Bringing Your Pet Home
If your pet has arrived at Tacoma Humane, we're just as excited about the reunion as you are. Below you'll find current reclaim fees and what to bring when picking up your pet.
Reclaim Fees
The Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County is committed to helping pet owners reclaim their pets.
Per current City and County Ordinances (Tacoma 17.01.080, Pierce County 6.02.070, Lakewood 6.02.070), pet owners are required to pay reclaim fees before taking their pet home.
Fees are determined by several factors including if the pet is licensed, your jurisdiction, and how long the pet has been at the shelter. Because of this, we recommend visiting the shelter as soon as possible. The fees you are responsible for will be discussed when you reclaim your pet.
Dog Reclaim Fees
| Location | First Impound | Second Impound | Third Impound | Board | Vaccine Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pierce County | $25 | $50 | $75 | $25 per day | $12 |
| Tacoma | $25 | $50 | $75 | $6 per day | $12 |
| Lakewood and Steilacoom | $50 | $75 | $75 | $5.50 per day | $12 |
Cat Reclaim Fees
| Location | Impound | Board | Vaccine Charge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pierce County | $15 | $25 per day | $12 |
| Tacoma | $15 | $4 per day | $12 |
| Lakewood and Steilacoom | $15 | $4 per day | $12 |
Other Pet Reclaim Fees
| Location | Impound | Board | Vaccine Charge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pierce County | $15 | $25 per day | $12 |
| Tacoma | $15 | $4 per day | $12 |
| Lakewood and Steilacoom | $15 | $4 per day | $12 |
Additional Fees and Items to Bring
Pet Licensing:
Depending on your location, we may be required to issue a license for your new pet. License fees vary by region, typically ranging from $15 to $65.
Mandatory Spay/Neuter Charges:
Additional mandatory spay/neuter fees may apply to dogs based on the number of times they have been impounded. These fees and the required number of impounds vary depending on where the dog was brought in from.
Items to Bring:
To claim an animal, you must bring a photo ID, provide proof of ownership (vet records, AKC or adoption paperwork, microchip registration, licensing information, dated photographs or other documentation) and pay holding fees and any expenses related to their care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there reclaim fees?
Each jurisdiction requires residents to pay impound and board fees for lost animals housed at our shelter. Fees are set by each jurisdiction, not the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County. Reclaim fees cover expenses such as food, vaccinations, care, and kennel space provided to lost pets during their stay.
I can’t afford the fees. What are my options?
We want to help you reclaim your pet and are here to provide support. We encourage you to come in as soon as possible to discuss the options available.
Why do we vaccinate all dogs and cats when they enter the shelter?
Your dog or cat was vaccinated when they were taken into the shelter because the risk of infectious disease is higher in a shelter environment. Our goal is to protect the dogs and cats coming into our care. Dogs are given Bordetella, DHPP, and rabies vaccines, and cats receive FVRCP and rabies vaccines. This policy is based on the recommendations and guidelines from leading national veterinary organizations.
Please note that if your pet was already vaccinated prior to entering the shelter, receiving this additional round of vaccines is not considered harmful.