Adoption Process & Policies

Thank you for your interest in adopting a pet from Sadie's Safe House.

Before beginning the process, here are some important things to know:

We do our best to match our rescue residents with the applicant that best fits their needs.
We do NOT adopt on a first-come, first-served basis.
The adoption fee is due in full at the time of adoption and is non-negotiable.
RENTERS will need to submit proof that a pet is/will be permitted at the residence.
SSHCR is a foster-based rescue. All animals are in foster homes and not readily available to visit.

Adoption Application

The Adoption Application is a very important document. It's you telling us that you're ready to make a commitment to a pet that can live 15+ years.

The application will need to be completed in its entirety. Applications with missing information will be discarded and/or we will ask you to complete it again. This document stays in your pets permanent record with us so it's important that it's done correctly.

THIS INCLUDES REFERENCES!

Background Check

SSH will run a background check on everyone in the household.

If any individual in your home has been convicted of...

any crime involving an animal,
any violent crime, or
child abuse or neglect,

...your application will be DENIED. Your application will also be declined if you have a history of reckless and/or careless behavior.

NOTE: If you believe you application was declined in error, you can appeal the decision by sending us an explanatory email.

Home Check

A home check is required for every adoption. When a volunteer comes to your home, everyone that lives in the home and any other indoor pets are required to be present.

We anticipate this visit taking 1-2 hours so please plan accordingly.

The goal is to ensure long-term compatibility. We want to get to know you and make sure you're the right fit for the pet as well as the pet being the right fit for your home.

Adoption Fee

Canine Adoption Fee:

Puppies under 1 year: $500
Adults 1 year to 8 years: $400
Seniors over 8 years: $0*-$150

Feline Adoption Fee:

Kittens under 1 year: $200
Adults 1 year to 8 years: $150
Seniors over 8 years: $0*-$50

* : Adoption fees are lowered based on anticipated future medical status.

Included in your adoption fee (at a minimum):

Spay/Neuter
Up-to-date Vaccines
Microchip with Lifetime Free Registration
Current Deworming
Current Flea Treatment

Servicable Areas

Service Areas are subject to change based on volunteer availability. Adoptions or surrenders in other areas are done on a case-by-case basis.

OREGON: Columbia, Clackamas, Marion, Multnomah & Washington County
WASHINGTON: Clark, Cowlitz & Pacific County
IDAHO: Bannock, Bingham & Power County

Last Will & Testament

This applies to each of our adopters regardless of age. What you may not know is that pets are considered property in the eyes of the law and, thus, are considered part of your estate when you pass away.

If you pass and you do not have a Will in place or anything specifying what will happen to your pet/s, they will go through the court system just like a special china cabinet or an old sofa.

Often times, the person who a Judge ends up appointing to executor of your estate doesn't want your pet and doesn't know where to turn. So, they opt to have your pet euthanized or surrender your beloved pet to a shelter or, as we've experienced, rescue. We do not want any of our residents (past, present or future) to experience that trauma.

We require our adopters to appoint a "Pet Guardian" with instructions to contact SSHCR upon taking possession so we can keep up-to-date records. We also require that SSHCR be a "last resort" appointment.

For more information: FreeWill Pet Guardian Information