Caring for Tacoma’s Pets, Together: A Continued Partnership

The Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County’s new contract with the City of Tacoma takes effect on April 1, 2025. This five-year agreement reinforces Tacoma’s dedication to prioritizing resources for lost and at-risk animals while supporting the rising costs of care for pets in need brought to our shelter by compassionate community members and animal control officers. This partnership reflects the city’s continued commitment to animal welfare and the well-being of pets in our community, as well as their trust in our organization to help bring that vision to life. 

Keeping Pets with Their People

One of the most notable changes under this new contract is that owner surrenders are no longer included in Tacoma’s agreement. While this means that the owner surrender fee for Tacoma residents will now align with the fee paid per intake by the city’s animal control agency—$400—this shift also allows us to double down on our mission as a family-first shelter. 

We believe that the best place for a pet is with the people who love them, and we are committed to providing resources to help pet owners navigate challenges so they can keep their pets whenever possible. When rehoming is necessary, we empower pet owners to be their pet’s best advocate in finding a new, loving home. 

Empowering Pet Owners  

To support pet owners in this transition, we’re introducing reduced fee options for those who take proactive steps before surrendering their pet to the shelter. These incentives include reduced fees for owners who: 

• List their pet on our rehoming platforms 

• Provide proof of sterilization 

• Submit current vaccine and medical records 

• And more! 

Additionally, income-qualified Tacoma residents (as defined by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development) will receive a percentage-based discount, ensuring that financial hardship does not prevent a pet from finding a new home. 

Why These Changes Matter

These updates ultimately benefit the pets. By empowering owners to rehome their pets responsibly and ensuring that animals entering our shelter have comprehensive medical and behavioral histories, we can help them find new homes faster. At the same time, we’re preserving shelter resources for the animals who need them most: pets in need who have no other options. 

What About Other Municipalities? 

Our shelter continues to prioritize animals from our contracted municipalities, including Tacoma, Pierce County (covering Carbonado, South Prairie, University Place, Fife, and Orting), as well as Fircrest, Lakewood, Dupont, Steilacoom, and Eatonville. 

For pet owners outside our service area, we accept owner surrenders only as space and resources allow. The surrender fee for non-service-area pets is $500 per dog, cat, or critter, with the same opportunities for reduced fees available to Tacoma residents (excluding income-based reductions). 

Learn More & Get Support

For detailed information on our updated owner surrender policies and rehoming resources, visit the “Rehoming Your Pet” page on our website.  

Thank you for being part of our mission to help pets in need and support to the people who love them in our community. Together, we’re building a future where every pet has the support they need to thrive—whether that’s in their current home or a new one.