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Rehoming Your Pet

Life changes, and sometimes keeping a pet becomes difficult or no longer feels possible. Before making a final decision, explore support that may help, and when rehoming is needed, we’ll help you understand the available paths.

Resources to Keep Your Pet Resources to Rehome Your Pet Pet Rehoming Support Form

We’re Here to Help

Finding a new home for your pet is a difficult decision, and sometimes situations arise that might make it seem like the only choice. A shelter environment may not be suitable or comfortable for your pet and can cause unnecessary stress. We strongly encourage pet owners to find a new home through private methods or try to resolve any issues in the current home, if possible—and we can help!

We work with pet owners to help solve common behavior concerns by offering resources, counseling, as well as support for pet owners who are working through tough issues with their pets or are in unfortunate situations. We are here to help keep pets with their people!

Resources to Keep Your Pet

Pet Behavior Tips

We have a host of resources and training tips for common pet behavioral issues. Check out our Pet Behavior Tips webpage to help get your pet back on track.

Veterinary and Animal Care Assistance

Unexpected veterinary expenses can put families in a tough position, but you don’t have to face it alone. There are organizations and programs that may be able to help cover the cost of care and keep pets where they belong, safe and loved at home. View our list of financial assistance resources for pet owners in need here.

Pet Food and Supplies Assistance

The Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County’s Pet Food & Supply Pantry provides pet food and supplies to those who are in temporary need of dog or cat food and supplies. The Pet Food & Supply Pantry is open every Saturday and Wednesday from 12:00 pm—4:00 pm.

Please note, in order to receive pet food, you must provide identification and proof that your pets are spayed or neutered. If your pets are not altered, you will be given food for the first visit (up to a month’s worth) and you will need to show proof at the next visit to be eligible.

 

Other Pet Food Options

Seattle Humane Pet Food Bank
(425) 649 – 7566
Seattle, WA

Finding Pet-Friendly Housing

Whether you’re moving around town or out of state, check out this Finding a Pet-Friendly Rental guide to help you find the right home for both you and your pets.

Temporary Pet Boarding

There are numerous reasons why you might need to find a temporary home for your furry friend. View our list of temporary pet housing resources here.

Preparing Your Pet For a New Baby

Bringing a baby into the household comes with a multitude of changes for both you and your pets. You can help your pets adjust before and after the baby arrives. Check out this Introducing Your Pet and a New Baby guide for helpful tips.

Emergency Assistance

RedRover helps pets in need of emergency shelter due to a natural disaster, owner hospitalization, domestic violence, or other crises.

Military Support

Permanent Change of Station (PCS) Pet Transportation Allowance

Through the Department of Defense, a Service member may be authorized allowances associated with the costs of moving with one household pet, either a cat or dog. For moves within the continental US, the Service member may be reimbursed up to $550 and for outside the continental US, up to $2,000. Visit the Defense Travel Management Office for additional information.

Pet Support Resource Database

Use pets.findhelp.com to search for free or low cost pet support services like veterinary care, pet food pantries, temporary pet care, and more.

Rehoming Your Pet

Finding Your Pet A New Home

We strongly encourage pet owners to find a new home through private methods, whenever possible. There are many resources for finding a home for your pet.

 

Home To Home™

This is a free rehoming website for pet owners who need to find a new home for their pets including dogs, cats, and other animals. Pets can go from one home right into another, which means less stress for animals and humans alike!

 

Rehome by Adopt-A-Pet

This site is used by many shelter and rescue organizations. Potential adopters might already be looking at this website for their future pet, so it is a great place to list any animal looking for a new home. Make sure to thoroughly read what the potential adopter has written to see if they are a good match for your pet.

 

Rescue Me!

You can post your pet with all their information, rehoming fee, likes or dislikes, and any other valuable knowledge for new owners. Potential homes will contact you and set up a time to meet your pet. A picture goes a long way, so try to find a good one.

 

Petfinder

Petfinder allows you to search for rescue groups in and around your area. It will connect you to groups that may be able to help by accepting your pet, posting your pet for adoption, or offering additional resources.

 

Craigslist

On Craigslist, please make sure to thoroughly vet potential homes by using an application and/or a rehoming fee. Pictures can help animals get more interest from potential adopters. Meeting at a mutual spot and bringing someone with you is recommended. You can post in the pet section, but certain animals might be better listed in the farm and garden section (outdoor cats, farm dogs).

 

Nextdoor

Nextdoor can connect you to people in your neighborhood or surrounding area. You can post locally and hopefully find someone close by that might be interested. This makes meeting up with people easier for both parties.

 

Facebook

There are many rehoming groups on Facebook. In the search bar, you can search key phrases like “PNW rehoming”, “Washington State pets rehoming”, and “adoptable animals Washington” or anything similar should show several rehoming groups.

 

Need help advertising your pet? Canva provides many free usable flyer templates that can be used to advertise your pet. These can be placed in areas to find a potential adopter: feed stores, pet stores, outdoor stores, grooming shops, grocery stores, churches, gyms, etc.

Check With Local Animal Rescues

From dogs to exotic animals, there are plenty of animal rescues that may be able to find a new home for your pet or possibly provide temporary housing.

Seattle Humane Society
(425) 641-0080
Bellevue, WA

Auburn Valley Humane Society
(253) 249-7849
Auburn, WA

Metro Animal Services
(253) 299-7387
Puyallup, WA

Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC)
(206) 296-7387
Kent, WA

Seattle Animal Shelter
(206) 386-7387
Seattle, WA

Homeward Pet Adoption Center
(425) 488-4444
Woodinville, WA

Everett Animal Services
(425) 257-6000
Everett, WA

Animal Services for Thurston County
(360) 352-2510
Olympia, WA

Kitsap Humane Society
(360) 692-6977
Silverdale, WA

PAWS
(425) 787-2500
Lynnwood, WA

NOAH
(360) 629-7055
Stanwood, WA

Motley Zoo Animal Rescue
(206) 453-8480
Redmond, WA

Pasado’s Safe Haven
(360) 793-9393
Sultan, WA

Humane Society for Cowlitz County
(360) 577-0151
Longview, WA

Cat Rescue Groups

MEOW Cat Rescue
(425) 822-6369
Kirkland, WA

Purrfect Pals (elderly cats or cats with health issues)
(360) 652-9611
Arlington, WA

South County Cats (feral cats)
(206) 910-4495
Maple Valley, WA

Wags & Whiskers
(509) 246-1245
Ephrata, WA

Stevens Co Cat Care
(509) 935-6369
Chewelah, WA

WA Cat Tales Rescue
(425) 488-2338
Everett, WA

Feline Friends
(360) 866-0599
Olympia, WA

Friends of the Animals
(206) 719-4864
West Seattle, WA

Friends of Campus Cats
(206) 442-2051
Seattle, WA

Kitty Haven (kittens under 4 months)
Tacoma, WA

Maya Feline Rescue
(509) 307-3504
Wapato, WA

Whisker City
(206) 542-0947
Shoreline, WA

Seattle Area Feline Rescue
(206) 659 – 6220
Shoreline, WA

Dog Rescue Groups

Seattle Purebred Dog Rescue (purebred dogs)
(206) 654-1117
Redmond, WA

Old Dog Haven (dogs over the age of 8 years old)
(206) 280-7614
Oak Harbor, WA

DRAW-Dog Rescue Around Washington
(253) 472-1523
Tacoma, WA

The Pit Stops Here
(360) 914-4252
Oak Harbor, WA

Power Breed Rescue
(509) 334 – 7407
Palouse, WA

Barks R Us
(509) 248-2457
Yakima, WA

Dogs of the Gorge (D.O.G.)
(541) 978-0079
Wishram, WA

Animal Aid and Rescue Foundation (AARF)
[email protected]
Seahurst, WA

Saving Great Animals
[email protected]
Seattle, WA

Rescue Every Dog
[email protected]
Kingston, WA

Bullseye Dog Rescue
[email protected]
Seattle, WA

People United for Pets
[email protected]
Issaquah, WA

Pit Bull Rescue Central
Lees Summit, MO

Returning An Adopted Pet

We understand that sometimes, despite best efforts, an adoption may not be the right fit. We’re here to support you and your pet.

  • Within 30 Days of Adoption: If you need to return your adopted pet within 30 days, please schedule an appointment with our team to ensure a smooth process.
  • After 30 Days: If more than 30 days have passed, please complete our Pet Rehoming Support Form. Once this is completed, a member of our Pet Support Team will contact you with support and resources.

Surrendering Your Pet to Our Shelter

To ensure we have the resources to accommodate every animal under our care, all surrenders are by appointment only.

Please note: We are currently operating on a rolling 4–6 week schedule for owner surrender appointments.

Please follow these steps to begin the surrender process:

  • Complete our Pet Rehoming Support Form. Once this is completed, a member of our team will contact you with support and resources.
    • Our goal is to help pet guardians find a loving home for their pets and provide resources to help keep their pets. We can best support you with this by knowing more about your pet first.
  • If further assistance is needed, a phone consultation will be scheduled.
    • Once all the information about your pet has been gathered and the counseling and evaluation are completed, we will discuss your options with you so you can make the best decision for your pet.
  • An appointment to surrender your pet may be scheduled.
    • Please bring your current ID, a copy of your pet’s veterinary records, and surrender fee payment to the surrender appointment.

Reduced Surrender Fee Options

We know that surrendering a pet can be a difficult decision, and we don’t want cost to be a barrier for those in need. To help, we offer reduced surrender fee options that can lower the cost of surrendering your pet.

Surrendering Fees

At the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County, the cost to care for and find new homes for pets can be hundreds of dollars for each pet. Upon intake, every animal is vaccinated, spayed or neutered if not already done, and microchipped. As a local private nonprofit organization, we ask for a surrender fee to help with these costs.

Pets from the City of Tacoma, South Prairie, Carbonado, Fife, University Place, Wilkeson, Orting, and unincorporated Pierce County

We understand that surrendering a pet can be financially challenging. We offer discounts that are income-based and also have other criteria for reduced fees (e.g. providing current veterinary records). See more information about reduced surrender fee options.

Non-discounted surrender fees are as follows:

  • Dogs (4 months and older): $400 
  • Cats (4 months and older): $400 
  • Rabbits & Other Small Animals: $400 per kennel. Bonded animals count as one kennel if they can be safely housed together. Individually housed animals incur separate fees. 
  • Litters (puppies, kittens, etc. under 4 months old): $100 for each pet.

Pets from Lakewood, Fircrest, Dupont, and Steilacoom

Owner surrender fees for residents of the above cities are subsidized by animal control contracts.

  • Dogs (two months and older): $75
  • Cats & rabbits (two months and older): $75, $50 for each additional from the same household
  • Litters of puppies or kittens: $15 for each pet

Pets from the City of Federal Way

Effective January 1, 2025, Federal Way Animal Control transitioned 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. 

Pets from Other Locations

We are able to accept pet surrenders from outside our service areas only as space and resources allow.

  • Dogs (4 months and older): $500 
  • Cats (4 months and older): $500 
  • Rabbits & Other Small Animals: $500 per kennel. Bonded animals count as one kennel if they can be safely housed together. Individually housed animals incur separate fees.
  • Litters (puppies, kittens, etc. under 4 months old): $100 for each pet  

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my pet in without an appointment?

No. Pet surrenders are handled by appointment so Tacoma Humane can plan for available space, staffing, and the individual needs of incoming animals.

Does completing the form guarantee surrender?

No. The form begins the support and review process. The team may provide resources, discuss direct rehoming, or schedule an appointment depending on the situation and available capacity.

How quickly will someone contact me?

Responses are handled in the order received. Timing depends on request volume and staff availability. The Pet Support line is not an emergency service.

What should I do in an emergency?

If someone or an animal is in immediate danger, contact emergency services, animal control, or an emergency veterinary provider as appropriate.

Will I receive updates after surrendering my pet?

Ask the Pet Support team what information may be available. Outcomes and updates cannot always be guaranteed.

 You Do Not Have to Navigate This Alone

Tell us what is happening, and our Pet Support Team will help you understand the resources and next steps currently available.

You can also call our pet support helpline. 

Please leave a message and a Pet Support Counselor will get back to you as soon as possible. 

Please note that this is not an emergency line and calls will be returned in the order they are received.

Pet Support: [email protected]

Helpline: (253) 284-5836