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We have some truly awesome dogs!
Thank you for your interest in adopting. When dogs are available for adoption, they will be viewable on our adoption listings.
Adoption Application
Fill out our adoption application. There is a $10 application fee due at the time of submission. Please apply on our website and we will contact you. If you’re applying from out of state to adopt a dog, please note that it is a requirement that you come meet the dog at our facility. Adoptions are available by appointment only. We will call you as soon as your approved adoption application is next in our queue. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we find homes for pets as quickly and efficiently as possible. For more information on the adoption process call 503-655-8628 or email dogshelter@clackamas.us.
What to expect during the adoption process
- Browse our adoptable dogs online and/or visit the shelter during adoption viewing hours. If you are interested in a particular dog, carefully review the dog’s profile and consider your needs and the particular needs of the dog. Contact us if you have questions.
- Submit an adoption application either online or in person ($10 non-refundable fee). There is a minimum 24 hour waiting time to process new applications. If you already have a pre-approved application, this waiting period does not apply.
- You will be notified once your application is processed. If your application is approved, an adoption counselor will contact you and have an in depth conversation about your needs and the dog’s needs. If you and the dog are a potential match, the counselor will set a time for a meet and greet with the dog.
Please be aware someone else could adopt the dog in the interim. We accept multiple applications for every dog and place dogs with the first suitable adopter that completes the full adoption process. - The meet and greet: To reduce stress on the dogs in the shelter and maintain their adoptability, meet and greets are set by appointment only after an approved application and suitability conversation has determined that the adopter is a potential suitable match for the dog. At the appointment, all members of the household are encouraged to attend, but for some dogs, household members over age 16 may not be required to be present. All dogs in the house will need to come to the shelter to meet the dog.
- It may be a match, or it may not…and that’s ok! If you are not a match for a particular dog, that’s ok, someone will be and we will help you find your right match. If you are a match, you will likely be able to complete the adoption and take the dog home with you following a successful meet and greet.
Before You Decide to Adopt
It’s not always the right time in your life to adopt a dog. Consider the cost and responsibility before you take a dog home.
Remember, adopting a pet is a major life decision. Make it carefully and deliberately.
Here are some things to consider before you adopt:
Holds and Waiting Period
Holds
We cannot place dogs on hold. If you are interested in a particular dog, we encourage you to fill out an application or call to speak with an adoption counselor. Please be aware someone else could adopt the dog in the interim. We accept multiple applications for every dog and place dogs with the first suitable adopter. Our adoption desk is closed on Sundays and Mondays, so any applications submitted during that time period will not begin being processed until the following Tuesday and will still require the minimum 48-hour waiting period.
Waiting Period
There is a minimum 48-hour waiting period for staff to review adoption applications. The waiting period is not applicable to any pre-approved applications that were submitted at an earlier date. Adoption Appointments can be set up once the Adoption Application has been approved and the adopter’s household has completed any required meet and greets with the adoptable pet they are interested in.
Cats
If you have any pets already in your home, including cat(s), please be aware that bringing a new dog into your household can carry inherent risks. It is good to remember that your pets do not know or have a relationship with your new dog yet and that there is often an adjustment period. Also be aware that dogs that didn’t show a high prey drive while sheltered, may behave differently once they are under the stress of adjusting in a new home environment with a different cat(s) or other pets. Please follow these introduction recommendations to avoid problems initially and contact our staff for any questions or clarifications on how to deal with any issues that may arise.
Our shelter does not accept cats. Find cat resources.
House Training
As for house training, we have no history on most of our dogs and the shelter environment is very different from a home environment. Please do not assume the dog you adopt will be trustworthy in the house-training department - even if they are adults. Even a previously known-to-be-house-trained dog can often have accidents when re-homed. Moving to another new place is very stressful for a dog (they don't know they're "home”; they just know things have changed—again). It can take them awhile to learn your routine, what you expect, how to ask to go out, etc. Plan on setting your new dog up for success with a house-training routine as though they were a puppy. A strict feeding schedule along with a regular routine of outside potty breaks where you go with them and reward their good behaviors and potty achievements outside is the best plan of action. It is easy to relax your routine as the dog shows you they understand and is consistent in going in the appropriate place. Giving a new dog free run of the house too soon can invite accidents. Our staff can supply you with housetraining instructions and a training plan to help get you both started on the right path.
Adoption Fees
| Application fee (applied to adoption fee if you adopt from Dog Services within one year) | $10 |
| Basic fees: dogs under 6 years | $200 |
| Basic fees: dogs over 6 years | $150 |
Included with the cost of adoption, all adopting families receive:
- spay/neuter/dental cleaning
- dog license
- vaccinations (DHPP, Bordetella, Rabies)
- health exam at the shelter
- microchip
- heartworm test
- a goodie bag
- helpful information and literature on feeding, training and care of your new family member tailored to the dog you are adopting
Return Policy
We recognize that in spite of everyone's best efforts, there will be times when a dog will simply not be the right fit at home. Adoption returns may be made up to 90 days after adoption for a full refund. We will then happily work with you to find a dog that is the right fit for your home.
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