On Saturday, August 20, a plane touched down at PDX. On board were beagles rescued from a mass-breeding facility. They were destined to become subjects of medical experimentation - instead, they'll find new homes right here in the Pacific Northwest. Fifteen of the young dogs arrived at HSSW to begin their path to adoption.

These dogs are among the 4,000 rescued by The Humane Society for the United States in July. In May of 2022, the US Department of Justice sued Indiana-based Envigo RMS LLC alleging Animal Welfare Act violations at the facility in Cumberland, Virginia. Since receiving the animals, HSUS has begun the historic process of relocating the dogs to shelters around the country, starting them on the path to happy, healthy homes.

Learn more about the HSUS rescue operation and check out some local KATU coverage of the beagles arriving at HSSW.

How You Can Help

Make a donation to help us care for the beagles and the other animals at the shelter.

Volunteer to help with animal care at HSSW or as a foster.

Adopting a Beagle

We're happy to report that the beagles who arrived at HSSW are now all in loving homes in our community. Thank you to our incredible community for their support of these dogs. You can help us continue to save the lives of animals in need when you donate today.

What to Know about Adopting a Rescue Beagle

• Adopting a rescue beagle

  Across the country, beagles from this historic rescue effort have already been adopted. Many of them are adapting well and bonding quickly with their new families. However, like all pets, they are individuals with unique needs and we cannot predict how long it may take them to adjust to their new homes and lives. Families interested in adopting a rescue beagle must be prepared for their special needs. These dogs will need extra TLC and a consistent routine in order to thrive in their new homes.

• Is your home the right fit?

  Having spent their entire lives in a kennel, these dogs have little or no experience with a typical home. For them, every experience is novel, and some of the things we may expect dogs to find enjoyable (squeaky toys, walks around the neighborhood, etc) can be scary. A calm and quiet home will help them thrive as they adapt to their new lives. 

• Tips for helping your beagle adapt to home life
  • Offer them a "quiet spot." Undersocialized dogs like these beagles may be overwhelmed by their new surroundings, and will likely find many new things scary. Like most shy dogs, they may find comfort in a quiet space where they can take a break if they become anxious. Offer them a crate where they can decompress. This crate should include a bed, water, and toys. 
  • Develop a housetraining routine on day one. Often the most successful housetraining routine is to take your dog out every 1-2 hours. When they relieve themselves appropriately, offer them calm praise and reassurance. If they are treat motivated, reward their good behavior with a treat. Never punish or scold a dog for relieving themselves inside. Remember: this is all new to them. 
  • Take it slowly. These dogs have only ever known the inside of a kennel. Everything is new to them - grass, cars, other animals, dishwashers... everything! Don't force them into new experience and environments if they aren't ready. They need to experience their new life by making a choice, not being coerced. When introducing them to new people, take it slowly and ask the other humans to do the same. And in this - as in all things - treats and positive reinforcement make a big difference.

  Taking the time to get to know your new dog will help you understand their cues. Enjoy a quiet and calm few weeks together before introducing them to new experiences. When they know and trust you, they'll be more comfortable and confident as they learn about this new world.