Adoption Process

Welcome, and thank you for considering adopting a shelter pet! Our goal is to help connect adopters with available pets.

Before you adopt

Update current pets' licenses.

  • If you reside in Seattle city limits, visit our online licensing portal and make sure all of your existing pets are currently licensed.
  • You may update licenses online or with our customer service representatives when you pay for your adoption.
  • If you live outside Seattle city limits, please check with your local animal shelter or animal control enforcement agency.

How to Adopt

View our available pets on our website and identify the pet(s) you are interested in meeting.

  • Each pet’s location will be listed on the adoption posting. The process to meet the pet will differ slightly depending on its location.



    • Pets located in “Foster Care” are staying with one of our amazing foster families.
    • Pets with locations like “Dog Kennels,” “Cat Adoption,” or anything except “Foster Care” are at the shelter.

For pets at the shelter:

  1. Come to the shelter between 1 – 5 pm on any day we are open – Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
    We are closed on Mondays, Fridays, and holidays.
  2. Fill out an adoption survey when you arrive or complete one ahead of time and bring it with you.
    Dog adoption survey  |   Cat adoption survey  |  Critter adoption survey
  3. Meet the pet(s). Staff or volunteers will assist you in meeting the pet(s) you are interested in.
  4. Meet with staff for adoption counseling. During this time, we will share with you all we know about a pet, including any known medical or behavioral history.
  5. Adopt! We will process your adoption and you will pay applicable adoption fees.
  6. Celebrate! Most pets in the shelter can go home with you the same day. There are occasions where they will need to stay for additional veterinary care or spay/neuter surgery, in which case the staff member will advise you when your pet will be ready for pickup.

For pets pets in foster care:

  1. Follow the instructions on the pet’s adoption profile to submit your adoption survey.
  2. We will review adoption surveys in the order they are received. They will reach out to you to tell you more about the pet(s). *Most pets will receive multiple adoption surveys. Submitting a survey is not a guarantee that you will be able to meet or adopt that pet.
  3. Meet the pet! Our staff or volunteers will arrange a time for you to meet the pet(s). *Many pets will have more than one meeting with potential adopters. Meeting a pet is not a guarantee that you will be able to adopt that pet.
  4. Meet with staff for adoption counseling. During this time, we will share with you all we know about a pet, including any known medical and/or behavioral history. Most of these appointments will be done over the phone.
  5. Adopt! For adoption of most pets in foster care, we will schedule an appointment to process the adoption over the phone. We will process your adoption and you will pay applicable adoption fees.
  6. Celebrate! Once the adoption is completed and staff has received your signed adoption contract, you and the foster parent will set a mutually agreeable time to transfer the pet to you. In some cases, the pet may not be able to go home until additional veterinary care or spay/neuter surgery is completed.

When you adopt:

  • You will provide your government-issued ID number and date of birth.
  • We will process the adoption and provide you with copies of all available medical and behavioral records.
  • We will register your new pet's microchip (if applicable) with 24PetWatch.
  • You will sign our adoption contract and pay adoption fees.
  • If you reside in Seattle or King County, you must purchase a two-year pet license at the time of adoption.