Adoption FAQs
Can I adopt if I do not live in the Portland/Vancouver area?
Can I adopt a dog directly from a public event?
- Yes! We do consider homes out-of-town as long as we are able to arrange virtual home visit and you are able to travel to Portland for the meet and greet. If you plan to travel by airplane, the dog must be transported in the cabin of the plane. Dogs cannot be flown in a cargo area and we cannot transport dogs. If you require a certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI), you will be required to pay the fee to obtain the certificate. Please note: Some dogs may not be able to fly due to either size, behavioral, or medical limitations and may require a local adoption for those specific instances.
- If you have adopted a dog from us within the last few years and wish to adopt again, please send us an email.
- 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 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.
- 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.
- While in our care, the dog receives 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. The average cost of care for our rescue dogs is about $1,868.
Though not every dog needs every service, some require extensive and ongoing medical care. Adoption donations are essential to ensuring we can continue to welcome dogs into the rescue regardless of age, condition, or cost.
- No, unfortunately we cannot accept payment plans. The full adoption donation is due when you pick up your new friend.
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!
- During the home visit, a volunteer will tour your home and yard 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 can be conducted.
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.
How do you make the decision 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 an environment where they can thrive.
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. 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 Information:
adoptions@pacificpugrescue.org
General Questions:
pugs@pacificpugrescue.org
You can make a meaningful impact by donating food and supplies from our Amazon Wishlist!