Rehoming Information

We realize that sometimes people are not able to keep their pets for one reason or another. We primarily serve lost and stray animals.  Voluntary owner surrendered pets are not currently accepted at this time.

We ask that owners try all of the following methods of rehoming their pets.

Check with friends and family

Let people know you’re trying to rehome your pet and ask them to spread the word to help you find a new home. If challenges you're facing are temporary, they may be able to help, and enable you to be more easily reunited with your pet when you're ready.

Check with the source

Reach out to the shelter, rescue, or breeder or other location where your pet came from. They may be able to help. There may also be stipulations in your adoption or breeder contract to reach out to them should you ever need to return the animal for any reason.

Reach Out on Social Media or Post on Pet Rehoming Websites

Tell your social media network what you're experiencing and ask for help finding a new home, or ask for support. Post on social media groups or websites for rehoming pets. Be upfront and honest about any special needs your pet may have, including behavioral or medical needs.

Check with local shelters and rescues

The following organizations may accept owner-released cats and/or dogs (or rodents) on a space available basis. Please check with each agency for specific information. Many will require an appointment, profile forms about your pet, and may have associated fees for surrendering your pet.

Animal Shelter Alliance of Portland (ASAP) Partner Shelters

Many county shelters may only be able to serve residents of their jurisdiction.

Oregon Humane Society Logo

Oregon Humane Society

1067 NE Columbia Blvd

Portland, OR 97211

(503) 285-7722

Oregonhumane.org

Humane Society for Southwest Washington Logo

Humane Society for Southwest Washington*

1100 NE 192nd Ave

Vancouver, WA 98684

(360) 984-6060

southwesthumane.org

Bonnie L Hays Small Animal Shelter

Bonnie Hays Animal Shelter of Washington County*

1901 SE 24th Ave

Hillsboro, OR 97123

(503) 846-7041

co.washington.or.us/HHS/AnimalServices/AnimalShelter

Cat Adoption Team logo

Cat Adoption Team

14175 SW Galbreath Dr

Sherwood, OR 97140

(503) 925-8903

catadoptionteam.org

Clackamas County Dog Services

Clackamas County Dog Services*

13141 OR-212

Clackamas, OR 97015

(503) 655-8628

clackamas.us/dogs

Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet

rehome.adoptapet.com/

  1. Create a Profile - get your pets posted on Adopt-a-Pet.com to be seen by millions of pet adopters. 
  2. Review Applications- the dedicated team at Rehome will give you all the help you need to select the best potential adopters.
  3. Meet Adopters - The Rehome team will guide you through the process of setting safe and pressure-free meetings with applicants.
  4. Finalize Adoption - Rehome will provide you with an adoption contract to protect the transfer of your pet ownership.

Nextdoor

Nextdoor does not allow the buying or selling of pets, but have guidance on listing animals for a nominal adoption fee. Nextdoor is an effective way to rehome animals locally in your neighborhood.

Craigslist

Avoid giving your pet away “free to a good home”, as unscrupulous people may turn around and sell your pet. You may ask for a small rehoming fee for your pet. However, you should be aware that people who ask for rehoming fees are often accused of selling their pet, which is not allowed on Craigslist. The best option may be to require the adopter to donate a reasonable sum to an animal related charity.

The Pacific Northwest has many breed-specific rescue organizations. You can try searching on Google for relevant options for your pet.


 

If You have Exhausted Other Options

Contact MCAS

If you are experiencing emergency circumstances that would prevent you from keeping your pet, and if you live within Multnomah County and have exhausted alternative options, please call our Client Services team at 503-988-7387 to discuss available options.

Adoption Returns

If you adopted a dog from MCAS within the past 30 days and you’re certain it’s not going to work out, simply contact us in regards to an ‘Adoptions Return’. Please note that if you call or email first we can be prepared for you before you arrive, otherwise there could be a long wait. There will be a bit of paperwork, and your Adoption Return may or may not be eligible for a whole or partial refund.

Emergencies

If you are currently in danger, if the dog in your home poses an active threat to you, your family, or your other pets, please contact us right away through our mail line- 503-988-7387.

An Animal Control Officer may be able to assist.