frequently asked questions

General

Adoptions

1. How many pets do you place into new homes?

In 2006, OHS found new adopted homes for 8,671 pets. Our "save rate" (adoptions, plus transfers to other humane groups and reunions with owners) for dogs was 99 percent; for cats it was 86 percent. Our adoption rates are quite impressive when compared to the national average (25 percent for dogs and 20 percent for cats). We are proud of our efforts and the Board, staff, and volunteers of OHS are committed to placing 100 percent of the animals brought to OHS for adoption into new, loving homes.

2. Where do your animals come from?

Pets surrendered by their owners make up the majority of the animals received at OHS. Stray dogs are transferred to Multnomah County Animal Services. Stray cats brought to OHS, remain at OHS for disposition.

Through our Second Chance Program, OHS saves more lives by accepting animals from shelters and animal control agencies across Oregon, Washington, and the Pacific Northwest (and other states like Georgia, Utah, and Louisiana) when they've run out of room. In 2005, 1,974 dogs and cats were received from 38 shelters in:

Bend
Columbia County
Coos County
Clackamas County
Eugene
Florence
Klamath Falls
La Grande
Medford
Multnomah County
Redmond
Salem
Southwest Washington
Washington County
Idaho
California

3. How do you decide who is adoptable?

Our goal is to place 100 percent of the pets received at our shelter. Pets placed up for adoption need to be of sound temperament and good health. Pets with a history of severe aggression or major medical problems that cannot be resolved without extensive veterinary care are not suitable for our adoption program. That being said, many animals undergo substantial rehabilitation prior to placement for adoption. Our "Pet Pals" dog obedience program, staffed by a group of dedicated volunteers, works with difficult to place dogs to resolve behavior problems that would be a deterrent to adoption.

4. How long do you keep animals?

Pets stay up for adoption as long as they remain physically and emotionally healthy. For some dogs this can mean living at the shelter for six months or more until the right home is available.

When looking for a new home, dogs generally wait an average of 8 days or less and cats wait an average of 9 days or less (kittens average 1 day while puppies are 3 days). OHS has found homes for dogs in less then 4 days and waited over 120 days to find the perfect home for some of our feline guests.

OHS has over 300 volunteer foster families who care for newborns, pregnant cats, and recuperating dogs until they are ready to be placed up for adoption. In addition, foster families will shelter and care for animals when the kennels are full or if an individual animal needs a break from the stress of staying in the kennels. Our foster families directly saved the lives of over 1,638 animals in 2005 alone.

5. Do you ever get purebred dogs or cats?

We estimate that about 25 percent of the animals brought to the shelter are purebreds. If you are interested in specific breed, check our pet lists to see if one is available. OHS also works with purebred dog rescue organizations. Many times, these dogs are transferred from OHS to rescue groups who specialize in adoption of a particular breed. That way OHS has more room for mix breeds and the purebred gets the attention it needs as well.

6. How do I adopt a pet from OHS?

Information on how to adopt a pet is available on the How to Adopt page of this Website.

7. Do you require spaying or neutering of adopted pets?

We are committed to ending pet overpopulation and consider spaying and neutering the number one solution to this tragic problem. Many of our pets are already spayed or neutered before coming to OHS. Those who have not been are spayed/neutered while they are at the shelter. Barring an illness that would prevent such operation prior to adoption, 100 percent of the animals adopted are already surgically altered.

8. How do I bring an animal to you for adoption?

The Find a Home page of this website. contains information on OHS's pre-admission policy and links to print out the necessary forms. We want to do everything possible to help you keep your pet. However, we know that this is not always the best solution and we are available to help when you need to find a new home for your animal. When you contact OHS at (503) 285-7722, ext. 211, you will be asked several questions about your pet and situation. Admissions staff answering this extension will provide you with helpful information on how you might change a behavior difficulty or give you information on other community resources to place your companion animal. You will be given the opportunity to schedule an appointment with the OHS admissions department. This way we can provide you and your animal with the time needed to complete the process.

Pets who cannot be considered for adoption include:

Animals with a history of biting humans, or have been attack-trained
A pet showing very aggressive or unsociable behavior during the administration of a nationally accredited temperament test
Veterinary examination determines that the animal is physically unsuitable for adoption

9. Why are your adoption fees different for each animal?

Do you wonder why puppies cost more? At the Oregon Humane Society, we cheer for ALL the animals! However, we know some animals are more desired to the public: small breed dogs, puppies, fluffy kittens, and some popular breeds.

Having a higher adoption fee for animals we know will go home quickly enables us to care for long-timer residents until they find their new home. Long-timers like Utah. He is a perfectly fine dog and we have become very fond of him in the months he has been here. One of these days somebody from the public is going to walk in the door and realize what a terrific guy he is. Until then, he sits and watches as the cute little ones go home. Puppies fly out the door with families. Poodles and little purebreds barely last a day before their new mom adopts them. Lucky for Utah, they are subsidizing his care, along with the paid veterinary care of dogs with broken legs or cats with abscesses.

OHS is a non-profit but to remain viable we have to run like a business. That means we need to present the OHS Board of Trustees with a balanced budget every year and live within that budget. Revenues and adoption fees help pay for programs such as humane education for kids, behavior counseling and advice for pet owners, and cruelty investigations to keep the animals of this community safe. If you have ever used these programs/services, you probably realized they were a tremendous value to the community and did not cost you one red cent! And operating this facility alone is incredibly expensive. Nobody would want our electric, gas, and water bills.

Sometimes we hear it is “wrong” to charge high adoption fees for certain animals. However, if we took the viewpoint that all dogs and cats are worth the same amount of money in adoption fees (i.e. having one standard adoption fee), there wouldn’t be money for Utah. And we know Utah is worthy of a good home just as much as a fluffy, playful puppy. If you have questions or comments, you are welcome to contact Susan Mentley, OHS’s Operations Director (503-416-2993; email). She is interested in hearing from you.

Our adoption fees are based on an animal's age, breed, temperament, behavioral issues, and physical condition. The adoption fee includes a certificate for a free health examination by a participating vet, first vaccines (cats and dogs), spay/neuter surgery, a 24PetWatch microchip, ID tag, collar, leash (for dogs), and an informational booklet. Adopters also receive one month of pet health care insurance. Cats, rabbits, and pocket pets (rodents) also include a carrier to safely transport your pet home.

10. What is a microchip and how does it work?

Microchips are a safe, permanent way to identify your companion animal. Having your pet injected with a microchip greatly increases the chances of it being returned to you when lost. Microchips are the best back up for a collar and visible identification tag. All pets should wear an ID tag with a contact number on it, preferably your cell number. To detect a microchip, which is a small computer chip (about the size of a rice grain) injected between the animal's shoulder blades, the animal must be scanned and the unique identification number will be read. This number is entered into a database and the owner can easily be contacted.

11. Is OHS a "no kill" facility?

There are no time limits placed on how long an animal is available for adoption at the Oregon Humane Society. Animals available for adoption are never euthanized because of space limitations. OHS euthanizes only for significant health or behavior issues and does not take lightly the decision to end a life.

Many "no kill" shelters are more accurately defined as limited admission facilities. The term "no kill" has, unfortunately, become a marketing tool rather than an honest description of the enormous undertaking of providing care for homeless pets. Some "no kill" shelters pick and choose which animals are acceptable for adoption, turning away many others who have a medical or behavioral condition or are deemed, according to that shelter's criteria, as unadoptable. Use of such vague, hard to define terms and ideals makes it confusing for pet owners trying to obtain services.

"No kill" does not mean no euthanasia, a key point often lost in this discussion. In the case of true "sanctuaries," where no euthanasia is practiced, there are painfully few instances where companion animals are maintained in a manner that preserves their physical and mental health.

Through effective use of our resources (including foster care volunteers, the second chance program, and volunteer trainers) and medical care, OHS can provide rehabilitation (both behavioral and medical) treatment for many animals, increasing their chances of finding a home. Success is seen every day - for example, when an untrained 9 month old Labrador Retriever mix pup is transformed into a well mannered dog who can now sit, stay, and heel on command. Even a cat with a severe disability receives a new lease on life thanks to a foster volunteer and veterinarian who did not give up on the sightless cat. OHS is a place for second chances.

12. Sometimes the pet photos on the web site are blurry. Why?

The Oregon Humane Society is thrilled to have the technology to post photos of all the animals available for adoption as soon as they become available. Some of the photos are taken on arrival to the shelter. These photos may not be the highest quality nor show off the animal very well. However, OHS is very lucky to have a team of excellent volunteer photographers who spend hours at the shelter every day taking quality photos of the animals. These are then uploaded to replace any that may be blurry. There are times when the pet finds a new home before the volunteer photographer is able to replace the arrival photo. If you have good digital photography skills, contact the volunteer department to help us always have terrific images of animals for adoption on the web site.

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13. Does OHS test cats for feline leukemia?

In April 2001, OHS discovered that testing every cat who came to the shelter for feline leukemia actually reduced their chances of getting adopted. You are asking yourself: How can this be?

Testing every cat increased the time a cat spent in the shelter’s holding kennel: Drawing blood and performing a feline leukemia test on an average of 30 to 50 cats per day took two employees up to four hours to complete and document. Less than one percent of the cats were testing positive. Testing caused an enormous delay in getting cats out for adoption; making them more susceptible to illness (such as upper respiratory infection or URI). The staff time, low rate of positive results, and the cost of medical supplies (test kits, needles, and syringes was $25,000 annually) were important factors in this decision.
Holding cats while they awaiting the test made them more susceptible to illness: Most important in the decision to cease testing every cat was testing interfered with getting cats and kittens placed for adoption in a timely manner. During our busy season, with about 50 cats/kittens coming into the shelter daily, performing the tests slowed down the process of moving cats from the holding kennels to the adoption kennels. Cats would become ill with URI after 7 to 10 days in the shelter. Many sick cats remained in our shelter for treatment, were put into foster homes, or unfortunately euthanized for this treatable illness (URI), not for feline leukemia. The best way we can protect our cats is to get them through the system quickly and into a loving home. Since implementation, OHS's adoption rate on cats has increased significantly.
Cat adopters given the option: We still offer adopters the option of having a cat tested before he/she leaves the shelter - especially for a multi-cat household. We always recommend that they visit their veterinarian quickly for the test and keep the new cat away from any existing in the household. Also, OHS still tests cats if they are going into a volunteer foster home or will spend time in our colony cat rooms

OHS’s goal is to find homes for unwanted animals while keeping them as healthy as possible while they are in the shelter. Since April 2001 when testing on every cat ceased, OHS experienced a surge in adoptions of cats and significant reduction in euthanasia.

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OHS Services

1. What kind of food do you feed the dogs and cats at the shelter?

We are fortunate to have most of our food donated by pet owners, veterinary clinics, retailers, and wholesale pet food brokers. The food is of good quality and is mixed to reduce the shock of a change of diet. Using quality, donated food saves over $30,000 a year. We also accept monetary donations to our food fund. This fund is used to purchase special food for animals with allergies or other health problems, as well as kitten food and other high demand diets as needed.

2. Can OHS help if I can't afford to spay my animal?

Spaying and neutering saves lives and OHS has three programs to financially assist pet owners with the cost of a spay/neuter surgery. Our SNAP Program (Spay Neuter Assistance Plan) make available at no charge the spaying or neutering of a cat belonging to anyone on public assistance. This widely successful program, conducted in partnership with the Portland Veterinary Medical Association, provides over 800 surgeries a year free of charge to pet owners in need. Check out all the resources on the Spay/Neuter Assistance page.

If you need help with your dog's spay/neuter surgery, OHS will loan you the money. The loan is provided regardless of your financial abilities and we charge no interest. For indigent dog owners, we do provide limited assistance similar to the SNAP program for cats.

Finally, anyone is welcome to pick up a discount coupon at OHS. The coupon is good at several clinics around the Portland Metro Area.

3. Can you recommend a veterinarian for me to see?

Contact the Portland Veterinarian Medical Association at (503) 228-7387 for information about local animal clinics and veterinarians. Statewide, check out the Oregon Veterinarian Medical Association.

4. How do I report animal neglect or cruelty?

If you suspect or know an animal is suffering from neglect or abuse, file a report with OHS's Investigations Department online or call (503) 285-7722, ext. 214. OHS does not provide emergency response. You will be prompted to leave detailed information about the location, animal in question, and potential suspect as well as your contact number, which will be kept strictly confidential. Being able to contact you should more information be needed will assist in the quick resolution of your concerns. Due to the confidential nature of the investigations, you will not receive any information regarding the results of the investigation.

You can also contact your local police department, sheriff's office, or animal control agency for assistance.

5. What written resources can I get about animal cruelty?

Purchase a copy of the new " Oregon Animal Cruelty Laws," which is a reference guide to Oregon Revised Statutes and Administrative Rules pertaining to animal welfare laws in Oregon. To order this pocket reference guide, send $5 to: Oregon Humane Society, Investigations Department.

6. I found an animal in my neighborhood. What should I do?

The Lost/Found Page has details on what you can do. There are several options to help find the animal's family. If you can keep the animal until his/her owners are located, here are some suggestions:

Put up "found" posters around the area.
Place a "found" advertisement in the newspaper.
Register the pet on the Multnomah County lost/found list or Petfinder's national listing.

If you are unable to keep the animal, you should take him/her to your local animal control agency. OHS will take in stray cats if you call first and make an appointment. OHS is no longer able to take in stray dogs for Multnomah Country residents; stray dogs need to be taken to the Multnomah Co. Animal Control Services shelter in Troutdale. The Lost/Found page of this Web site has more details on OHS's stray pet policies.

7. Help! I've lost my pet. What do I do?

First remain calm. OHS's lost/found web pages has information, resources, and advice to help you find your pet.

8. Whom do I call when I see a loose dog, roaming cat, or dead animal in my yard/road/neighborhood?

Please contact your local animal control agency with this information.

9. When there is the need to euthanize an animal, what happens to its remains?

The Oregon Humane Society respects the bond pet guardians have for their beloved companion and knows it continues even when the pet is no longer alive. We offer a special resting place for those wishing to utilize the services of our Pet Memorial Gardens. Under no circumstances do we release any animal remains to rendering plants, land fills, or for medical research. The remains are respectfully cremated on-site.

10. Does the Oregon Humane Society sell animals for scientific experimentation?

No. Under no circumstances are OHS animals utilized for experimentation or research.

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OHS Funding

1. Does OHS receive money from my taxes and how is OHS different from the county animal control agency?

The Oregon Humane Society receives no tax money or government support. OHS is funded by the voluntary contributions of individuals and businesses in this community.

With regard to how OHS compares and differs with county animal control agencies in Oregon, OHS operates the largest animal shelter facility enabling us to place more homeless animals. Both OHS and animal control agencies have the similar goal of controlling the population of homeless pets by stressing the importance of spaying/neutering. Both also place pets into new, loving homes.

The difference between OHS and animal control agencies lies in the focus of each organization's protection arm. Your local animal control agency is generally charged with the duty of protecting you from animals. They are the ones you call when a dog is running at large or barking too much. Animal control is also the agency that deals with vicious dog bites or attacks. The license your pet wears comes from your local animal control agency and you'd visit their shelter if your pet were lost. Most animal control agencies are also the ones you contact if there is a dead animal in your yard, road, or neighborhood.

The Oregon Humane Society works to ensure quality lives for all animals. Our main concern is for the well being of the animal, protecting them from abuse or neglect. OHS is the place to call for help finding a home for your pet, to get information on responsible pet ownership, for tips on solving training and/or behavior difficulties, to find out about animal welfare legislation, and more.

The Oregon Humane Society's Investigations Department works throughout the state, many times assisting local law enforcement agencies including animal control, looking into allegations of animal abuse or neglect with the emphasis being on making the conditions better for the animal - whether that includes providing education for the owner or removal of the animal.

2. What is the difference between the Oregon Humane Society and other animal welfare organizations that solicit funds from me through the mail (such as Humane Society of the United States, PETA, American Humane, ASPCA, Friends for Animals, etc.)?

While all these organizations work to help all kinds of animals, what sets OHS apart from the national organizations is that it operates a local shelter that receives and houses animals with a trackable adoption program. OHS works directly with members of this local community to find homes for homeless pets, help increase the value of companion animals, stop abuse and neglect, and solve training and behavior difficulties.

3. If I make a gift to a national organization, does OHS receive a portion of my donation?

No, currently there are no national organizations that financially support local shelters. OHS is a non-profit independent organization funded solely by the voluntary donations of individuals and businesses in this community. Funding for OHS's services and programs is received in the form of cash donations, bequests, trusts and endowments, and fees.

4. How can I help?

Let us count the ways - OHS greatly appreciates donations of cash, time, and items. The Oregon Humane Society is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization and your donation is tax-deductible as allowed by law. Your financial support helps us maintain and even expand the programs and services we offer to the community. Many of OHS's programs would not exist without the generous donation of time by volunteers. Volunteers work in all areas of the shelter operation - working directly with the animals, foster care, education, adoption, retail, administration, legislative, and more. There is a world of opportunities offered to individuals who want to volunteer at OHS. Finally, to reduce expenses, the public is encouraged to donate needed items directly to the shelter. This not only reduces OHS's costs but you may be able to write off the donation on your taxes.

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