Who We Are
We are Pierce County’s animal welfare and community resource center, providing care for animals, practical support for pet owners, and more ways for neighbors to help one another.
For Pets. For People.
For Pierce County.
The Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County (Tacoma Humane) is Washington’s largest nonprofit animal welfare organization, 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 and reunite more than 1,100 lost animals with their families through innovative community programs.
Who We Are
As Pierce County’s pet resource center, we know helping animals means supporting the people who love them. Through programs like Friendly Finders, foster care, and volunteer opportunities, we empower the community to be part of the solution. We also provide vital services, including Spay/Neuter and Wellness Assistance, a monthly Vaccine and Wellness Clinic, and a Pet Food & Supply Pantry. Our S.P.O.T. mobile vet clinic is expanding access to care and deploying targeted trap-neuter/spay-return (TNR) efforts across Pierce County.
In addition to serving the broader community, Tacoma Humane partners with several local animal control agencies to help them fulfill their mission. While we do not provide animal control services directly, we serve as a central hub, ensuring their animals receive safe shelter, medical care, and support while also working to reunite them with their families whenever possible.
Our Story
Founded in 1888, the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County has served the community for more than a century as a trusted leader in animal welfare. From our earliest days challenging cruelty to animals, to today’s role as a regional resource hub, our work has always been rooted in compassion, community, and a commitment to doing what is right for animals and the people who care for them.
Our Mission and Vision
OUR MISSION: Partnering with our community, we champion the welfare of animals and promote positive relationships between pets and people.
OUR VISION: Every pet has a loving home, and all animals are treated with respect and compassion.
9,000+
pets cared for each year
7,000+
pets placed in loving homes
1,100+
pets reunited with their families
Thoughtful Care, Centered on Every Animal and Their People
We care for animals of all ages, breeds, medical conditions, and behavioral needs, responding to a wide range of cases from animal control and the community seven days a week. At the heart of our approach is what’s best for each animal, striving to keep them where they are loved most: at home with their people.
This work is carried out by a deeply committed team, including many animal care staff who are full-time union members represented by Teamsters Local 117. Wages and working conditions are determined through annually negotiated contracts that support stability and quality care.
We believe strong communities keep pets and families together. Our programs are designed to remove barriers and provide practical support, including:
Compassion Comes First
We believe every animal deserves time, care, and consideration. Euthanasia is never based on time or space, and is only considered when it is in the best interest of the animal or necessary for safety.
Euthanasia is only considered in two circumstances:
Behavioral and safety considerations
Euthanasia may be considered when an animal poses a significant risk or experiences extreme and persistent fear, stress, or anxiety that prevents an acceptable quality of life despite intervention and support.
Medical considerations
Euthanasia may also be considered when an animal is suffering from a condition that adversely affects their health and is not likely to become healthy or treatable, even with the care typically provided by reasonable and caring pet guardians.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you a no-kill shelter?
We don’t use that label because we think it oversimplifies what humane animal care actually looks like. What we can tell you is this: we do not euthanize animals due to time or space constraints, we advocate for every animal in our care, and we work hard every single day to achieve lifesaving outcomes. That is our commitment in practice, not just in language.
What areas of Pierce County do you serve?
We are contracted with Tacoma, Lakewood, Fircrest, DuPont, Steilacoom, South Prairie, Carbonado, Fife, University Place, and unincorporated Pierce County. We also serve community members across the region through our programs, clinics, and resources.
How is the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County funded?
We are a nonprofit organization that relies on the generosity of individuals, businesses, and foundations to fund our work. We receive government funding through the municipalities we work with to cover some of our shelter operation costs. However, much of our vital programs are funded by generous donors and sponsors which goes directly toward caring for the animals and people who count on us.
What’s the difference between the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County and the national Humane Society?
We are an independent, locally operated nonprofit. We are not affiliated with the Humane Society of the United States. We are rooted in Pierce County and accountable to the people who live here.
How to Get Involved or Support Our Work
There are so many ways you can make an impact. Explore the list below, or simply share our mission with someone who cares about animals.
Every action, big or small, helps. Thank you!