Animal Control Contacts
Tacoma Humane does not provide field animal-control services. Use the location where the animal was found or where the concern is occurring to identify the agency that can respond.
Find Your Local Animal Control Agency
The Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County does not provide animal control, but instead, we partner with local animal control departments to help them fulfill their mission. If the pet is wearing a license, call your local animal control/pet licensing agency for the owner’s information. Animal control officers will bring strays without licenses to the shelter.
Carbonado, Fife, Orting, South Prairie, University Place, and unincorporated Pierce County
(253) 798-7387
Dupont
(253) 830-5010
Eatonville
(360) 832-3361
Federal Way*
(253) 835-7387
*As of January 1, 2025, Federal Way Animal Control will transition from partnering with the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County to a new collaboration with Burien C.A.R.E.S. Stray animals and owner surrenders from Federal Way will be directed to Burien C.A.R.E.S.
JBLM
(360) 352-2510
Lakewood
(253) 830-5010
Puyallup, Sumner, Bonney Lake, Edgewood, Milton, Algona and Pacific
(253) 299-7387
Steilacoom
(253) 830-5010
Tacoma
(253) 627-7387
Tacoma Humane’s Role
Tacoma Humane partners with local jurisdictions by caring for certain animals brought to the shelter through animal-control contracts.
Tacoma Humane does not:
- Dispatch animal-control officers
- Pick up animals in the field
- Enforce animal ordinances
- Investigate complaints outside the shelter
- Issue pet licenses on behalf of every jurisdiction
Starting with the correct agency helps prevent delays and ensures that the report reaches the team authorized to respond.
If You Found a Pet
The animal-control agency responsible for the location where the pet was found may:
- Check license information
- Contact the registered owner
- Explain jurisdiction-specific instructions
- Arrange field response when available
- Direct you to the correct shelter or appointment process
Frequently Asked Questions
Which location should I use?
Use the exact place where the animal was found or where the incident occurred, not your home address.
Can Tacoma Humane send someone to pick up an animal?
No. Please contact the appropriate animal-control agency for field response.
What if I find a pet wearing a license?
Contact the licensing or animal-control agency shown on the tag. They may be able to contact the registered owner.
Who handles animal cruelty concerns?
Report concerns to the animal-control or law-enforcement agency responsible for the location. Call 911 when there is immediate danger.
Does Tacoma Humane accept animals from every Pierce County city?
No. Intake depends on the location where the animal was found and Tacoma Humane’s current municipal contracts. Confirm jurisdiction before traveling to the shelter.