Adoption Process
SDRO Alumni: DaisyAdopting a senior dog
Adopting a senior dog is an experience with so much to offer. Senior dogs are usually house-trained and ready for a stable, loving home. Most senior dogs are instant companions, ready to join you on a walk or for a warm snuggle.
We are a foster-based, volunteer-driven rescue. We do not have a shelter. All SDRO dogs available for adoption are listed on our website until the dog has been adopted. The listing includes information to help you decide if one of our dogs is right for your household. If you are interested in adopting a dog, please complete an online application. We review all applications as they come in, but our process is not “first come, first served.” We work hard to find the best match for each dog for their forever home.
Our Adoption Process
SDRO Alumni LaceyGeneral information
We are a foster-based, volunteer-driven rescue organization working hard to find each dog a forever home. Our organization is based in Corvallis, Oregon, and most dogs are fostered in the Willamette Valley.
Our adoptable dogs are listed on our website. This list is updated regularly and shows basic information about each dog available for adoption.
Each dog receives a thorough vet examination and is microchipped as part of the surrender process to SDRO. Dogs in our care receive updated vaccinations, spay or neutering, and teeth cleaning. If medical problems are detected, we do our best to address them. We are grateful for the support of our donors and grantors who help cover these costs since adoption fees do not cover the total costs for veterinary services.
Our adoption process is easy and designed to find the best fit for our senior dogs and their forever family.
Adoption Fee
Our adoption fee is $200 for an individual dog and $300 for a bonded pair of dogs. A 10% discount is available for military veterans or those who are 60+.
The average cost for senior dogs in our care has been steadily increasing. SDRO revised our adoption fees effective August 1, 2024.
How it works
First, decide on which dog you’d like to adopt and complete an application
Next, we’ll review applications as they come in to find the best match for each dog. This can take time, and we appreciate your patience!
If your home suits the dog's needs, we'll call you to discuss your application and ask any follow-up questions. Our experienced adoption coordinator will discuss the dog’s needs with you to determine if your home is the right fit. Since we do not operate a shelter and all our dogs are in foster care, a meet-and-greet will be your first opportunity to meet the dog face-to-face.
We ask that all household members come to the meet-and-greet. We want to see how everyone interacts with your prospective dog. We also request that you bring your current spayed/neutered dog(s) with you so we can get a feel for how the new addition will integrate into your home.
SDRO Alumni: RebaTrial period
If the SDRO adoption coordinator feels that your home is a good match for the dog, and you are ready to proceed, you will be asked to sign a preliminary agreement before you take your senior dog home. All SDRO adoptions include a two-week trial period in your home. During this time, SDRO is available to answer your questions. While we do our best to find a good match, you can return the dog within the two-week trial if it’s not a fit.
After the two-week trial period, you will need to sign an adoption contract and pay the adoption fee via cash, check, or credit card. Please read our adoption application and agreement carefully.
Please keep in mind that Senior Dog Rescue of Oregon staff will make the final decision on the adoption. We will decline the adoption for your protection and the dog's safety if we feel it’s not a good fit.
Resources and Articles for the care of your Senior Dog
