Adding a new pet to your family is a great way to help reduce the stray and abandoned pet population while also getting a friend for life. There are so many loving pets out there that just need a loving new owner who will give them a chance.
Close to 7 million animals are placed in shelters and animal rescues every single year, with their species being close to an even mix of cats and dogs. The majority of dogs are obtained through breeders or the humane society.
Instead of supporting breeders, animal farms, and specialty pet stores, consider adopting your next pet from an animal rescue instead.
We have put together a list of the best dog rescues in Oregon for you to consider.
Let's get started.
Top 10 Dog Rescues and Shelters in Oregon
1. Oregon Dog Rescue in Portland, OR
Address: 6700 SW Nyberg St. Tualatin, OR 97062
Phone: (503) 612-0111
Email: info@oregondogrescue.org
Location Type: Shelter
Designation: 501(c)(3) non-profit
Services Offered: This no-kill shelter accepts owner-released dogs and offers dogs for adoption. They also offer vaccinations, flea treatments, de-worming, and microchip implantation, and spay/neutering of dogs being adopted.
Adoption Requirements: Interested families are required to select a dog from the website and then submit an application. Any existing pets in the home must be spayed or neutered. Families with young children will only be eligible to adopt puppies or certain rescue dogs that have previously lived in homes with children. Once your application has been approved, you will need to visit the facility with your family and other pets for compatibility evaluation.
Fees: $150 to $500 depending on age and breed.
Pet Details: All dogs offered for adoption will be vaccinated, treated for fleas, de-wormed, spay/neutered, and implanted with a microchip. These services are included with the adoption fee.
View adoptable pets here.
2. Greenhill Humane Society SPCA in Eugene, OR
Address: 88530 Green Hill Rd. Eugene, OR 97402
Phone: (541) 689-1503
Email: information@green-hill.org
Location Type: Shelter
Designation: Private 501(c)(3) non-profit
Services Offered: This location offers a humane education program, owner-surrendered pets, animal foster care, reuniting lost animals, cat spay/neuter surgeries, crisis care boarding, pet food bank, and animal adoptions.
Adoption Requirements: Animals available for adoption can be viewed online or in-person with an appointment. Next, an application will need to be submitted followed by a meeting with a pet adoption counselor. Applications must be submitted in person only. The adoption process is simple. Then you will be informed of any special needs of your selected animal. Next, you will pay the fees and complete the process. All you need is the application, A valid ID, and the fees.
Fees: $125 and up depending on the animal.
Pet Details: All cats and dogs offered for adoption will be given a physical health exam, undergo a behavioral evaluation, get vaccinated, treated for fleas, de-wormed, spay/neutered, and provided with a collar and ID tag. These services are included with the adoption fee.
3. Oregon Friends of Shelter Animals in Beaverton, OR
Address: 1853 NE Cornell Road, Unit C, Hillsboro, OR 97124
Phone: 503-747-7818
Email: info@ofosa.org
Location Type: Rescue
Designation: Private Donation Based
Services Offered: This location is a foster-based animal rescue. There are no animals on-site and adoptees are housed with foster homes. They offer adoption services and lost and found services. They also offer vaccinations, flea treatments, flea & tick treatment, grooming, microchip implantation, and spay/neutering of animals being adopted.
Adoption Requirements: Interested families are required to select a dog or cat from the website and then submit an application. Once your application has been received, the foster location will contact you within 48 hours to set up a meet and greet. You will need to visit the foster home with your family and other pets for compatibility evaluation. Pets will only be adopted out to families who agree to house them indoors.
Fees: Dogs $320 - $570. Cats $80 - $180.
Pet Details: All dogs offered for adoption will be vaccinated, treated for fleas, de-wormed, spay/neutered, and implanted with a microchip. These services are included with the adoption fee.
4. BrightSide Animal Center in Redmond, OR
Address: 1355 NE Hemlock Ave., Redmond, OR 97756
Phone: 541-923-0882
Email: adopt@brightsideanimals.org
Location Type: Rescue
Designation: 501(c)(3) non-profit
Services Offered: This location offers dogs, cats, and other animals for adoption. They also offer vaccinations, cremation, lost pet services, microchip implantation, and spay/neutering of dogs being adopted.
Adoption Requirements: Interested families can come by to see cats in the open environment to select their new friend, for dogs, families will need to meet with an adoption specialist then submit an application. Bring your application with you when choosing your new pet for review and approval. For dog adoptions, a specialist with the interview you to understand your home life, needs, and other details that will help match you with a pet. They will then show you one dog at a time that fits your profile. View adoptable dogs here.
Fees: $40 to $140 for adult animals. $100 - $250 for baby animals.
Pet Details: All dogs and cats offered for adoption will be vaccinated, spay/neutered, and implanted with a microchip. These services are included with the adoption fee.
5. A New Leash on Life in Eugene, OR
Address: 155 Division Avenue, Eugene, OR 97404
Phone: 541-484-1962
Email: newleashtransport@gmail.com
Location Type: Rescue
Designation: 501(c)(3) non-profit
Services Offered: This location and offers transportation for dogs that are rescued from shelters and poor living situations. You can also surrender dogs you are no longer able to care for. They work with adoption partners to help find permanent homes for dogs in need. You can contact them in person or online to be paired with a dog in need.
Adoption Requirements: You can select a pet from the FB page or visit their location in person to choose your new friend. All that is required is an adoption application and the appropriate fees depending on which of their adoption partners you work with.
Fees: $45 to $95.
Pet Details: All dogs offered for adoption will be vaccinated, treated for fleas, de-wormed, spay/neutered, and implanted with a microchip or collar depending on the adoption partner.
Once you have had a wonderful dog, a life without one, is a life diminished. ~ Dean Koontz
6. Heartland Humane Society in Corvallis, OR
Address: 398 SW Twin Oaks Circle, Corvallis, OR 97333
Phone: 541-757-9000
Email: adopt@heartlandhumane.org
Location Type: Open-intake Shelter
Designation: 501(c)(3) non-profit
Services Offered: This location accepts owner-released animals and offers a variety of animals for adoption. Pet owners can also bring in pet remains for disposal. They also offer vaccinations, flea treatments, de-worming, microchip implantation, and spay/neutering of dogs or cats being adopted.
Adoption Requirements: Adoptions are available by making an appointment and coming in to view available animals. You must bring in your current dog for a meet-in-great during your visit. An application for adoption and the fee for the animal is required. View their adoptable dogs here.
Fees: $15 to $300 depending on age and animal type.
Pet Details: All dogs and cats offered for adoption will be vaccinated, treated for parasites, spay/neutered, tagged, and implanted with a microchip. Other small animals are given a carrier. These services are included with the adoption fee.
7. The Pixie Project in Portland, OR
Address: 510 N.E. MLK Blvd, Portland, OR 97232
Phone: 503-542-3432
Email: info@pixieproject.org
Location Type: Rescue
Designation: 501(c)(3) non-profit
Services Offered: This location offers dogs and cats for adoption. Low-cost veterinary services are also available for those who qualify. Pet surrenders are also accepted for both dogs and cats.
Adoption Requirements: Interested families are required to select a pet from the website and then submit an application. Once your application has been reviewed, you will need to visit the facility with your family and other pets for compatibility evaluation. Provisional approval will be given, and pets will be released to your home for a 2-week trial. If all goes well during the trial, the adoption will be finalized at the end of 2 weeks.
Fees: $250 to $500 depending on age and breed.
Pet Details: All dogs offered for adoption will be vaccinated, treated for fleas, de-wormed, spay/neutered, and implanted with a microchip. These services are included with the adoption fee.
8. Home At Last Humane Society in The Dalles, OR
Address: 200 River Road The Dalles, OR 97058
Phone: (541) 296-5189
Email: info@homeatlasths.org
Location Type: Shelter
Designation: 501(c)(3) non-profit.
Services Offered: This location offers adoptions, volunteer services, and fostering of cats and dogs in need. Owner surrenders are also accepted.
Adoption Requirements: Applications can be filled out and submitted online after selecting a pet available for adoption on their website. You must be at least 21 years old in order to adopt a cat or dog, and all policies must be followed for application approval. You must have a fenced yard and be willing to house the animal indoors.
Fees: Varies.
Pet Details: Some pets come spayed or nurtured. All animals will be clean and in generally good health at the time of adoption.
9. Hood River Adopt a Dog in Hood River, OR
Address: 3910 Heron Drive, Hood River, OR 97031
Phone: 541-354-1083
Email: hoodriveradoptadog@gmail.com
Location Type: Shelter
Designation: 501(c)(3) non-profit
Services Offered: This location accepts owner-released dogs and offers dogs for adoption. They also offer vaccinations, and spay/neutering of dogs being adopted. They also offer training and dog rehabilitation support for the local animal control center.
Adoption Requirements: To adopt a dog you will need to fill out an application online. The link is at the bottom of the picture of each available animal. Once your application is approved, an in-person meeting with all of your family will be scheduled. Click here to view adoptable dogs.
Fees: $175 and up depending on age and breed.
Pet Details: All dogs offered for adoption will be vaccinated and spay/neutered. These services are included with the adoption fee.
10. Puplandia Dog Rescue in Aloha, OR
Address:
Phone: 541-270-2828
Email: puplandiadogrescue@gmail.com
Location Type: Rescue
Designation: 501(c)(3) non-profit
Services Offered: This 100% volunteer driven nonprofit organization accepts owner-released dogs and offers dogs for adoption. They also offer training, health, and nutrition support for community dogs at risk of being surrendered.
Adoption Requirements: Interested families are required to select a dog from the website and then submit an application online via email. Once your application has been approved, a team member will visit your home prior to finalizing the adoption.
Fees: $400 for puppies and $300 for adults.
Pet Details: All dogs offered for adoption will be vaccinated, treated for fleas, de-wormed, spay/neutered, and implanted with a microchip. These services are included with the adoption fee.
Reasons To Adopt a Pet From a Rescue or Shelter
Pets are wonderful in many ways, they offer loyal companionship and can even help reduce anxiety and mental stress.
From older people looking for a steady companion to families with children looking for a playmate, those looking for pets are endless.
Heading out to the pet store is pretty easy when you want to look for a pet, but adoption is a much better option.
There are a lot of reasons why a person or a family should adopt a rescue or shelter pet instead of choosing one from the pet store.
You save a life
One of the main reasons to adopt a pet is that you will be saving the life of an animal in need. Rescue animals and shelter animals often just had a bad run of luck but are full of life and affection.
Adopting one will give them a second chance and free up space that can go to help another animal in need.
A pet is good for your health
Adopting a pet is also good for both your mental health and your physical health. Not only will you get active by taking care of your new pet, but you will also be able to reduce your stress by having a pet that will love you without reservations.
You won’t be supporting puppy mills and pet stores
Shelter and rescue animals are very loyal. In fact, many are much more loyal than pets that come from mills or pet stores.
Speaking of stores, adopting a pet gives you a reason to shop and spoil them with cute toys, accessories, and more. Adopting pets also helps reduce over breeding. Too often breeding factories are used to populate pet stores and the conditions in those breeding farms are often inhumane.
With the pandemic changing the way, people interact, and even how often they are able to get out and socialize, adopting a pet is a great way to find relief.
