Adoption Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is your shelter?

We don’t have a shelter, but instead, rely on foster homes in the Portland, Oregon area to house our adoptable dogs. In a foster home, the dogs have a better opportunity to heal from any injuries or illnesses and learn how to be part of a family.

Where are your dogs from?

Our dogs are placed with us from shelters or other rescues. Generally, these dogs may have medical needs or behavioral needs that need to be addressed before they are ready for adoption. Our organization was founded to help shelter dogs recover and find a forever home.

How do I adopt a dog from Stumptown Strays?

Thank you so much for your interest in meeting one of our Stumptown Strays! Your first step is to fill out an adoption application. If you are paired with the dog, we will arrange a meet-and-greet. We ask that adopters be ready to take their dog home with them immediately after being adopted.

What are your adoption fees?

The fees vary depending on the age of the dog and any underlying medical conditions. Please see the adoption posts for each dog’s fee.

What does the adoption fee cover?

All dogs placed by Stumptown Strays will be fully vetted, vaccinated, dewormed, and spayed or neutered (if the dog is too young to be altered at adoption, we will refund 200 dollars of the adoption fee upon proof of spay or neuter at 6 months old). All known medical and surgical conditions will have been addressed to the best of our ability. Dogs placed by Stumptown Strays may have come from out-of-state shelters, so some of the adoption fees may help offset transport costs. Dogs will have also been tested for regionally applicable diseases, such as heartworm and tick-borne illnesses. As we are founded by veterinary professionals, it is our goal for Stumptown Strays dogs to be healthy and happy prior to finding their forever homes.

How long does it take for an application to be reviewed?

We are a volunteer-run organization, and all of our members have full-time jobs. Sometimes, we may not be able to reach out until the evening or the weekend. Some dogs may get several applications. Please be assured that we are trying our best to contact everyone! If we do not contact you, it’s likely an application came in before yours that was a really good fit, and the dog found its forever home. But we’ll keep your application for the future.

Resources for Your New Dog

Click the link to expand the informational PDF

Dog Training + Behavioral Resources

Dunbar Academy

Online courses for “Easy, Effective & Enjoyable Dog Training Techniques”

Some of the classes they offer:

  • Behavior Problems - such as barking, chewing, aggression, pulling on the leash, separation anxiety

  • Puppy Training

  • Dog Training for Children

  • Start out with their Free Online Courses

Patricia McConnell, PhD

Books and videos that provide you with “Science and Soul in Dog Training and Behavior”

Some of her books and videos:

  • Puppy Training

  • Family Friendly Dog Training

  • How to Welcome Your Adopted Dog into Your Home

  • Potty Training a Dog at Any Age