Worth the Wait List
We know that rescuing a puppy can sometimes be a confusing experience. We have heard from our adopters that not knowing when to apply for a puppy, when the puppy will be available, or if the puppy has already found their forever home can be frustrating. The Worth the Wait List was created to make the puppy placement process more transparent and fair.
This queue is for adopters already approved to adopt with OTAT PDX who are interested in adopting a puppy, which means a dog under one year old.
The Worth the Wait List Program Steps
Step One: Apply to Adopt
Apply via otatpdx.org/adopt. You will receive an email from a volunteer Adoption Counselor with your approval status. In some cases, the Adoption Counselor will ask follow-up questions for clarification before approving.
Step Two: Join the Worth the Wait List
Log into your approved adopter record using your unique ID and sign-up for the Worth the Wait List.
OTAT PDX reserves the right to remove potential adopters from the list and refund the fee if their home is determined not to be a good fit for a puppy.
Step Three: Wait (it’s worth it!)
When a puppy is available for adoption, OTAT PDX will send a SMS (text) message notification to WTWL participants with details about the puppy. If you are interested in the puppy, log into your approved adopter record using your unique ID and indicate your interest in that puppy.
If you’re the next person on the list to be interested in that particular puppy, you will be offered an introduction and chance to adopt the puppy.
Quarterly, we will email everyone on the list to see if they would like to stay on the list. Applicants on the list for more than a year will be removed automatically.
Step Four: Adoption
You will be contacted by an Adoption Counselor if you are the next person on the list interested in that particular puppy. From there, you will follow the normal adoption procedure as outline at otatpdx.org/adopt.
Adoption Fees
Our adoption fees are $600 for puppies 6 months and younger and $550 for puppies 7-12 months, with an additional $100 deposit for all puppies that is reimbursed upon proof of completed humane positive-reinforcement based classes or sessions at an OTAT PDX approved training facility. We take an additional $500 deposit for dogs that are not yet spayed or neutered, to be completed by our veterinary partners at a prescheduled date. The date of the spay/neuter surgery is non-negotiable, missing the appointment may forfeit the deposit and OTAT PDX may take back the dog until the surgery is completed.
Adoption fees cover wellness exam, spay/neuter, age-appropriate vaccinations, heart worm test, deworming, and microchip.
Worth the Wait List Program FAQ
How do I know if I should adopt a puppy?
Please read through our “Are you ready to adopt a puppy?” document before joining the Worth the Wait List.
Do I need to join the program to adopt a puppy from OTAT PDX?
No, you do not need to join the program in order to adopt a puppy with OTAT PDX, but people in the program will take priority because we know they’ve been waiting patiently.
If I join the Worth the Wait adoption program, when will I be able to adopt a puppy?
Once you have joined the queue, you will be sent a text message when a puppy is available. If you are interested in the puppy, you will update your record to indicate your interest. If you’re the next person on the list to be interested in that particular puppy, you will be offered an introduction and chance to adopt the puppy.
We can’t guarantee a particular timeframe for placement. The more specific your parameters for size, gender, breed mix and/or other qualifiers, the longer it will likely take to find a puppy that matches those parameters. Still, we know you can find all types of puppies needing rescue.
Should I sign up if I want to adopt a puppy in the future, but not yet?
Please only sign-up if you’re ready to adopt a puppy at this time.
Spay/Neuter
All OTAT PDX dogs are adopted only after their spay/neuter surgery is complete or the appointment with our vet partner has been scheduled. The date of the surgery is non-negotiable.
Adult Dog Size
We cannot guarantee the adult size or breed of a puppy. All full grown sizes and breeds are estimates provided by our veterinary and shelter partners.
Energy Level
We cannot guarantee the adult energy level of a puppy. Puppies require a lot of training and attention, especially during potty training. If you’re looking for a chill, mellow dog, consider adopting a senior!
Worth the Wait List Fee
There is a one time, non-refundable $50 administrative fee to be added to the list.
Join the Worth the Wait List
If you are an approved adopter, use your unique ID to log into your adopter record here and sign-up.