Our Mission
Family Dogs New Life is a no kill dog shelter devoted to rescuing needy dogs of all breeds, ages and backgrounds. We believe that all dogs deserve a second chance at a new life.
What's our story?
Family Dogs New Life is a non profit 501c3 no kill dog shelter dedicated to rescuing and rehoming needy dogs of all ages, breeds and backgrounds. Our organization was built on the belief that all dogs deserve a second chance at a new life. It’s not about being the perfect dog, it is about dog and adopter being perfect for one another.
We are here for the dogs who have no other options. This includes dogs that other shelters do not have space for, long term residents who have run out of time or dogs that are struggling in the conventional shelter environment. Our mission, simply, is to help reduce the number of dogs being euthanized. Our focus is taking in needy dogs from Animal Control Agencies and Humane Societies located within the state of Oregon, however we do work with many shelters and smaller Rescue Groups across the country, as well as a limited number of owner surrendered pets.
Family Dogs New Life Shelter is unique in that we do not house our dogs in kennels or dog runs, but in play groups or ‘packs’ of anywhere from 8-15 dogs living loose together. We typically have 35-50 dogs in our shelter at all times. Because of our group housing all our dogs are able to play and interact all day long, just like a doggy daycare or dog park. What this does is allow us to monitor their behavior and better determine their true personalities, plus it is great socialization for the dogs and alleviates stress that often accompanies the conventional kennel housing. At night time all dogs are trained to sleep in their own crate, which when continued by the adopter, makes for a wonderful transition.
Family Dogs works on matchmaking our dogs with their adopter. The public can not walk through our facility and simply “pick a pet”. When you come to our shelter we will talk with you about what type of dog you are looking for, which dogs you saw here on our website that caught your attention, what pets you have had in the past, and what your lifestyle is like. We will then discuss with you which of our dogs meet your criteria and help match you up with dogs that have the qualities you are looking for in a new pet- it’s doggie matchmaking! It does take a little more time to do things this way, but we find that often times people choose their new dog based on looks or kennel presentation, this is not a good way to choose a new pet as they are all individuals and have different needs. We will only introduce you to dogs that we are comfortable will be a good match for both you and for the dog. It’s not about being the perfect dog, it is about dog and adopter being perfect for one another.
Since Family Dogs New Life Shelter began in Feb. 2004 we have placed nearly 19,000 dogs into permanent homes and just might have the pet you have been longing for, so come on in and meet some of our adorable adoptables! Find Love. Give Life.
With your help we hope to continue reducing the number of dogs being euthanized each year by taking in needy dogs, providing them a fun and healthy environment until we are able to find them the perfect forever home. We have high hopes of expanding in the future, one day moving to a new larger facility that better fits our dogs needs and eventually starting a sanctuary on acreage, to provide refuge for second chance dogs who have no place else to go….Family Dogs New Life believes in community, and we hope that with your support we can reach these goals.
Together we can make a difference.