
The adoption fee for dogs and cats includes an identification microchip, collar and identification tag, initial vaccinations (rabies and FeLV/FIV usually not included), one month of pet insurance, a certificate for a free veterinarian examination, and plenty of support and information from the experienced staff at OHS.
