Pet Adoption, Adopt a pet today!

Feel like something is missing from your life?

Maybe you've considered adding a pet to your family and home. But you’re not sure what breed or where to find it.Atherton Kennels and Shelter located in Ontario, Oregon between Ontario and Nyssa on Highway 201, should be your first stop.
As the official Animal Shelter for Malheur County, Ontario, Nyssa, Vale, Oregon and Payette, Idaho. Our shelter receives animals from individuals, as strays and as owner surrendered pets from all the surrounding counties in Idaho, Oregon and the entire Treasure Valley.

PET OF THE WEEK

Type:Toy
Breed:Poodle
Gender:Male
Age:5 Months Old
Description: "Rufus" was brought into the Shelter by the Ontario Ordinance Officer, Rufus was Abandoned at the Ontario City Hall with a note from his previous owner saying they were unable to take care of him any longer. Now this beautiful guy is looking for a Lifelong home where he will be loved and taken care of always. Rufus is of course a very sweet guy, he still piddles a bit when he gets excited but has a heart of gold and would dearly love to share it with you and your family. Rufus has a very loving and good natured disposition, he has a bouncy energetic personality and knows no enemies, he loves everyone. Cute or not cute, everyone deserves a loving home. Finding this guy a home will be easy, just remember all the not so cute ones as well that find their way into Shelters daily. : Remember ( The Best Pet Is A Shelter Pet ) IF INTERESTED IN THIS ANIMAL PLEASE USE REF #4895

Click here to see more pets up for Adoption

We are rarely at a loss for Adoptable Dogs that are in need of a new loving home. We receive mixed breeds, and purebreds, puppies and seniors, well taken care of and abused animals. Some dogs are trained, some need training. They are big and small, short and long-haired. They come from many different circumstances and places. Some come with a name and information, many do not.

The one thing that remains constant with all of the animals that we have available for adoption at our shelter is that they should not be thought of as mutts and problem animals. That they ended up at the shelter because they weren’t worth keeping or because of something they did.
The truth is they were brought to our shelter, because of circumstances that they could not control.
Now ALL are at our shelter in need of a loving, caring family to call their own.

Before adding a new pet to your family we recommend reading some of the adoption tips that can be found through the Humane Society or ASPCA Websites.

Once you feel that you are ready to take the step of adopting a shelter animal, we would love for you to come and see us at Atherton Kennels and Shelter.

Pet Adoption Fees start at $25.00 for puppies and $45.00 for adult dogs.

Our adoption fees allow us to keep the dogs that come into our animal shelter longer than what our contracts cover. This gives the dogs a better opportunity to find the home that is just right for them.
It is also our belief that generally people who have had to invest something for their new dog have taken the time to weigh this decision out. Too often the new owners of animals that were given away made that decision on impulse which can create even more problems; The dog wasn't planned for. The new owners knew nothing about that particular breed, other than it was a cute puppy. Many, many times these dogs eventually end up being brought into the animal shelter because they just didn't work out when they became 80 lbs. of puppy.

It is very important that pet adoptions are thought about, planned for and end up being everlasting.

We always encourage the new owner of any animal adopted from a shelter to take that animal to a Veterinarian immediately. We never knowingly place an animal that is ill or has serious problems, without making the new owner aware of the problems. However, these animals many times; have been running loose for long periods of time. They may have come in contact with other animals, and may have been exposed to diseases or have problems that we did not notice while they were with us at the shelter.

• Get and keep your new pet current on vaccinations.
  
• Have your new animal spayed or neutered, it will make a better pet and help with the problem of pet overpopulation.
  
• Have your pet licensed, it's the law!
• Talk to your Veterinarian about having a micro-chip implant for added security if your pet gets lost.
  

When taking your new animal home, remember you and your family are strangers. Your home and surroundings are unfamiliar. These things can be extremely frightening to your new adopted pet.
Work the animal into it's new family slowly. Observe it's reactions to this new environment. Watch children and other animals closely and do not leave your new pet alone in these situations.
With a little time and patience you will have a loving and loyal companion.
You new adopted pet will have a loving and caring home.

With our adoptions, Atherton Kennels & Shelter has a 10 day return policy.
Although we make an effort and hope that your new pet will be the perfect choice for your family we understand that sometimes things don’t fit right for either you or your new pet adopted from our shelter. If that happens we give you 10 days to return that animal to the shelter for a credit towards a pet that may work out better for you. This credit is good for six months while we try to help you find a pet that will fit into your life better.

Look around our site or Sign Up To Receive Our Monthly Newsletter for more helpful tips on your new shelter pet.