How Adoption Works at Tacoma Humane
Browse our available pets below, and when you're ready to visit, here's what to expect.
Start a New Adventure
Whether you’re looking for a snuggly lap cat, an adventure-ready dog, or something wonderfully in between, we’re here to help you find the one.
The Adoption Process
Step 1: Browse Our Available Pets
Start by exploring our online listings. You can filter by species, age, size, and more to find pets that might be a good fit. Once someone catches your eye, come on in.
Note: Check the pet’s profile for their current location and adoption process information, depending on where they are located.
Step 2: Visit the Shelter
No appointment needed. Walk in during open hours and our team at the front desk will help direct you. From there, you’re welcome to explore our adoptable animal areas at your own pace.
Pro tip: Pay attention to the kennel cards posted outside each animal’s space. They’re packed with helpful details about each pet’s personality, history, and needs.
Step 3: Meet Your Match
When you find a pet you’re interested in, let a staff member know. They’ll set you up for a one-on-one meet and greet. If there’s a wait, your name and number will be added to the list and we’ll come find you when it’s your turn.
During your visit, one of our Adoption Services Representatives will be with you every step of the way. They’ll share everything they know about the pet — their history before the shelter, any medical background, and what day-to-day life looks like for them. Think of it less like a formal interview and more like a real conversation about whether this could be a great match for both of you.
Please note: We do not accommodate pet-to-pet introductions at the shelter. We ask that you leave your current pets at home for your visit.
Step 4: Take Them Home
Ready to make it official? If your new pet is ready to go home, you can complete the adoption and leave together that same day. Our team will walk you through the adoption paperwork and make sure you leave with everything you need to set your new pet up for success. Before you visit, here’s what to plan for:
- Dogs must go home with a collar and leash.
- Cats and small critters must go home in a secure carrier.
If you don’t have these items, they’re available for purchase in our store at the time of adoption.
For information on fees and what’s included with your adoption, visit our Adoption Fees page.
Adoption Takes Time…
And That’s a Good Thing
We want to be upfront with you: not every visit ends in a same-day adoption, and wait times can vary during busy periods. That’s not a flaw in the process—it’s the process working as it should. We’re not rushing you, and we’re not rushing the match. Every conversation we have is a chance to make sure you and your future pet are set up for a great life together. We’re not selling shoes here. We’re helping living beings find their families. The right one is worth the wait.
You’re Welcome Here
There’s no one right way to be a great pet parent. Tacoma Humane welcomes adopters from all backgrounds and lifestyles, whether you rent or own your home, have kids or other pets, or don’t have a fenced yard.
You’ll need to be at least 18 to adopt, and some pets may have specific requirements based on their individual needs and safety. We also encourage renters to check their housing requirements or pet restrictions before falling head-over-paws for someone.
Other Ways to Adopt
Our shelter is just one way to find your next best friend. Here are a few other paths worth exploring.
Home to Home
Not every pet in need of a home passes through our shelter. Home to Home is a free rehoming platform where community members can find new homes for their pets directly — home to home, without a shelter stay in between. It’s less stress for the animals and a great way to expand your search.
Adopt from a Foster Home
Some of our pets thrive in a home environment while they wait to be adopted. That means they’re already living with a caring foster family who can give you a real, personal picture of the pet’s personality, routines, and what kind of home they’d do well in. If you see a pet you’re interested in, submit an application from their profile. From there, one of our adoption representatives will reach out to schedule a time for you to meet at Tacoma Humane.
What’s Included With Every Adoption?
Bringing home a new pet is exciting enough without wondering what’s already been taken care of.
Most Tacoma Humane adoptions include:
- Spay or neuter surgery
- Wellness examination
- Age-appropriate vaccinations
- Nationally registered microchip
- Medical treatment received while in our care
- Pet care counseling
- Post-adoption support
- Partner discounts and veterinary offers
Our team will always explain what’s already been completed and whether your pet has any upcoming medical appointments or follow-up care.
One less thing for your to-do list.
Adoption Fees
Your adoption fee helps us continue to care for over 9,000 pets in need each year.
Dog Adoption Fees
| Type | Age | Adoption Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Puppies | Under 6 months | $305 |
| Adolescent | 6 months – 1 years | $205 |
| Adult | 1 years – Senior | $180 |
| Senior | 8 years and older | $85 |
| Buddy adoption | If noted as a “bonded pair” | Fee Waived |
Cat Adoption Fees
| Type | Age | Adoption Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Kitten | Under 6 months | $140 (second Fee Waived) |
| Adult | 6 months – 7 years | $80 (second Fee Waived) |
| Senior | 8 years and older | $35 (second Fee Waived) |
| Working Cat | All Ages | $0 |
Small Pet Adoption Fees
| Type | Age | Adoption Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Rabbit | Any Age | $80 (second Fee Waived) |
| Other | Any Age | Fees will vary based by breed or species |
Adoption Discount Programs
Pets for the Elderly
Pets for the Elderly
As a Pets for the Elderly shelter partner, adopters 60 years or older save up to $65 on an adoption fees!*
*For animals with lower adoption fees, where half the fee is less than $65, the discount is 50% instead.
Pets for Patriots
Pets for Patriots
For veterans who apply and are approved for the Pets for Patriots program, we offer a reduced adoption fee of $16.
Ready to Meet Your New Best Friend?
The best part of adoption (for us) is the moment you realize you’re heading home together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment?
No appointment needed. Visitations are first-come, first-served. Our Adoption Lobby is open Tuesday through Sunday 10 am to 5 pm, so come by whenever works for you!
Can I adopt if I rent?
We don’t require proof of rental permission, but we do encourage you to review your lease before your visit so you’re aware of any pet restrictions your landlord may have in place.
Can I bring my family or roommates to meet the animal?
Yes, and we encourage it. If someone will be living with the pet, it’s great to have them come along for the meet and greet so everyone has a chance to connect.
Can I bring my other pet(s) to meet the animal?
Pet-to-pet introductions at the shelter aren’t part of our standard process. Please leave your pets at home.
If you have questions, please reach out to us at [email protected]
How do I adopt a pet who is currently in foster?
Let our staff know which pet you’re interested in and we’ll coordinate a meet and greet between you and the foster family. Keep in mind that scheduling may take a day or two depending on everyone’s availability.
What is an adoption hold?
Found a pet you love but the pet still needs a procedure like spay/neuter surgery before they can leave? You can place a 24-hour hold to give you a little more time while surgery and final medical steps are completed.
To place a hold, stop by the shelter and talk with a member of our team. A non-refundable $35 fee is required to initiate the hold. This fee cannot be applied toward the adoption fee or transferred to another animal. Once the hold is in place and the pet is cleared for adoption, you’ll have 24 hours to complete the process. Please note that a hold does not guarantee adoption or bypass the adoption counseling process. If anything changes on the pet’s end (due to health, behavior, legal status, or owner reclaim), our team will reach out to you right away.
Can I adopt a dog if I don’t have a fenced yard?
It depends on the dog. Some dogs do require a fenced yard, and we note that directly in their profile. If you have questions about a specific dog, just ask our team — they know these animals well.
Why is there an adoption fee?
Every animal in our care has received a wellness exam, spay/neuter surgery, microchip with national registration, and initial vaccines, and many have received additional medical care and/or training along the way. Adoption fees help cover those costs and support the nearly 10,000 animals we care for each year.
When you adopt you will also receive:
- A First Vet Visit Certificate for your new cat or dog.
- An exclusive 20% off discount at participating Petco stores.
- A coupon for a FREE Pet Essentials Welcome Package from PetPros.
- A special offer from MudBay for a 20% discount for an in-store or online purchase.
- An introduction to Firehouse Pet Shop’s Share the Love Program, which provides adopters with coupons for a wide variety of pet supplies.
- A special discount on an Embark DNA Test for dogs.
- A FREE Fi Collar with a 6 month membership for your new dog.
Tacoma Humane is committed to helping reduce pet overpopulation and supporting long-term animal wellness. Most animals are spayed or neutered before adoption, though timing may vary depending on an animal’s age, health, or medical needs. Our team will always walk adopters through what care has already been completed and any next steps before an animal goes home.
I need help with my newly adopted pet. What should I do?
We’ve got you. All of our adoptions include free pet care counseling. Reach out to our Pet Support Counselor at [email protected] or call us at (253) 383-2733. If the adoption truly isn’t working out, you can schedule a return appointment within 30 days.
Can I adopt a pet to be a service animal or emotional support animal?
Yes. You’re welcome to adopt with the hope that your pet may become a service animal or emotional support animal. However, we can’t guarantee that a particular pet will be suitable for specific tasks or support needs.
Why do puppies and kittens cost more?
Young animals often require multiple rounds of vaccinations, additional medical care, and are in especially high demand. Their adoption fees also help offset the care of animals with greater medical or behavioral needs.
Why are senior pets less expensive?
Older pets often spend more time waiting for families.
Lower adoption fees help more people discover what longtime pet owners already know—senior pets can make incredible companions.
Are there adoption specials?
Yes! Throughout the year Tacoma Humane may offer reduced-fee adoption events or sponsored promotions.
Check our Available Pets page or Upcoming Events to see what’s happening.