Dog adoption is a beautiful thing. There are millions of pets in shelters and rescues waiting for forever homes. Adopting a dog can help homeless animals and set an excellent example for others.
Dog adoption isn’t suitable for everyone, and it’s not something you should get into lightly. Getting a dog is an important decision that will affect your life for many years. If you’ve decided dog adoption is for you, this is excellent news!
Bringing an adopted dog into your home should be a rewarding experience for you and your family. Before looking for your future best friend, arm yourself with the knowledge to navigate the world of dog adoption and make the best possible decision.
We’ve compiled a list of the top Portland, Oregon dog rescue & shelters with an adoption guide.
Top 5 Dog Rescues & Shelters in Portland, Oregon
Adoption is an alternative that benefits everyone when it comes to acquiring a pet: the family, animal protection entities, and, of course, the dog itself
Shelters across the country house approximately eight million companion animals each year. Yet, nearly 50% of them are euthanized due to the shelter’s lack of resources.
1) The Pixie Project
The Pixie Project is a non-profit animal adoption center and rescue. They offer a variety of services to the public including but not limited to: pet adoption services, pet owner education and support and low cost and free spay and neuter and veterinary services for homeless and low-income pet owners.
The Pixie Project’s adoptable animals come from a variety of places but the majority are from surrounding over-crowded county shelters and rescues located in more rural areas of Oregon. As many of these areas are not served by a local shelter they provide an urban outlet where the animals can have maximum visibility and exposure to potential adopters. Animals that come to Pixie Project rescue also have access to veterinary and training support to meet any and all needs.
The Pixie Project Information and Details:
- Mailing Address: 510 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Portland, OR 97232, United States
- Website: http://www.pixieproject.org/
- Phone: +15035423432
2) The Animal Aid Inc
Animal Aid of Portland enhances the welfare of companion animals through individualized care and lifelong commitment, rescue and adoption, resources and education, and community partnerships.
Animal Aid vision is to be a recognized leader within a united local animal welfare community by working as a team of invested staff and volunteers to empower compassionate stewardship for thriving companion animals.
They value sustainability and accountability, compassion and respect, diversity and inclusion, leadership and teamwork, and supporter relationships and community engagement.
The Animal Aid Inc Rescue Information and Details:
- Address: 5335 SW 42nd Ave, Portland, OR 97221, United States
- Website: http://www.animalaidpdx.org/
- Phone: +15032926628
3) Family Dogs New Life Shelter
Family Dogs New Life is a non profit 501c3 no kill dog shelter dedicated to rescuing and rehoming needy dogs of all ages, breeds and backgrounds. Family Dogs New Life organization was built on the belief that all dogs deserve a second chance at a new life. It’s not about being the perfect dog, it is about dog and adopter being perfect for one another.
Family Dogs New Life are here for the dogs who have no other options. This includes dogs that other shelters do not have space for, long term residents who have run out of time or dogs that are struggling in the conventional shelter environment.
The mission, simply, is to help reduce the number of dogs being euthanized. Family Dogs New Life focus is taking in needy dogs from Animal Control Agencies and Humane Societies located within the state of Oregon, however Family Dogs New Life do work with many shelters and smaller Rescue Groups across the country, as well as a limited number of owner surrendered pets.
Family Dogs New Life Shelter Information and Details:
- Address: 9101 SE Stanley Ave, Portland, OR 97206, United States
- Website: http://www.familydogsnewlife.org/
- Phone: +15037715596
4) Wildhearts Rescue
at Wildhearts have seen animal cruelty and captivity across all species and are driven to put an end to animal suffering in the ways they are capable. While they are committed to being a voice for the voiceless, the specific focus of Wildhearts mission at Wildhearts is to rescue and rehabilitate dogs out of the meat industry.
Animals that are born into agriculture for food production live in some of the most foul conditions with little to no resources spent on their health or wellbeing. There are many available avenues for dogs to find homes and loving families, therefore they aim to be facilitators in the rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption of some of the most vulnerable dogs in the world.
Wildhearts Rescue Information and Details:
- Address: Portland, Oregon, United States
- Website: http://www.wildheartspdx.com/
- Contact: [email protected]
5) Lancaster Four Dog Rescue
Lancaster Four Dog Rescue is a Greater Portland area rescue organization. They are comprised of a group of dedicated volunteers that strives to help all animals in need. they save dogs and cats from an undesirable outcome at high-kill shelters. they strive to educate communities about overpopulation and disease through encouraging spay and neuter as well as vaccinations.
Lancaster Four Dog Rescue Information and Details:
- Address: 10 NE 141st Ave, Portland, OR 97230, United States
- Website: http://www.l4dr.org/
- Phone: +19712206477
Dog Rescue & Shelter Online
We hope that one of the shelters listed above can help you find your future dog, but if for some reason that doesn’t happen you can always opt for different alternatives.
For this reason, we’ve added these alternative platforms. These platforms will help you connect with people who have dogs for sale or adoption near you. It can be a great alternative in looking for your future pup within the comfort of your home.
AKC Market Place
Finding trustworthy dog breeders, groomers, and trainers can be challenging. AKC Marketplace is your trusted resource to help make a lifetime of responsible dog ownership safe, happy, and healthy.
AKC Marketplace® is the only website that exclusively lists puppies from AKC-Registered litters, so you can choose a breeder with confidence.
Adopt A Pet
If you want to give an abandoned puppy a second chance, a shelter is definitely the place to find a dog.
Adopt a pet is North America’s largest non-profit pet adoption website. They help over 21,000 animal shelters, humane societies, SPCAs, pet rescue groups, and pet adoption agencies advertise their homeless pets to millions of adopters a month, for free.
Puppies for sale Today
Puppies Today has over a decade of experience, established in 2008. They pride themselves on connecting loving families with new furry friends and have happy customers all over the nation. They provide all of their customer’s puppy payment plans and health guarantees to ensure the best experience and peace of mind when adopting a puppy through their service.
Check Out Our Dog Breeders Page :
DOG BREEDERS NEAR ME | PUPPIES FOR SALE
How much does it cost to adopt a dog?
Generally, it will cost around $50 to $150 for a dog – and because typically shelters and rescuers give pets medical treatment, you’ll save money on a medical examination; you’ll also likely save on spay or neuter surgery, which can cost around $50 to $300.
Aside from the puppy’s price, it would be best to consider the expenses that would come with it. For instance, you may want to get the essential things for your puppies like grooming tools, food, and shelter.
What kind of dog should you adopt?
If you have decided to adopt a dog, you may want a mixed breed dog. Or, you can have your heart set on a specific dog breed. It is possible to adopt purebred dogs from shelters and rescues if you plan ahead. However, if you’re not set on a particular breed, you should still have an idea of the type of dog you want.
Consider age, size, care needs, health concerns, and activity level. Have your wishes in mind before you go looking. Better yet, create a list of dog characteristics that is divided into three areas:
- What do you absolutely need in a dog: Do you have children, cats, or other dogs? The dog you adopt must be able to get along well with everyone in your home. Are you in an apartment or small house and need a small dog? Are you allergic to certain types of dogs and need a hypoallergenic breed? These are just some of the things to consider.
- What you would like in a dog but can live without: Maybe you have a soft spot for a specific breed but will be happy with a mix of that breed. Maybe you want a dog with short hair, but don’t worry about a little extra grooming if you meet a big long-haired dog.
- What is not acceptable to you: these are dealbreakers. What qualities would prevent you from even considering a certain dog? Dimension? Temperament? Maybe you have a fear or dislike for a certain dog breed. Perhaps you are renting out your home and have to meet specific rental requirements.
Write everything down and take the list with you. That way, when you go out and see all those cute faces, you will know where to start.
When not to adopt a dog
It is best to avoid adopting a dog in the following circumstances:
- You are in the process of moving
- You are remodeling or repairing your home
- You are about to have a baby (it is usually best to have the baby and let life stabilize a bit before introducing a new dog)
- It’s the holiday season ( dogs aren’t meant to be gifts and holidays are usually too hectic for a new dog)
- You or someone in your family is going through other major life events (the new dog may be lost in the shuffle or be overwhelmed by chaos)
The Dog Adoption Process
Well done! You have found your new dog. Now is the time for formalities. Most organizations require an application before they can adopt. This is to prevent pets from falling into the wrong hands. While it may sound like an interrogation, these groups have policies in place for a reason. Fortunately, many people have no problem getting approval.
Some groups require a waiting period before bringing your new dog home, possibly due to a medical procedure that has been done. Some dogs may have a waiting list, so ask questions beforehand.
Find out what the adoption fee includes (vaccines, spay/neuter, etc.). Before signing the contract, learn what you expect from yourself and what the group will do to help you. If the dog is too young to be spayed or neutered, the contract will require it to do so in the future. Also, find out what happens if you can’t keep the dog.
Most organizations ask you to return the dog to them if you can no longer care for it (don’t give it away to someone else). Find out what is known about the dog’s history and what health problems, if any, were noted while the dog was in their care.
Final Thoughts
Remember, it can take a long time for a dog to adjust to a new home. You and your family will need time to adjust. You may notice that your new dog has behavioral problems, fears, phobias, or lacks training. If the adaptation period is long and complex, it’s a good idea to seek the assistance of a dog trainer or behaviorist.
You may need to consult more than one. Be patient and follow the advice of the experts. If you feel that you have genuinely exhausted your options, you may decide to give up on your new dog.
Remember to try to get your dog back to the place of adoption first. If this is not an option, you need to be responsible and find a good home for your dog. I hope you never have to be in this situation.
