You Adopted a Pet! Now What?
This is your one-stop shop for all things post-adoption at Oregon Humane Society. Here you’ll find adoption support resources, perks included with your adoption, and more.
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 dry cloth. If you notice any redness or swelling at the incision site, please call OHS medical staff at (503) 802-6800.
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) 802-6800.
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.
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) 802-6800. 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.
Administrative Information
If you are missing any paperwork for your new pet, please contact the Customer Care department.
Perks of Adopting from OHS
Veterinary Care
All pets are spayed/neutered, receive initial vaccinations and microchip prior to adoption.
Microchip
All pets microchipped at OHS will be implanted with a HomeAgain microchip. Some Second Chance animals will already be microchipped with a different brand, which can be found in your adoption receipt. Click on a link below to register your microchip.
Insurance
OHS partners with Fetch by The Dodo insurance and recommends that adopters sign up for coverage to ensure that you and your pet are prepared for any surprises. You can enroll onsite at the shelter when you adopt your pet or by calling (844) 455-0895.
This insurance product is available to everyone, not just OHS adopters and by signing up via this phone number you’re supporting OHS!
You will find your new pet’s medical information inside the “Receipt” attached in your adoption email. Bring these records, along with your 10-day Health Exam Certificate, to your vet. Be sure to call your community veterinarian ahead of time to ensure they are accepting the certificate.
Get your new pet started on the right paw! Bring your adoption receipt, along with the coupon you receive via email, to any Mud Bay location to receive 20% off your purchase. Mud Bay will donate 10% to OHS when you redeem!
OHS offers a variety of in-person and virtual classes to help you start off on the right paw with your new pet. We offer private training lessons. Learn more by calling our free Pet Behavior Helpline: (503) 416-2983.
The OHS Resource Guide covers a wide range of topics from litter box training to curbing leash-reactive behavior. Enter a keyword in the library’s search bar and you’ll find helpful pet information.
Contact Us
Portland Campus: (503) 285-7722
Salem Campus: (503) 585-5900
