About Us

The Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County is one of Washington’s largest nonprofit animal welfare organizations, providing essential care to more than 9,000 animals in our shelter each year. As a donor-funded organization, we rely on community support to find loving homes for nearly 7,000 pets, reunite more than 1,100 lost animals with their families and assist thousands more through innovative community programs.

Our Friendly Finder program empowers community members to help reunite lost pets with their families without entering the shelter, while our foster and volunteer opportunities provide additional ways to make a difference. We offer vital pet support services, including Spay/Neuter and Wellness Vouchers, a monthly Vaccine and Wellness Clinic and a Pet Food & Supply Pantry. Our S.P.O.T. mobile veterinary unit will expand access to essential veterinary care and launch a targeted trap-neuter/spay-return (TNR) program across Pierce County.

Our Mission

Partnering with our community, we provide life-saving work for pets in need and support to the people who love them. 

Our Vision

To be a leading animal welfare organization through inclusive ​well-being by supporting our people, fostering impactful relationships with ​our community, and transforming our shelter through best practices.

Our History

The shelter was founded in 1888 by a group of revolutionaries and animal welfare champions who questioned the status quo to help prevent cruelty toward animals in the community. When Tacoma was just a frontier town, a drunken logger brought a bear cub to a local street corner and began kicking him to get him to perform tricks. The Justice of the Peace was summoned, and the logger was arrested. Later that week, a group of town leaders met to form what is now called the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County.

Read our Three-Year Strategic Plan.

We Care for All Animals

As a rare open admission shelter, we take in pets regardless of their age, breed, medical condition, or behavioral needs.

We Keep Pets With Their People

Our Vaccine and Wellness Clinic offers low- and no-cost pet vaccines, parasite preventatives, and microchips to income-qualifying community members. Through our Spay/Neuter and Wellness Assistance Program, we create access to affordable veterinary services. Our Pet Food & Supply Pantry provides essential support to anyone having a difficult time feeding their pets. Additionally, our Pet Support Counseling helps keep pets where they belong—with their families—preventing the need for shelter surrender.

We Don’t Euthanize for Time or Space

Our shelter does not euthanize animals for time or space. We only consider euthanasia in two situations:

• • An animal is terminally ill and in pain and suffering.
  • Behavior that is dangerous to public safety.

Read more about our euthanasia policy.

We Rely on the Community

We are a non-profit organization that relies on the generosity of individuals, corporations, and foundations to advance our mission. Our loyal donors are vital to our success and our ability to provide the best possible care for the animals we serve.