Introductory period: The shelter can be a stressful place for pets. You may see your new pet’s behavior change over the course of the next few months once you get home. The best thing to do is spend a few days just hanging out at home getting to know each other.
Introduction Guides
Post-spay/neuter surgery: If your pet was spayed/neutered at OHS, you will want to wait at least 10 days prior to bathing. We use a surgical glue to close the incision and it is important to keep that area clean and dry. If your pet goes out in the rain, pat the area dry with a wash cloth. If you notice any redness or swelling at the incision site, please call OHS medical staff at (503) 285-7722 x 414.
Kennel Cough: All OHS puppies/dogs are vaccinated against kennel cough with the Bordetella vaccine. Vaccinated puppies/dogs can still come down with kennel cough. It is one of the most common shelter illnesses. Symptoms include a dry, hacking/honking cough, yellow-green nasal discharge, ocular discharge, sneezing and lethargy. If you notice the above symptoms, please contact your community veterinarian as it is highly contagious.
Parvovirus/Distemper: Parvovirus and distemper are both gastrointestinal diseases that OHS vaccinates against with the DA2PP vaccine. Symptoms to look out for include vomiting, bloody diarrhea and lethargy. If you notice the above symptoms, please contact your veterinarian immediately. If your pet is diagnosed with parvo or distemper, please call OHS medical staff at (503) 285-7722 x 414.
Upper Respiratory Infection: URI, or upper respiratory infection, in cats is very similar to a common cold in humans. OHS cats/kittens are vaccinated against URI, as well as other diseases, with the FVRCP vaccine. Symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, red/runny eyes, fever, sores on tongue/lips/nose, lack of appetite and lethargy. If you notice any of the above symptoms, please contact your community veterinarian.
Panleukopenia: Also known as feline distemper, panleukopenia is a rare but infectious viral disease in cats. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, lack of appetite and sudden death. The disease strikes suddenly and progresses rapidly, so if you see any of the above symptoms, please contact your community veterinarian immediately. If your pet is diagnosed with panleukopenia, please call OHS medical staff at (503) 285-7722 x 414.
Feline Leukemia: Feline Leukemia, also known as FeLV, is a virus that can cause a weakened immune system and result in diseases that are serious or can be fatal. We recommend that all newly adopted cats and kittens be seen by your veterinarian and follow their recommendation for FeLV testing after adoption. Due to the very low instance of FeLV in our community, OHS does not test all cats prior to adoption. A test is available for a $40 fee.
Rabies: All puppies/dogs and kittens/cats transferred from out-of-state that are at least 4 months of age will be given a rabies vaccine.
Multnomah County Ordinance 13.101 requires all dogs and cats that reside within Multnomah County to be licensed with Multnomah County Animal Services. You are required to license your new pet within 30 days of adoption. Click the link below for information specific to your county.
Medical: If your pet was spayed or neutered at OHS and you have concerns about the surgery site, please call (503) 285-7722 x 414. If it is the weekend, please go see your community veterinarian.
Behavior: If your new pet is having trouble adjusting to your home, call our free Pet Behavior Helpline at (503) 416-2983. Someone will call you back within 72 hours. You can also participate in an OHS training class. Find a class for your new pet.
Administrative Information: If you are missing any paperwork for your new pet, please contact the Customer Care department at [email protected].
