Hood River Adopt A Dog requires that all dogs and puppies from the Hukari Animal Shelter be spayed or neutered.

Every year, millions of unwanted animals show up in animal shelters across the United States. According to Shelter Animal Count, approximately 6.5 million animals ended up in shelters during 2023, many of them the result of unplanned litters.

Hood River Adopt a Dog believes that spaying and neutering your dog is critical to combating this problem. We believe that these common surgical procedures also benefit your furry friend as well!

Spay and Neuter Deposit Policy and Procedure Information:

Licensed veterinarians perform the spay or neuter operation while a pet is under anesthesia. Depending on your dog’s age, size and health, they will stay at your veterinarian’s office for a few hours or a few days. Your dog may also need to have stitches removed. Your veterinarian can fully explain spay and neuter procedures to you.

All adult HRAAD dogs are spayed or neutered prior to adoption. For adopted puppies or dogs under the age of 1 year, HRAAD requires a refundable deposit of $150, and a commitment to having the dog spayed/neutered by an agreed-upon date.

You can use any veterinary clinic of your choosing. You are responsible for the fees associated with the surgery and follow-up care. If your veterinarian recommends spaying/neutering your dog at a later date due to health reasons, you will ask your veterinarian to send a letter to HRAAD giving the recommended date of spay/neuter as well as the reason why. Since dogs are able to procreate at 6 months of age, you will also promise not to allow your dog to take part in any puppy-making activities before your dog is spayed/neutered.

If the dog being adopted is under the age of 6 months, you will also be responsible for obtaining a rabies vaccination for the dog when it reaches six months of age. You will have the dog licensed and vaccinated per the requirements of the jurisdiction of your residence. You are responsible for associated fees for vaccinations & licensing.

You will notify HRAAD of the above when accomplished by providing a copy of the spay/neuter certificate, and the contact information of the vet who performed the surgery. Your $150 deposit will be refunded within two weeks of HRAAD receiving and verifying the above information.

Spayed and neutered dogs live longer, healthier lives.

Spaying a female dog eliminates the possibility of uterine and ovarian cancer and greatly reduces the risk of breast cancer. Neutering a male reduces the risk of both prostate enlargement and prostate cancer.

Female dogs that have been spayed do not go into heat. You won’t have to deal with the mess that comes with the female reproductive cycle.

Spayed or neutered dogs are less likely to be aggressive, have fewer health problems, and are less likely to roam than dogs that haven’t been altered. Plus you’ll never have to face finding homes for puppies that, sadly, too often end up in shelters like ours.