Adoption Process

Thank you for your interest in adopting! Please read the below information thoroughly as well check out our Adoption FAQs as they answer most people's questions regarding the adoption process.

 If you cannot find the answer to your question here, you can email us at adoptions@pacificpugrescue.org. Please do not call our phone number with application related questions.

All communication regarding your application will be sent  via email, so please check your junk/spam filters frequently so you do not miss updates on the status of your application. We require all applicants to be courteous and respectful throughout the adoption process.  Our dedicated volunteers work hard to rescue pugs while also managing their own families, jobs, and pets. We thank you for your patience and understanding. We reserve the right to refuse service and adoption without explanation.

Step 1
Adoption Application Completion

We only accept applications for dogs that are listed under Available Pugs. Please check our website and social media pages for available dogs to be posted as we are unable to accommodate waitlists. To apply, click on the apply button under the dog's bio that you are interested in and complete the form as truthfully and thoroughly as you can. If you have applied to adopt previously, you do not need to fill out another application, please email us and let us know of your interest at adoptions@pacificpugrescue.org. There is a $15 non-refundable application processing donation fee. Please make sure you understand and read all our policies before you submit the application, refunds will not be given if your application is denied. 

Step 3
Landlord Approval Verified

If you rent your home, your landlord will be contacted to verify that you have permission to have a dog in your home. If your landlord does not allow for a dog in your home, your application will be denied.

Step 4
Veterinary References Contacted

Your veterinary reference(s) will be contacted to determine if your current pets are spayed/neutered, kept up-to-date on vaccinations, and generally well cared for on a consistent basis. If you do not currently have pets, we may ask about the veterinary care that your previous pets received. If you have never owned a pet, this step is skipped. If your veterinary reference(s) cannot verify care history, spay/neuter, and vaccination status of your pet(s), processing of your application will be paused until you can provide this information. Exemptions to our spay/neuter policy are granted if your vet has recommended not doing this because of age and/or health reasons. If your pet(s) is overdue for vaccinations and other care by more than a year your application may be denied.

Step 5
Personal References Contacted

 You will need to provide two non-family member personal references for us to communicate with by email.  A volunteer will contact them and ask them questions in regards to whether they consider you a responsible pet owner. Make sure their email addresses are correct and let them know to expect an email from us, and to respond in a timely manner. This step in the process can take the most amount of time and cause delays in processing your application.  If we have any major concerns about adopting a dog to you based on communication with your references, your application will be denied.

Step 2
Application Preliminary Review

Our Adoption Coordinator will screen your application to determine if the necessary information was provided. If not, you will be emailed to provide additional information. All communication is done via email. It is very important you take the time to fill out the application completely, as incomplete information may cause a delay or denial of your application. Some common mistakes to be careful of are: providing family members as references, not providing email addresses and incorrect contact information for your veterinarian, landlord, or personal references. If there are any major concerns about adopting a dog to you based on information provided in your application, your application will be denied.

Step 6
 Approval or Denial

The information provided in Steps 1-5 will be used to determine an applicant’s suitability for adopting a dog. Our Adoption Coordinator will notify you of your status. We reserve the right to refuse any applicant for any reason if we feel the needs of the dog will not be properly met or the adoption is not in the best interest of the dog.

Step 7 
 Meet and Greet and Home Check

Once you have been matched with a dog, the foster parent will bring the dog to your home for a meet and greet. All family members including pets, must be in attendance. A home check will also be conducted if it was not done so in previous steps to ensure your home is pet-safe.  If you are from outside the Portland/Vancouver metro area, you will be required to travel to Portland to meet the dog and your home visit may be done by a volunteer in your area or via Facetime/Skype. At times we may request that you bring your resident dogs along for the meet up. If all parties agree that the dog is a good match, there is a 24 hour waiting period before the adoption is complete. This gives everyone an opportunity to reflect and make sure the decision to adopt is the right decision for everyone involved. Our goal is to find a "forever" home for each dog in our rescue program; therefore we want this decision to be well thought.
Please note... The 24 hour wait is waived if you have traveled from out of town.

 If you travel by airplane, the dog must be transported either under the seat or a ticket must be purchased for the dog to ride in the passenger compartment. Dogs cannot be flown in a cargo area. We do not transport our dogs. If you require a certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI), you will be required to pay the fee to obtain the certificate.

Step 8 
Adoption Contract and Donation

You will need to sign the adoption contract and pay the adoption donation fee. The PPR adoption contract states, among other things, that if for any reason you cannot keep the dog at any time during the dog's life, he/she must be returned to PPR at the adopter's expense. You will be required to pay the entire donation amount at the time you pick up your new family member.

Step 9
Adoption Finalization

The most exciting part!  Taking home your new friend and giving them the love and care they deserve!