Multnomah County Animal Services works hard to adopt as many pets as they can and do so with great quality. You can donate to Animal Services by clicking the picture or this link. They offer the following considerations to assist you in your adoption process.

Commitment

When selecting a pet, please realize that life expectancies for dogs and cats generally range from 10 to 18 years. Are you and your family prepared to make this lengthy commitment to the animal you would like to adopt? Pet ownership also includes responsibilities for training, vet care and other things necessary for the pet to lead a comfortable, happy life.

Lifestyle

We feel it is important for you to select an animal whose personality, care and exercise needs fit your family. Some dogs require lots of exercise; some pets are better with children, some age groups of puppies and kittens are better suited to young kids. If you have questions about which animal would make the best pet for you, please consult with our adoption staff.

Behavior

Many of the animals in our shelter have previous life histories that are unknown to us. Therefore, undesirable behaviors may be present that could show up after you have the animal at home. Please be prepared for the possible necessity to deal with chewing, clawing, barking or house soiling during the time the animal is adjusting to your home. All of these behaviors are easily correctable but a commitment is required on the part of the adopter to teach the pet. Not every animal in the shelter is available for adoption based on its behavior or sociability. Adoption staff can advise you in this area.

Expenses

The ownership of a pet comes with some built-in expenses. Consider the following expenses and how they could affect your household budget.

Food per month

Shots per year

Shelter

Toys

Leash & collar

Bed

Grooming

Obedience training

License

Litter box

Cat litter

Scratching post

Carrier

Health

While we make every effort to adopt a healthy pet to you, please be prepared for the eventuality that the pet could become ill and you will be required to pay for needed vet care. Animals in our shelter could have been exposed to a variety of health concerns while at large or here in our shelter. Based on illness or injury, not every animal in the shelter is recommended for adoption. Our animal health staff can advise you in this area.

How

Adopting a pet from the Animal Shelter is a two step process. It does not matter which you do first.

1. You will need to come to the shelter and select an animal appropriate to your lifestyle from any available animal in our shelter. An animal becomes available for adoption after it goes through a legal hold period. The hold period currently is three business days without any owner information and six business days if we do have owner information. This hold period gives owners a chance to claim their pet if it becomes lost.

2. You will then need to fill out an Adoption Application and go through an interview. After your application is approved, your application stays on file for one year.

After you have completed these steps, it is simply a matter of paying the adoption fee, then taking your new family member home!

Adoption Fees

Dog Adoptions: $120 / $60 for dogs that are 6 years and older.

Cat Adoptions: $100 / $60 for cats that are 6 years and older.

The fee to adopt a dog or cat includes the following services:

* Spay or neuter surgery

* Rabies vaccination

* First set of shots

* Health exam at the shelter

* Health exam at a vet clinic

* Microchip

* Pet License

* Felv/Fiv Test on cat adoptions