You’ve seen the videos. A pack of thirty dogs sprinting through golden fields, a man named Lee Asher laughing in the middle of a "canine mosh pit," and maybe a few alpacas or a very photogenic cow named Alfie in the background. It looks like a slice of heaven for anyone who loves animals. Naturally, the first thing people do is head to Google to figure out where is the Asher House located because, honestly, who wouldn't want to visit that?
But here is the thing: finding it isn't as simple as punching an address into GPS. If you try to just "show up," you’re going to be disappointed.
The Oregon Connection: Where is the Asher House Located?
Currently, the primary heart of the operation—the big sanctuary you see in most of the viral clips—is situated in Salem, Oregon.
🔗 Read more: Those Who Can't: The Harsh Reality of Teaching in a System That Is Breaking
It hasn’t always been there, though. Lee Asher actually started this whole brick-and-mortar dream in Estacada, Oregon. Estacada was beautiful, but it had some major drawbacks. We’re talking about "no cell service, no Wi-Fi, and the nearest vet is an hour away" kind of drawbacks. When you’re responsible for dozens of senior dogs and medical-needs rescues, an hour-long drive in an emergency is a lifetime.
So, in 2022, the operation moved to a much larger 240-acre property near Salem. This move wasn't just about more space; it was about survival and logistics. The current Salem location allows the team to be closer to essential services while still giving the animals hundreds of acres of rolling hills to explore.
It’s Not Just One Location Anymore
To make things a bit more confusing (in a good way), there is actually a second location now.
It’s called New Life Asher House, and it’s located in Lebanon, Oregon. This 140-acre spot is a partnership between The Asher House and Family Dogs New Life Shelter. While the Salem property is more of a "forever home" sanctuary for many residents, the Lebanon location is heavily focused on the adoption program. It’s where the magic of rehoming happens.
Can You Actually Visit?
This is the part that breaks a lot of hearts. The Asher House is not open to the public. It is a private sanctuary. Think about it from the dogs' perspective: these are animals that, in many cases, have come from trauma, neglect, or high-stress shelter environments. Having hundreds of well-meaning strangers show up every day would turn their peaceful sanctuary back into a high-stress zoo.
Lee has been pretty vocal about this. The sanctuary is a home, not a tourist attraction. He lives there. The dogs live there. It’s a place of rest.
If you’re looking to mail something, they use a P.O. Box in Salem (P.O. Box 3548, Salem, OR 97302) to keep the actual physical gates private. It’s a safety thing, both for the humans and the four-legged residents.
Why the Location Matters for the Mission
You might wonder why he chose Oregon of all places. Lee spent years traveling the lower 48 states in a van, so he had his pick of the litter.
Oregon just fit. The climate is mild enough for the animals to be outside most of the year, and the "Willamette Valley" vibe provides the exact kind of lush, green backdrop that helps these animals heal. Also, the community in the Pacific Northwest is notoriously obsessed with dog rescue, which helps when you need a village to keep a non-profit running.
The Layout of the Sanctuary
It’s not just a barn and some fences. The Salem property is designed to be a "home environment."
- The Main House: This is where Lee and a staggering number of dogs actually sleep. No cages. No concrete runs. Just couches and dog beds.
- The Wellness Center: They’ve built out spaces specifically for rehabilitation and senior care.
- The Farm Areas: This is where the "hoof crew" lives—the horses, goats, and cows that have been saved from various situations.
Navigating the Misconceptions
One big thing people get wrong is thinking The Asher House is a "shelter" in the traditional sense where you can just walk in and pick out a puppy.
It’s a 501(c)(3) non-profit sanctuary. The difference is subtle but huge. A shelter is a transition point; a sanctuary is often the destination. While they do adopt out many dogs through the New Life partnership, many of the animals you see on camera are there to stay because they are "unadoptable" by standard metrics—meaning they have chronic health issues or behavioral quirks that require the specific kind of expert care Lee’s team provides.
How to Support Without Visiting
Since you can't just drive over and volunteer for the afternoon, there are better ways to get involved:
- The Adoption Center in Portland: If you’re actually looking to adopt, the New Life Asher House adoption center in Portland is the place to go.
- The Patreon and Socials: This is how they fund the massive grocery and vet bills.
- Local Shelters: Lee’s whole "thing" started by visiting local shelters. The best way to honor what he’s doing in Oregon is to go to the shelter in your town.
Moving Forward With Your Support
If you were planning a road trip to find the exact coordinates of the sanctuary, it's time to pivot those plans. Respecting the privacy of the Salem location is the best way to ensure the animals stay stressed-free.
Instead, focus your energy on the New Life Asher House website to see the dogs currently available for adoption in the Lebanon and Portland areas. You can also sign up for their newsletter to get updates on the specific "Wellness Sanctuary" projects happening on the Salem grounds. Supporting from a distance ensures that the "heaven on earth" Lee built stays exactly that for the animals who need it most.