Thank you for your patience! We are working hard to return all phone calls and inquiries. It’s a busy day here at the shelter and we want to make the weekend as pleasant as possible for pets and people.
Do you have a Valentine yet? This weekend, we are emptying the kennels and filling up hearts during Willamette Humane Society’s biggest adoption event. Join us on February 11 and 12, 2017 for Full Hearts, Empty Kennels! It’s the perfect time to meet your new sweetheart.
During the weekend-long event, adoption fees for both cats and dogs of any age will be waived. You can also join us for raffle prizes, pet food and treat samples from NutriSource, and two free workshops for pet owners:
- Disaster Preparedness for Your Pets with Terri Ellen of Nature’s Pet Market, scheduled for Saturday, February 11 and Sunday, February 12 from 3:00-3:30 p.m. Attendees will learn how to incorporate pets into family emergency preparedness planning and put together a pet-friendly disaster.
- Forever Home: Supporting Your Newly Adopted Pet with Terri Sides, RN, scheduled for Saturday, February 11 and Sunday, February 12 from 2:00-2:30 p.m. The workshop will take new adoptions step-by-step through harmoniously integrating a new pet into the household and establishing a loving bond.
Full Hearts, Empty Kennels is all about connecting animals in need with adoptive families, as well as raise awareness of pet adoption in the local Salem-Keizer community. Come meet your new best friend this weekend!
Questions About the Event
Why a waived-fee adoption event?
Great question! Full Hearts, Empty Kennels aims to connect animals in need with adoptive families, as well as raise awareness of pet adoption in the local community. According to an ongoing annual survey by Maddie’s Fund, the vast majority of animals adopted without a fee remained in the home, and in fact, adopters actually reported a higher attachment to the pet. It’s about making homes accessible to an animal who needs a second chance. These adopters are helping save a life—whether or not an adoption fee is paid.
How do you make sure pets go to good homes during waived fee adoption events?
Adopting families will be required to complete Willamette Humane Society’s standard adoption application and screening requirements this weekend. Our adoption requirements do not change. We encourage the entire family to come along to meet the adoptive pet, and will still require meet-and-greets with adoptive dogs and any dogs already in the household.
Do you expect big crowds this weekend?
The shelter does anticipate higher traffic than most weekends. We’ll have additional staff and volunteers at the shelter all weekend to answer questions, facilitate meet-and-greets, and guide new pet parents through the adoption process.
What are your hours this weekend?
Willamette Humane Society is open Saturday, February 11 and Sunday, February 12 from 12 to 6 p.m.
Can I put a hold on an animal?
We will not be accepting holds on animals to be placed prior to the event. Holds during the weekend can be placed on a case-by-base basis. The shelter will be open and facilitating adoptions as usual on Thursday and Friday. But you are encouraged to come visit the adoptable pets before the event starts!
Will shelter services be impacted this weekend?
Due to the high value of people and pets visiting the shelter this weekend, we will not be scheduling surrender appointments unless it is an emergency. Please give our Customer Service Team a call at 503-585-5900 for further assistance.
How was this event possible?
Adoption fees are a primary source of funding for essential shelter programs and animal care. We are incredibly grateful to the generous donors underwriting the adoption fees to make this event possible. These donors including the Barbara Earle Trust, Katherine Hager, Paul and Carol Manka, Pamela Wood, and Bonaventure Gibson Creek in honor of Donna Trivet.
Callie Gisler
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I am wondering what kind of paperwork do we need to bring with us for the event? I am looking to surprise my daughter with a puppy keeping fingers crossed
Great question, Fabiola! You’ll need to bring a valid form of photo ID with you. We’ll have adoption paperwork here for you to complete. Also, if you have other dogs in the household, they will need to come with for a meet-and-greet. If you have any additional questions, please give us a call at 503-585-5900. Thanks!
If I have a cat will I need to bring her to meet and greet? She is friendly but really hates the car. Haha.
Hi Shelbi: We actually ask that cats not be brought in for a meet-and-greet. Only dogs are required to complete this process. Thanks!
What if the other dog is an outside dog and the dog we are looking for is an inside dog? Do we still need to bring the other one?
Hi Laura: We do require meet-and-greets for all dogs currently in the household. Thanks!
So we won’t be paying anything on that event? Just pick a pet of our choice, and sign the adoption papers? I have some children of mine that I would like to surprise this weekend:)
Hi Chennie: That is correct. Adoption fees are waived for the weekend. Adopters are still required to go through our standard adoption application and screening. In addition, any dogs already in the household will need to attend a meet-and-greet with the adoptable dog before the adoption can be finalized. Thanks!
Do you speak with landlords of renters?
Hi Whitney: Our adoptions counselors do check with references and landlords as needed. We always recommend you get prior approval to bring a pet into a rented house, apartment, etc. before adopting.
If we have our dogs with us, can they come inside or do they need to wait in the car until the meet and greet? If we fill out the adoption form in advance, will that help speed the process?
Hi Jennifer: Good question! Because we anticipate extra visitors to the shelter this weekend, it’s recommended you leave your dog in the car until she or he is ready to meet the new sibling. You are able to complete an application online at whs4pets.org. However, due to the high volume of traffic we anticipate this weekend, filling out the application ahead of time might not significantly impact your adoption process.
We have a toddler as well, would he need to be present?
Hi Jennifer: If possible, it would be great for him to be there. But we understand not all members of the family can be present.
do you have to pay for the adoption. this weekend?
Hi Julianna: All adoptions fees will be waived for Saturday and Sunday. In place of the adoption fees, we are asking adoptions to “pay it forward” with a donation to the shelter to help animals in the future if they’re interested.
Weve been looking at dogs from animal rescues such as Luvables in Eugene. Those dogs are spayed/neutered, microchipped, and have their shots and recent vet visits. Is the same process completed with Willamette humane society?
Hi Dan: Yes, all pets adopted through Willamette Humane Society have been spayed/neutered, microchipped, and current on medical care. Thank you.
We live on the Oregon central coast – will we still be able to adopt a pet even though we do not live in Salem?
Hi Cheryl: Of course! As long as you don’t mind making the trip, you are more than welcome to visit and adopt from WHS this weekend.
Great! We are staying with family this weekend in Salem
My girls really want a dog, we have two cats that don’t like the car would we have to bring them with us?
Hi Carolyn: We recommend you do NOT bring cats to meet an adoptive pet. We only require dogs already in the home to meet other adoptive dogs. Thanks!
Will the dogs that are listed in foster care be available?
Hi Zoe: Yes, our pets currently in the WHS Foster Program will be available. Many will be on-site for the weekend as well.
Is the address on this notice correct in Salem? If I am looking to adopt a dog and I have cats what is the protocol for that?
Hi Heather: The event is happening here at our shelter in Salem, Oregon. The address is 4246 Turner Rd SE, Salem, OR 97317. Our standard adoption process has not changed, so just come on in to visit the pets and complete an application. Our Adoptions Team will guide you through the process from there. Thanks!
If we have a cat and a chihuahua at home and would like to adopt another cat, should we bring our cat to see if he would get along ok with the new cat and leave the dog at home since he already gets along with cats? Or do you suggest doing a test a different way on Saturday?
Hi Jolene: We don’t allow owned cats to visit the shelter for meet-and-greets. You will not need to bring in your pup, since this is only required for adoptive dogs. If you have any questions, please contact our Customer Service team at 503-585-5900. Thanks!
If we fall in love with a dog this weekend and pass the adoption process- will we be able to take the dog home immediately?
Hi Jackie: Yes! All adopted pets should be ready to go home this weekend. There are special cases in which animals might need to be spayed or neutered, but almost all animals can go home straight away.
Is this for adult cats too?
Hi Mellanit: Correct! Adoption fees will be waived for all cats and dogs, regardless of age.
I’m interested finding out are the dogs shots done before we come into look at them and are there charges for the shots . Also need to know about registration fees?
Karen
Hi Karen: All adoptable dogs are provided the necessary vaccines before going to their new homes. There is no charge for this, as it is usually included in the adoption fee. There are no registration fees for this event.
I live in central Oregon, are adoptions approved the same day or would I have to make another trip there?
Hi Karen: Most animals will be ready to go home the same day, yes. We don’t anticipate you needing to make a second trip. Thank you for the interest!
I have heart failure and cannot stand very long. Do you know if there will be a long line to get in at opening?
Hi Heather: We are anticipating more traffic this weekend, but cannot estimate if there will be a long line when we open at noon. Thanks!
We live in Portland. Will we be able to adopt?
Hi Barb: Yes, you are absolutely able to adopt regardless of where you live. We have folks coming from Washington, Central Oregon, and beyond.
Hi!
Will there be more dogs available then just what is posted on your website?
We are looking for a smaller dog to join our family and your page only has three listed. We would be traveling from Portland.
TIA
Hi Summer: You’ll find all our available pets at whs4pets.org. Because new animals come through our doors every day, we can’t anticipate having a certain breed, age, color, etc. available for adoption this weekend.
Hi! I’m Judee and I have an 11yr old Pom (not toy size). Gizmo is my doctor approved pet companion. Can I get a 2nd dog like him there? Potty trained, & leash trained, about 2 years old to 4/5yrs at this event? I got Gizmo when he was
2 Y.O. at the shelter too.
I’d love to help/have another pet companion, & friend for Gizmo.
Judee & Gizmo
Hi Judee: We so appreciate your interest! I’d recommend calling our customer service team at 503-585-5900. They can help you with specific questions about our pets. But because new animals come through our doors every day, we can’t anticipate having a certain breed, age, color, etc. available for adoption this weekend.
Do you have kittens available? Im looking to adopt a kitten for my little girl. She loves kitties.. And also are the animals spayed/neutered? And up to date on shots and stuff like that? Thanks in advance. This is a wonderful thing you guys are doing.
Hi Amber: Thank you for your interest! You’ll find all our available pets at whs4pets.org. Because new animals come through our doors every day, we can’t anticipate having a certain breed, age, color, etc. available for adoption this weekend. And yes, all pets are spayed and neutered before going home, as well as current shots, flea treatment, etc.
The Statesman Journal had an article that stated you hope to adopt out up to 200 pets this weekends, but there does not seem nearly that many adoptable dogs and cats on your website’s adoptable pets page. Are there other shelter’s participating in this event, or pets available that are not listed on your adoptable pages?
Hi Maureen: Great question. We are getting new animals in between now and this weekend. Our website is updated in real-time, so you’ll always find all our available pets at whs4pets.org. Because new animals come through our doors every day, we can’t anticipate having a certain breed, age, color, etc. available for adoption this weekend. Thank you!
Great question I was wondering the same thing!
Will there be any pets there not listed on your website?
Hi Coral: You’ll find all our available pets at whs4pets.org. Because new animals come through our doors every day, we can’t anticipate having a certain breed, age, color, etc. available for adoption this weekend.
I’ve been looking a particular cat for a while here and I cannot tell which cats are waived for this weekend because all on the site still have an adoption fee listed. How do I tell which are and arent? Thank you!
Hi Pamela: Our website will always show the standard adoption fee, but all fees will be waived this weekend, February 11-12. This includes all cats and dogs, regardless of age and breed. If you have any questions, please give our Customer Service team a call at 503-585-5900. Thanks!
Oh perfect!! But holds are not allowed? Cause I won’t be able to get there until I think 3ish on Saturday.
Do I have to live in the Salem area to adopt? Do I need money to spay/neuter before we leave that day, or is that included? Are there going to be more adoptable dogs than what you currently have listed on your website? Thanks in advance!
Nevermind!!! I read some of the above comments, and they’ve answered all my questions!!! See you this weekend!
Hi Deanna: Great questions. You do not need to live in the Salem area to adopt! All pets will be spayed/neutered, up-to-date on medical care, and previously checked by a shelter vet. Because new animals come through our doors every day, we can’t anticipate having a certain breed, age, color, etc. available for adoption this weekend. But our website is updated in real-time, so you can always check back. Thanks!
Hi Callie! What an amazing event! Thank you so much for putting this on for the community. There are two specific dogs I hope to see this weekend, do I need to give you those dogs names specifically to ensure they will be at the event?
Hi McKenzy: We are so happy to hear you’re excited! Please feel free to give our Customer Service team a call at 503-585-5900 if you have questions about specific pets. We are open regular hours for Thursday and Friday, and adoptions will be taking place these days. We can’t ensure specific animals will be available, but we hope you’ll stop by!
Will cats in foster homes be included in this event? If so, will they be at the shelter to visit?
Hi Kerry: Great question! Foster pets will be included in this event and will be at the shelter for most of the weekend to visit and meet potential families!
What is the difference between an “A Dog” and a “B Dog?
Hi Scott: “A Dog” and “B Dog” just represent where the dogs are located in our shelter. If you’re looking for a specific pet, a staff member or volunteer can help you locate him or her when you arrive. Thanks!
I’m very interested in coming to your event this weekend but I’m wondering if you will have enough dogs to choose from. Ive looked at the pics of the adoptable dogs but there are only a few. Are you bringing in more dogs for adoption than the ones pictured on web site as adoptable?? How many dogs do you speculate will be available if I come to event? To be honest, I’m looking for a younger dog, even a puppy would be fine. Our dog had to be put down a couple years ago after 12 loyal years to us….My 9 year old daughter was devastated to lose her dog but its been a couple years and she really wants a new best friend.
Hi Marcie: Thanks for your question. We will have more animals available this weekend in addition to the cuties you’re currently seeing. Our website is updated in real-time, so that is the most accurate place to see all the adoptable pets we currently have. But because new animals come through our doors every day, we can’t anticipate having a certain breed, age, color, etc. available for adoption this weekend.
Through your website it seems that there are a handful of dogs to choose from, will there be more available this weekend or just the ones online?
Never mind, read a similar question above answering my question.
Hi Jordan: Yes, we will have more animals available this weekend. Our website is updated in real-time, so that is the most accurate place to see all the adoptable pets we currently have. But because new animals come through our doors every day, we can’t anticipate having a certain breed, age, color, etc. available for adoption this weekend.
I’m curious about the pets that are currently on hold. If they aren’t fully adopted by this weekend, are they going to be on hold and unavailable? I obviously don’t want to steal someone else’s loving pet, but there’s a few cats I think would be a great fit for me and they’re basically all on hold.
Hi Aimee: Great question. It depends on the specific pet. Pets on hold with pending adoptions will be available this weekend if they aren’t picked up before end-of-day Friday. Pets on hold with pending medical procedures (such as spay or neuter surgeries) will not be available. You can give our Customer Service team a call at 503-585-5900 with questions about specific pets. Thanks!
I have been looking thru your available dogs for this weekend. Do you anticipate having any added to the selection that will be rated “g”? I don’t believe I saw any, and our youngest is not yet 2 years old. I know they say a puppy is best with tiny children where there is no negative/unknown history to affect the dogs behavior. But, just maybe you’ll have something!
Hi Natalee: We will have more animals available this weekend and our website is updated in real-time, so that is the most accurate place to see all the adoptable pets we currently have. But because new animals come through our doors every day, we can’t anticipate having a certain rating, breed, age, color, etc. available for adoption this weekend. Thanks!
So, the advertising said there would be no prior holds on animals before the event. We waited in line from 930-1200 and all of the animals had been put on hold, very frustrating when we followed the guidelines put out:(
Hi Kaila: We are sorry if there was any confusion. What might have been described as a “hold” yesterday was an adoption already in process. We have 37 adoptions in process by 1:30 p.m.
Will you guys have more cats Available for adoption tomorrow?
Hi Amanda: Yes, we do have kitties in today. Please check the adoptable pet section of our website for the current pets ready to go home. The website is updated in real-time.
Are you going to post any new animals for the Sunday event on the webpage before the event.
Hi Rochelle: Yes, there are animals ready to go home today. Please check the adoptable pet section of our website for the current pets ready to go home. The website is updated in real-time.
Hello I only see 1 dog and 2 cats still available. Will there be anymore available tmmrw
Hi Marissa: Yes, there are! Please check the adoptable pet section of our website for the current pets ready to go home. The website is updated in real-time.
I heard you were out of animals, is this true? I was going to bring my mom today, Sunday, to get a companion pet. I couldn’t bring her Saturday because I am in college and had a 12hr clinical rotation last night. I don’t want to make a wasted trip if you don’t have any animals left.
Hi Ronda: Every adoptable pet did find a forever home yesterday! However, we do have a few additional pets that came in this morning. Please check the adoptable pet section of our website for the current pets ready to go home. The website is updated in real-time. Thanks!
Will you be getting any more dogs from other shelters and such today?
Hi Chelsey: Yes! Please check the adoptable pet section of our website for the current pets ready to go home. The website is updated in real-time.
So there will be no more dogs coming in today to be adopted? I heard you just adopted out your last pooch, which is awesome! But just so I don’t make a wasted trip
All of your dogs were adopted yesterday, and the website does not have any new listings. Will there be more dogs available today? We waited for 4+ hours yesterday and did not get the chance to enter.
Hi Deanna: We do have additional cats and dogs in today! Please check the adoptable pet section of our website for the current pets ready to go home. The website is updated in real-time.
How do we know exactly what cats they have left before we leave our home in portland?