Adoption FAQs
What are your basic requirements to adopt?
Pacific Pug Rescue requires the following in order to adopt:
Please note, some specific dogs may have additional requirements based on their behavioral or medical condition(s). Any additional requirements will be clearly stated in the dog's biography. If you have any questions about any additional requirements, please email us prior to applying.
Pacific Pug Rescue requires the following in order to adopt:
- Applicant must be 21+ years old and allow for an in-person or virtual home check
- As applicable, landlord confirmation that dogs are allowed in the home.
- As applicable, veterinary confirmation that any current dogs in the home are spayed/neutered and any current pets are up-to-date on veterinary care including vaccinations, unless a medical exception is provided by the veterinarian.
- Applicant is able to pick-up the dog within the Portland Metro Area within a week if approved to adopt.
Please note, some specific dogs may have additional requirements based on their behavioral or medical condition(s). Any additional requirements will be clearly stated in the dog's biography. If you have any questions about any additional requirements, please email us prior to applying.
Can I adopt if I do not live in the Portland/Vancouver area?
- Yes, we welcome out-of-area adoptions. Potential adopters are required to travel to Portland, Oregon for meet-and-greets as we do not transport our dogs. If traveling by airplane, the dog must be able to be flown in cabin. We do not allow any of our dogs to be flown in cargo for their safety.
Please note: Not all dogs are suitable for long distance travel. Factors such as airline restrictions, size, weight, health issues, car sickness, anxiety and behavior issues that require a meet up with other dogs in the home, are all factors that may limit out-of-area adoptions. Please also keep in mind that we do require the dog to be returned to us if for any reason you are unable to keep it. You would be responsible for all travel and costs associated with returning the dog. Please note that if we receive a high volume of applications for a particular dog, priority will be given to local adopters.
Please email us at adoptions@pacificpugrescue.org prior to applying to see if the dog you are interested in is a candidate for travel.
I'm a prior adopter or I have an approved application, how do I apply to adopt again?
- If you have adopted a dog from us within the last few years and wish to adopt again, or if you have an approved adoption application please send us an email.
How soon will I hear from you after I submit my application?
- You will be notified within 48 hours that we have received your application by our adoption coordinator. The adoption coordinator will be your main point of contact and during the application review will reach out to you with any questions, check your references (as applicable), and notify you of your application status. The review process is dependent on how responsive you and your contacts are and how complete your application is.
What does a home check visit entail?
- During the home check visit, a volunteer will tour your home and yard (if applicable) to ensure it is a safe environment for a furry new friend. All members of the household will need to be present, including any pets. If you are not local, a virtual home visit via video call will be conducted.
How much are your adoption donations?
- Adoption donation amounts are not one-size-fits-all and they vary based on many factors. Our adoption donations are dependent on the dog’s age, health, and specific needs. Adoption donation fees will be posted with each dog's bio for full transparency. These donations typically range from $200 to $1,000. Your contribution helps us continue rescuing and rehabilitating dogs in need, ensuring we can continue to welcome dogs into the rescue regardless of age, condition, or veterinary needs.
What does the adoption donation amount cover?
- All dogs receive comprehensive veterinary care such as vaccinations, spaying or neutering, full bloodwork, parasite screening, and microchipping. Many dogs also require dental cleanings and extractions; others need additional medical treatments like airway surgery (especially common in flat-faced breeds like pugs), tumor removals, biopsies, ear infection treatment, orthopedic care, or consultations with veterinary specialists. Though not every dog needs every service, some require extensive and ongoing medical care. The average cost of care we provide for a rescue dog is about $2,000. While adoption fees help recoup a portion of these expenses, they rarely cover the full cost of a dog’s care.
Do you accept payment plans for the adoption donation?
- No, unfortunately we cannot accept payment plans. The full adoption donation is due when you pick up your new friend.
How do you make the decision of who is chosen to adopt?
- We carefully consider many factors including the dog's personality, history, how they're doing in their foster home, and how much it aligns with the lifestyle and expectations of a potential adopter. Our goal is always to find the home that best fits each dog’s unique needs. We don't process applications on a first-come, first-served basis. Instead, we focus on finding the most suitable match for each dog. Their well-being is our top priority, and we do everything we can to ensure they’re placed in an environment where they can thrive.
Can I adopt a dog on a trial basis?
- Moving to a new home can be a big adjustment for a dog, and we want to avoid added stress or confusion for them so we do not generally adopt on a trial basis. We put a lot of care into our adoption process, getting to know both our dogs and our applicants, so we can make the best possible match from the start.
Can I adopt a dog directly from a public event?
- We occasionally will be at public events with foster dogs, but we do not adopt directly from these events because of our thorough adoption screening process. We are happy to talk to you at an event about a particular dog and how to apply to adopt!
My application was approved but I did not get the dog I applied for. Does this mean I can't adopt?
- Sometimes a potential adopter meets all of the application requirements and is approved, but due to high interest or the specific needs of a dog, the dog may be placed with another adopter who is the best overall match. Please know this decision is always made with the dog’s well-being as our top priority and not a reflection of anything "wrong" with your application.
The adoption coordinator will let you know if your application is approved, and if you’re still interested in adopting, we’d love to work with you to find a match! You’re welcome to email our Adoption Team and let us know if there’s another dog you’d like to be considered for. You do not need to submit another application. We truly appreciate your patience, understanding, and your desire to give a rescue dog a loving home.
Contact Us
Snail Mail:
Pacific Pug Rescue
2850 SW Cedar Hills Blvd.
Walker Center #221
Beaverton, OR 97005
Voicemail or Text: (503) 704-3587
Adoption Info/Questions:
adoptions@pacificpugrescue.org
General Questions:
pugs@pacificpugrescue.org
EIN 20-8373601