Pet adoption program - King County, Washington (2024)

Paths to Pet Adoption

  1. View adoptable pets
    • When you find an animal on our website that you're interested in adopting, click their "Meet" button to see what process you should follow based on their location.
  2. Visit the Pet Adoption Center
    • Want to meet a pet at the Pet Adoption Center in Kent? We welcome walk-in visitors for meet-and-greets from noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
  3. Meet and greet with shelter pets
    • Upon arrival at the Pet Adoption Center, depending on who you are visiting - cat, dog, rabbit, bird, reptile, or small mammal - a team member will take down your name and the name/ID number of the pet(s) you're interested in.
    • During your meet-and-greet, one of our team members will discuss any known history of the pet, as well as their behavior in the shelter, to help you determine if a pet is the right match for your family.
    • Meet-and-greets may be limited to no more than three pets, depending on staffing, and our team members will bring them to you. If weather permits, dog meet-and-greets may take place in our enclosed play field.
    • Adoptions are done on a "first-interested, first-served" basis.
  4. Go home with your new best friend!
    • Successful match? Great! We'll take about 30 minutes to process your adoption, including answering any first-time pet adoption questions.
  1. View listing of adoptable foster pets
    • Scroll through our list of available pets. Click the animal's "Meet" button to see what process you should follow based on location.
  2. Complete Foster Adoption Inquiry eForm
    • Interested in visiting with a pet currently in a foster home? Complete the Foster Adoption Inquiry eForm. Upon completing this form, a copy will be sent to the volunteer fostering the pet. Interested parties will be contacted in the order the forms were received. Fosters and interested adopters are encouraged to make their first contact virtually via email, photos, videos, text, FaceTime, Zoom, or similar tools.
    • Completing the eForm does not guarantee that you will be able to adopt the available pet. We ask that you continue to check the listing of adoptable pets. Should there be a pet whose profile is no longer listed, we ask that you keep your heart open to other pets that may still be looking for their forever home.
  3. Make a match!
    • If after connecting with a pet's foster parent you both feel that the pet is a good match for you, the adopter can go ahead and finalize the adoption by filling out the following forms and making payment:
      1. Adoption Processing eForm
      2. Adoption Contract (one per pet)
      3. Online Payment (Point and Pay)
    • Please only fill out these forms and make payment after receiving confirmation from foster parents to proceed with an adoption. Note that pre-payment does not guarantee adoption.

Adoptions at partner stores and cat cafés are coordinated on a "first-come, first-served" basis. You can view animals that are at our partner stores online by using the filter function and searching by location or by noting their location in the individual animal's bio.

All adoption paperwork and payment will be taken care of at the time of adoption with the partner store representative.

If after meeting the animal with a partner store representative and you both feel that the pet is a good match for you, the adopter can go ahead and finalize the adoption by filling out the following forms and payment:

  1. Adoption Processing eForm
  2. Adoption Contract (one per pet)
  3. Online Payment (Point and Pay)

Please only fill out these forms with the partner store representative to proceed with an adoption.

Partner Store and Cat Café Locations

*Cat cafés have a different adoption process. Please reach out to the café directly for their adoption policies.

If you are interested in adopting a barn cat, please follow the steps below:

  1. Read all documents listed below and prepare your home for your new barn cat. Preparations should focus on the cat's outside shelter and the acclimation requirements. Feel free to email us if you have questions.
    • Preparing to receive your new barn cat
    • Barn cat acclimation facilities
    • Warm, raccoon-proof shelter
  2. Check available barn cats on our website to ensure that we have cats at our Pet Adoption Center available for pick up. (Adoptions are made on a "first-come, first-served" basis.) Special accommodations may be provided for adopters with extensive travel time, if required. Please call 206-296-3936 to set up a temporary hold.
  3. Check in at our Pet Adoption Center, please bring your own hard plastic carriers for the cats to go home in, and be prepared to review a short barn cat adoption tutorial with our staff.

Adoption FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Animal type Adoption fee*
Cats (six months or older) $30
Kittens (younger than six months) $100
Dogs (six months or older) $100 to $250
Puppies (younger than six months) $100 to $250
Rabbits, birds, rodents, and other animals Varies by species

* Adoption fees may vary based on special promotions, events, etc.

The adoption fee includes everything a pet will need for a great start in its new home:

  • Spay or neuter surgery by RASKC veterinary team
  • King County pet license(if applicable)
  • Microchipping (for cats and dogs)
  • Initial vaccinations (including rabies if pet is over four months old)
  • 30 days of free, opt-in pet health insurance from Trupanion
  • Collar
  • Temporary carrier (for cats)
  • Temporary leash (for dogs)
  • GoodPup Training (for dogs)
    • RASKC adopters get the first session FREE plus a 10% discount offer for life!

While adopting a pet from RASKC is always a great value, it's a good idea to consider the other costs of owning a pet. Additional expenses for a new pet may include food and water bowls, toys, bedding, training supplies, litter box for cats, and leash and harness for dogs. Ongoing expenses can include food, litter, grooming, flea prevention, vaccinations, and other medical expenses.

Our RASKC animals are spread throughout King County, thanks to our great community!

While we have animals at the Pet Adoption Center and/or partner stores, we also have animals that require special, one-on-one attention. Due to the various needs - ranging from medical, socialization, or behavioral - these pets are placed with foster volunteers who open up their homes and hearts to provide temporary care. Therefore, the adoption process is different, depending on the location of the animal. You can learn about the different adoption paths in the section above.

Adoptions at partner stores are coordinated on a "first-come, first-served" basis. You can view animals that are at our partner store adoption centers online either by using the filter function and searching by location or by noting their location in the individual animal's bio.

All adoption paperwork and payment will be taken care of at the time of adoption with the partner store representative.

Partner Store and Cat Café Locations

*Cat cafés have a different adoption process. Please reach out to the café directly for their adoption policies.

Yes! Our adoption team will do everything they can to help ensure success for you and your new family member. However, we understand that sometimes an adoption may not work out as planned. If you need to bring your new pet back for any reason, you can return your pet to RASKC at any time. If your return is within 90 days of the adoption, we will refund your adoption fee.

  • We welcome adopters who live with people and pets of all ages
  • We welcome adopters of all lifestyles and backgrounds, including those who rent
  • We welcome the giving of pets as gifts
  • We stand by our adoption guarantee
  • Adopters must be 18 years of age or older and be able to provide a photo ID
Pet adoption program - King County, Washington (2024)

FAQs

How to answer pet adoption questions? ›

Be honest in your answers and don't lie about anything that you're asked. It's tempting to write down what you think the rescue wants to hear, but this could lead to you matching with a cat or dog who won't fit well in your home environment.

How much does it cost to adopt a dog in Washington state? ›

Dog Adoption Fees
TypeAgeAdoption Fee
Adolescent6 months - 2 years$350 - $400
Adult2 years - Senior$175 - $250
SeniorUnder 50 lbs / 9+ years Over 50 lbs / 6+ years$80
Buddy adoptionAdopt an adult or senior dog at the same time as another dog1/2 price of the adult or senior adoption fee
2 more rows

How to surrender a dog in King County? ›

If you need to surrender your animal, please reach out to one of the following organizations:
  1. Seattle Animal Shelter. 2061 15th Ave W. Seattle, WA 98119. (206) 386-7387.
  2. Regional Animal Services of King County. 21615 64th Ave S. Kent, WA 98032. (206) 296-7387.
  3. Kitsap Humane Society. 9167 Dickey Rd NW. Silverdale, WA 98383.

How to prepare for a cat adoption interview? ›

Questions to Ask Potential Adopters of Kittens
  1. Have you ever declawed a cat? ...
  2. Have you ever had to rehome or surrender a cat before? ...
  3. Would this cat be indoor, outdoor, or indoor/outdoor?
  4. How many people currently live in your household? ( ...
  5. How many pets do you currently own? ...
  6. What are you looking for in a cat?
May 18, 2020

What questions do they ask in an adoption interview? ›

Why do you want to adopt?
  • Why do you want to adopt?
  • What do you think your parenting style will be like?
  • How well do you understand the adoption process?
  • What do you know about some of the unique challenges adopted children can face?
  • What are your hopes for your child?

What are red flags when adopting a dog? ›

You should be able to meet the parents or at least the mother. If the person says a third party must deliver the dog to you, it's a red flag. If you aren't allowed to meet the pup in person before you agree to adopt them, it's a red flag!

Why is adopting a dog cheaper than buying? ›

Many pets in the shelter system are already spayed or neutered and if not, shelters often receive a discount from their participating veterinarian and passes the savings on to the adoptive family. Also, adoption fees are much less expensive than buying from a breeder or pet store.

Why do dog rescues charge so much? ›

The money also acts as a donation to help support the organization as a whole, allowing the group to continue its efforts to rescue and rehome pets. An adoption fee can end up saving you money! Shelters and rescue groups usually cover initial veterinary costs to prepare the pet for a new home.

How much does it cost to put a dog to sleep in Washington state? ›

$70-$145, depending on size.

Where can I get free dog food in King County? ›

Pet Food Banks

For pet owners experiencing economic hardship, RASKC has a Community Pet Pantry located just outside of our main entrance doors at the Pet Adoption Center. This humble pantry is stocked with generous in-kind donations received from the community, and there is no charge to pick up items.

How to rehome a dog in Washington state? ›

How Rehoming Your Dog Works
  1. Create a Pet Profile. Onboard your pet on Rehome in about 10 minutes. ...
  2. Review Applications. Soon you will receive applications from interested adopters. ...
  3. Meet Adopters. We'll guide you through the process of setting safe and pressure-free meetings with potential adopters.
  4. Finalize Adoption.

Can I drop my cat off at a shelter? ›

Unfortunately, circ*mstances can change unpredictably and without much warning. Sometimes, these changes require rehoming your cat, and one option is to surrender them to a shelter. You cannot simply drop off your cat at a shelter.

How to pass a dog adoption interview? ›

Ask a Lot of Questions

The rescue wants to know that you're committed to providing a forever home. Put together a list of questions you have about the animal. You'll want to ask about any behavioral or health issues that will need to be addressed and be prepared to explain how you'll handle them.

What are the red flags when adopting a cat? ›

What are the red flags when adopting a cat? Some red flags when adopting a cat from an animal shelter would be if they have a poor track record of adoption or repeat instances of adoption returns. While this doesn't mean that they are “bad,” you might want to ask why they have this in their history.

Why do I want to adopt a cat answer? ›

Adopting is a smart financial choice.

You'll take home a cat that is up to date on vaccines, already spayed or neutered, and even microchipped for a low fee. Some rescues will also include extras in the adoption fee, such as a bag of food, cat toys, or pet insurance.

How do you answer adoption reference questions? ›

Include how you know the person you are writing the reference letter for and how long you have known them. If you have witnessed the individual or couple's involvement with children, either your children or others, tell how they interact and what qualities they have that would make them good parents.

How do you handle adoption questions? ›

There is no one perfect or correct response to intrusive adoption questions or comments. It is more important that you as the parent(s) pre-plan and have a discussion with your child about comments they might encounter, present options, ask your child about their ideas, and let them choose who will respond.

How do you answer the question "Why do you want a dog?"? ›

For some, there are extremely practical reasons: for guidance or therapy, security, or even search and rescue work. Perhaps you live on a farm and need a dog to herd your sheep or cattle.

How to nail a dog adoption interview? ›

Ask lots of questions – you want to ensure a good match as do we! Ask the fosters about the dogs behavior, compatibility, energy level, food and appetite, health, any known behavioral history, any known behavioral issues, any known health history or health issues.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Laurine Ryan

Last Updated:

Views: 5929

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (77 voted)

Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Laurine Ryan

Birthday: 1994-12-23

Address: Suite 751 871 Lissette Throughway, West Kittie, NH 41603

Phone: +2366831109631

Job: Sales Producer

Hobby: Creative writing, Motor sports, Do it yourself, Skateboarding, Coffee roasting, Calligraphy, Stand-up comedy

Introduction: My name is Laurine Ryan, I am a adorable, fair, graceful, spotless, gorgeous, homely, cooperative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.