Applicants are carefully screened to ensure their new pets will receive proper care. We match pets with people based on their general lifestyle and the type of care they can provide. We take these precautions because too many owners don't understand the importance of this long-term commitment. All adoptions require a completed adoption application (print, complete, and bring with you - no faxes) and an interview with an adoption assistant at OHS. If you are interested in a foster animal, you may meet with the foster care volunteer.

Step 1 - Gain a full understanding of what it means to adopt

Bringing a new pet into your home can be a rewarding and wonderful experience. You can ensure a good match by understanding what it means to be a pet owner. We have several online resources for the prospective pet owner:

• Both the cat adoption checklist and dog adoption checklist contain information on what you need to do once you bring your new pet home.
• The Pet Care & Advice section has a wealth of information for pet owners.
• Information on OHS's variable adoption fees. Adoption fees for each animal are posted in their online description.
• Questions to ask before adopting a pet.

Step 2 - Find the right pet for you

Read the entire pet description. Spend some time with the animals at the shelter. Adoption is an important decision, do not make it hastily.

• Photos and descriptions of all cats and kittens, dogs and puppies, and small animals are updated continuously.
• To place a free, 4 hour hold on a pet you see on the website:
  1. 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.
  2. Complete and deliver an adoption application. Please do not fax the application.
• Visit the shelter and meet our wonderful pets. You can place a hold on your favorite animal for $15 (ask the front desk for details).
• To meet one of the animals in foster care, contact the Adoption Outreach Department by calling (503) 416-5026 or email to set up an appointment. If provided in the animal's description, you may directly e-mail the foster care volunteer.

Step 3 - Complete the adoption application

Download, print, and complete the adoption application. Bring it with you when you meet the adoption assistant (or foster care volunteer) at OHS. No faxes.

Step 4 - Meet with an OHS adoption assistant

You'll meet with an adoption assistant when you visit the shelter.

If the pet you are interested in is in foster care, you will (as noted above) meet with the Adoption Outreach Department or directly with the foster care volunteer to meet the pet and finalize the adoption.

If you are over 60 years old, be sure to ask about the adoption discount offered through the Pets for the Elderly Program.