Our goal is to place 100 percent of the pets received at our shelter. This can be quite a challenge because we accept all companion animals brought to us regardless of their health or temperament. Pets placed up for adoption need to be of sound temperament and good health. Pets with a history of severe aggression or major medical problems that cannot be resolved without extensive veterinary care are not suitable for our adoption program. That being said, many animals undergo substantial rehabilitation prior to placement for adoption.
Pets stay up for adoption as long as they remain physically and emotionally healthy.
For some dogs this can mean living at shelter for six months or more until the right home is available. The length of stay for cats varies according to the demand for space. During the winter the number of cats received at the shelter is about 400 a month and so it is possible for a cat to remain up for adoption for several months. OHS has over 250 foster families that care for newborns, pregnant cats, and recuperating dogs until they are ready to be placed up for adoption. In addition, foster families will shelter and care for animals when the kennels are full or if an individual animal needs a break from the stress of staying in the kennels.