HSCO
FAQs
HSCO has no set time limit for any animal’s stay in our shelter. Our goal is to ensure that every animal in our adoption program is placed in a loving home. If an animal is healthy and behaviorally sound, we keep it for as long as we can to find it a good home, which sometimes can be months. Our staff and volunteers socialize and exercise our animals to help keep them happy and well adjusted during their stay at the shelter.
The first step is completing an adoption questionnaire. The questionnaire can be downloaded from our website, or you may fill it out at the shelter. Once the questionnaire is completed, you will work with one of our Animals Care staff members who will assist you in making that right choice for a loving pet. Once your application is approved, you can adopt or place a 24 hour hold on an animal. Once you are ready to adopt, the process takes about 20-30 minutes. Don’t forget that every animal must be spayed or neutered prior to going home.
An adoption with HSCO includes: Spay or neuter, microchip, first vaccines, dewormer, and any additional medical care that was given. FeLV tests (cats) a free health exam, donated by a local veterinarian of your choice, a collar, Leash (dogs), Carrying Box (cats), and a temporary ID tag, coupons for free food and discounts on supplies for getting started from local pet stores, valuable training tips and advice, including a training DVD. *Adopters with a valid email address will also receive a gift of free pet health insurance for one month*
Yes. It is our policy that no animal will be adopted from HSCO without being spayed or neutered. This is to help prevent overpopulation of animals, reduce diseases related to the reproductive organs and to discourage animals from wandering away from home.
HSCO has a variety of volunteer opportunities, ranging from dog walking to fostering to assisting with special events and fundraisers. For more information about volunteer opportunities and to apply for our Volunteer Program, please call the Volunteer Coordinator at 382-3537 for more information. You can download our volunteer application from this website.
HSCO does not charge fees to owners surrendering their pets unless that animal is being surrendered for euthanasia or cremation. A monetary donation towards the care of the pet you are relinquishing would be greatly appreciated.
We are an “open door” shelter, meaning we take in every animal regardless of age, health or temperament. If we cannot place, care or rehabilitate an animal, we are equally committed to providing humane and compassionate euthanasia.
We do accept individuals needing to complete community service hours. Please call the shelter to find out the parameters and hours.
The thrift store represents about 33% of the total revenue generated at HSCO. The net profit goes directly back to help all the animals at the shelter.
We have a contract with the City of Bend and the Deschutes County to provide shelter and care for strays found in the community. We also receive a portion of the dog licensing fees to provide humane education and to help defray our mortgage expense at the new shelter, the latter was agreed to by the County during our capital campaign efforts.
The Humane Society of the United States or any other organization does not have any authority or connection with the Humane Society of Central Oregon. We all operate independently.
We have a Spay & Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP) that allows community members who are on governmental assistance to pay only a portion of the spay or neuter costs. This program is not only funded by HSCO but participating veterinarians. Please call the shelter for more information.
No. We do not currently provide any veterinary services to the public. However, if we spayed or neutered your pet as part of the adoption, our veterinarian will gladly see your pet if there are any issues related directly to that surgery. All you have to do is call to set up an appointment.