Strengthening Our Foundation. Expanding Our Impact.

Our Mission and Vision

To reflect our shared direction and the future we are building, we have refreshed our mission and vision statements to better capture who we are and where we are going.

Mission: Partnering with our community, we champion the welfare of animals and promote positive relationships between pets and people.

Vision: Every pet has a loving home, and all animals are treated with respect and compassion.

What These Statements Mean

• Our mission statement defines our purpose today and gives context to why we exist and what we do each day for animals and our community. It guides our decisions, priorities, and actions.
• Our vision statement describes the future we are working toward, the impact we aspire to have and the world we want to help create through our collective efforts.

Together, our mission and vision provide a shared compass, keeping us aligned as we move forward and reminding us why our work matters.

Why This Matters Now

The past few years have brought unprecedented challenges and opportunities for both our community and the animals we serve. By clearly defining our mission and vision today, we ensure that our efforts are focused, responsive, and resilient. This clarity allows us to strengthen our foundation, meet emerging needs, and expand our impact at a critical moment for Pierce County’s pets and people.

At the heart of the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County is a simple belief: animals thrive when people are supported, systems are strong, and communities are engaged.

This strategic plan lays out how we will turn that belief into action over the next three years.

This three-year vision (2026–2029) reflects our commitment to strengthening our foundation while expanding our impact. It guides how we show up for animals and the people who love them, with compassion, clarity, and excellence.

Equipping Our People to Do Their Best Work

Great outcomes begin with great people.

Our staff, volunteers, board members, and foster caregivers are the engine of our mission. Over the next three years, we are committing to clarity, care, and connection—so everyone who shows up for animals feels supported, valued, and empowered.

We are clearly defining who we are, what we stand for, and how we make decisions in complex areas of animal welfare. At the same time, we are fostering leadership excellence, investing in learning and communication, and strengthening collaboration across the organization.

When people feel heard, valued, and connected, they stay engaged and do their best work for the animals who count on us. That stability and care directly translate into better outcomes for animals.

Elevating Operational Effectiveness

Efficiency enables compassion at scale.

We are strengthening the systems, tools, and facilities that make our lifesaving work possible. Streamlined processes reduce barriers for adopters and community members seeking support and shorten the time animals spend in our shelter.

Modern technology, strong training, and thoughtful planning help us work smarter and more consistently. Our facilities are being cared for today while we plan responsibly for the future, creating a smoother experience for the public, a healthier workplace for our teams, and faster paths to positive outcomes for animals.

During our previous strategic plan, we set an ambitious goal to advance planning for a new facility. While we made meaningful progress in strengthening revenue and organizational capacity, our timeline evolved alongside important developments that positioned us for long-term success.

Since 2023, our board of directors has welcomed new members through natural transitions, bringing fresh perspectives to our evolving organization. As our needs have grown and changed, we’ve thoughtfully stepped back from immediate new facility planning to take the time to reassess what will truly serve our mission for the next 30 years.

In early 2025, the board established two strategic committees to guide this important work: a facilities committee dedicated to evaluating both our current and future shelter needs, and a fundraising committee focused on engaging our community’s strong support for our mission.

As Pierce County’s pet resource center, we will be guided by what animals and our community need most from us as animal welfare practices and community needs evolve. This deliberate approach ensures we remain responsible stewards of both animal welfare and donor investments, and that when we move forward, we do so with clarity, alignment, and a unified strategy.

Expanding Community Relationships and Resources

Our impact grows when the community is part of the solution.

We are deepening relationships with donors, volunteers, businesses, and partners who share our commitment to animals. These connections strengthen sustainability and extend our scope.

By expanding the reach of our practical resources and preventive care, we help more people care for their pets before they ever need shelter support, promote community-supported sheltering, and establish our organization as Pierce County’s go-to pet resource center—far more than just a shelter.

A stronger community network means fewer animals entering the shelter and more families staying together.

Advancing Animal Welfare Advocacy

Lasting change requires leadership beyond our walls.

Alongside direct care, we are strengthening our role as an advocate for humane policies and systems that protect companion animals. This includes building internal advocacy capacity and collaborating with partners and policymakers.

By showing up consistently at the local and state levels, we help ensure that compassion is reflected in the laws and practices that affect animals every day.

Looking Ahead

Our vision reflects who we are and the future we are building. Guided by people who care deeply for animals and a community committed to compassion, we are strengthening our teams, improving how we work, expanding partnerships, and advocating for lasting change.

The work ahead is ambitious, but it is shared. Together, we are shaping a future where animals thrive, families are supported, and kindness guides every decision.