Post-Adoption Resources
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) 285-7722.
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 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.
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 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 veterinarian immediately. If your pet is diagnosed with panleukopenia, please call OHS medical staff at (503) 285-7722.
Feline Leukemia and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus
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. Similarly, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, or FIV, affects the immune system but is only transmitted through bite wounds. We recommend that all newly adopted cats and kittens be seen by your veterinarian and follow their recommendation for FeLV / FIV 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 for FeLV and FIV is available for a $40 fee.
Rabies
All puppies/dogs and kittens/cats transferred from out-of-state that are at least 3 months of age will be given a rabies vaccine.
You are required to license your new pet within 30 days of adoption. Click the links 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.
Looking for more veterinary care? Book an appointment at our Community Veterinary Hospital (first exam is free within 10 days of adoption).
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.
We also offer many training classes for both cats and dogs. These classes can help with basic training, reactivity, unwanted behavior with cats and more!
Administrative Information
If you are missing any paperwork for your new pet, please contact our Customer Care team.
Perks of Adopting from OHS
Veterinary Care
Prior to adoption from OHS, all pets are spayed/neutered, and receive initial vaccinations and a microchip.
Microchip
All pets microchipped at OHS will be implanted with a HomeAgain microchip. Some animals transported through our Second Chance program will already be microchipped with a different brand, which can be found in your adoption receipt. Click the links below to register your microchip.
Portland Adoptions
When you adopt a pet from OHS Portland Campus, you will receive one free veterinary exam at our Community Veterinary Hospital. This allows for continuity of care for your newly adopted pet.
What to Know
Your free exam appointment must be scheduled within 10 days of adoption. An OHS staff member can help you reserve an appointment at the time of adoption, or we can provide you with a reminder card so that you don’t forget to book your appointment by phone at (503) 285-7722 or online at oregonhumane.org/care.
The free appointment covers the exam only. Any additional treatments or vaccines will be charged separately.
Because of the high volume of pet owners who are seeking care at the CVH, we request a $25 deposit to reserve your spot and reduce the number of missed appointments. A payment link will be sent to you via email and text within 48 hours of making your appointment reservation. The status of your appointment will not be confirmed until the $25 deposit is paid within 24 hours of receiving the payment link. If you do not pay the deposit, your reserved time will be released. This deposit can be applied to any additional treatments that your pet may need during their appointment. If no additional treatments are needed, the deposit can be refunded or can remain on your account for any future visits.
If you have a relationship with another veterinary clinic, you are of course able to waive your free exam. Check with your veterinarian if they offer any specials for newly adopted pets.
Salem Adoptions
When you adopt a pet from OHS Salem Campus, you will receive a certificate for one free veterinary exam at any of the following VCA Hospitals:
What to Know
The certificate will be presented to you during the adoption process. Your free exam appointment can be made by phone or online with the specific VCA location you plan to visit. When booking, mention the certificate and be sure to bring it with you to the appointment.
Get your new pet started on the right paw! Adopters receive 20% off their purchase at any Mud Bay location or mudbay.com with this coupon. Mud Bay will donate 10% to shelter partners, including OHS, when you redeem!
OHS partners with Fetch Pet Insurance and recommends that adopters sign up for coverage to ensure that you and your pet are prepared for any surprises. Shelters all over North America are choosing Fetch as their pet insurance provider because they offer the most comprehensive plan out there with no restrictions to breed, age, or size. Together, we’re making sure pets are happy and healthy in their new homes.
You can enroll onsite at the shelter when you adopt your pet or by calling (866) 884-5206. By signing up via this phone number, you’re supporting OHS!
OHS offers a variety of in-person and virtual classes to help you start off on the right paw with your new pet. We also offer private training lessons.
Learn more by calling our free Pet Behavior Helpline at (503) 416-2983.
In need of food, treats, and supplies for your new pet and want it delivered right to your front door? We can make that happen! You can continue to support OHS by shopping through our online pet supply store.
Our resource library covers a wide range of topics from litter box training to curbing leash-reactive behavior. Use the interactive search buttons to find helpful pet information.
Contact Us
Customer Care Team
(503) 285-7722
