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13 Best Dog Rescues In Washington State (2023 Guide)

Best Dog Rescues In Washington State

Adopting a dog is not an easy task.

The process requires so much more than just bringing them home.

A dog rescue with great credentials is the first step.

But there are a lot of options…

How do you pick the best ones?

Keep reading…

And discover more about:

  • 13 best dog rescues in Washington State according to people.
  • Real information and contact details of every rescue on the list.
  • All the services each rescue offers to dogs and potential owners.
  • And a lot more…

The recommendations of shelters you’ll see below are based on my research in Google Maps. I rely on it for realistic and truthful information from Local Guides

These are familiar places and information needed. Local Guides give feedback about visited places so other people have an idea of what to expect.

Researching one by one takes time, so I gathered all the necessary information in one place to make it easier for you to find what you are looking for. 

Disclaimer: Ratings and reviews may vary, but these are accurate as to the date and time of research and writing of this article.


13 best dog rescues in Washington State


#1: Sammamish Animal Sanctuary

First on the list is Sammamish Animal Sanctuary. This is based on…

Rating: 4.5

Reviews: 13

Website: sammamishanimalsanctuary.com

Address: 20727 SE 24th St., Sammamish, WA  98075, United States

Phone: +1 (425) 829-5037

Opening Hours:

  • 9 am- 5 pm (by reservation only)

Social Media:

Services

Adoption

Animals available for adoption as of writing:

  • Cats.
  • Horses.
  • Bunnies.
  • Guinea Pigs.
Sponsor an animal

Sponsoring an animal on their list can be a one-time or a lifetime commitment.

For more information, click here

Follow the prompts on their website and choose your animal and time frame. 

#2: Seattle Humane

Rating: 4.0

Reviews: 168

Website: seattlehumane.org

Address: 13212 SE Eastgate Way Bellevue, WA  98005, United States

Phone: +1 (425) 641-0080

Fax: (425) 747-2985

Opening Hours:

  • Reception: 9 am- 5 pm.
  • Adoption: 12 pm- 6 pm.
  • Veterinary Services: 7 am- 5 pm.

Note: Veterinary Services are available by appointment only, no walk-ins. 

Social Media:

Services

Spay And Neuter
  • Spay and Neuter services are limited.
  • fill-up an appointment form beforehand. 
  • This shelter has reduced costs for spay and neuter services.
Shelter Medicine

This is a new field that aims to:

  • Control diseases.
  • Perform amputations.
  • Internal medicine care.
  • Provide dental surgery.
  • Treat wounds and masses.

Note: Medical services require pre-payment. If your appointment is canceled, a full refund will be issued.

Adoption

2 ways to adopt:

  • Shelter walk-through.
  • Search pets on the website.

Adoption costs vary, but adopting from Seattle Humane allows you access to their veterinary services.

More information on adoption costs and forms here

Microchipping

Microchipping is offered at Seattle Humane by appointment only with their veterinary services. 

Community Services

Seattle Humane also offers a variety of services for the community, including:

  • Pet rehoming.
  • Pet owner support.
  • End-of-life services.
  • Lost and found pets.

Read more about their available services here.

You might also want to know: 17 Critical Tips To Take Care Of A Rescue Dog (Guide)

#3: The NOAH Center

Rating: 4.0

Reviews: 45

Website: thenoahcenter.org

Address:  Brandstrom Rd., Stanwood, WA  98292, United States

Phone: +1 (360) 629-7055

Opening Hours:

  • 11 am – 6 pm

Social Media:

Services

Adoption

The NOAH Center offers adoption for both dogs and cats which includes services upon adoption.

These services are:

  • Vaccinations.
  • Flea Treatment.
  • Spay/ neuter surgery.
  • Deworming medication.
  • Microchip Identification.
  • Collar and NOAH ID tag.
  • Free health exam voucher.

More information on adoption costs for dogs and cats here.

Spay and Neuter

As of this time, services are limited due to the pandemic. Spay and neuter surgeries are available only by appointment and limited slots.

Appointments are required and non-negotiable. Deposits are also needed to ensure your pet’s slot in the surgery lineup.

Schedule your appointment here.

To cancel your appointment, they require 72 hours notice prior. Contact them here: 360-629-7055

Note: Certain measures are required for spay and neuter services, including drop-off and pick-up time. More information on requirements and service fees can be viewed here

#4: Multnomah County Animal Services

Rating: 4.0

Reviews: 34

Website: multcopets.org

Address: 1700 W Historic Columbia River Hwy., Troutdale, OR 97060

Phone: +1 (503) 988-7387

Opening Hours:

  • 1 pm- 4:30 pm

Social Media:

Services

Adoption

Adoption services are only available through online processes due to current staff situations. Potential adopters will need to fill out a form once they find their desired animal.

A phone interview will be conducted and further instructions will be given for the next steps.

Adoption costs, requirements, and more information is given here

Community Services

Various services are also offered by the Multnomah County Animal Services such as:

  • Training.
  • Rehoming.
  • Low-cost resources.
  • Pet food assistance.
  • End-of-life services.
  • Community cat projects.
Animal Protection

Medical emergencies, field services, and investigations are also being offered. They also help owners find lost pets, and help pets find their owners. 

Note: For all emergencies, call (503) 988-7387 for their 24-hour dispatch service.

#5: Humane Society For Southeast Washington

Humane Society For Southeast Washington

Rating: 4.0

Reviews: 39

Website: southwesthumane.org

Address: 1100 NE 192nd Ave., Vancouver, WA  98684, United States

Phone: +1 (360) 693-4746‬

Opening Hours:

  • Regular: 10 am- 3 pm.
  • Store: 10 am- 7 pm (Monday-Friday)

10 am- 6 pm (Saturday-Sunday)

  • Lost and Found: By appointment only.

Social Media:

Services

Adoption
  • Walk-in adoptions: 2 pm- 6 pm.
  • Adoption through website here.

Note: Some animals require consultation with staff or members before setting up a meeting, so check the website and the information given.

Community Services

Services such as veterinary care and assistance are also offered at this shelter.

Here are some programs they are involved with:

  • Pet surrenders.
  • End-of-life services.
  • Pet food assistance.
  • Spay and neuter clinics. 
  • Pet emergency boarding.
Volunteering

If volunteering is your calling, you can be a foster, a staff at the shelter, or a worker at their store.

Volunteer application form and information here

#6: Regional Animal Services Of King County

Rating: 4.0

Reviews: 32

Website: kingcounty.gov

Address: 21615 64th Ave S. Kent, WA  98032, United States

Phone: ‭+1 (206) 296-7387

Opening Hours:

  • 12 pm- 6 pm

Social Media:

Services

Adoption

Pet adoptions are available through appointment here.

Pet Response

RASKC responds to non-emergency calls every day from 7:30 am-6:30 pm.

Services include:

  • Injured animals.
  • Loose animals in public.
  • Animal noise complaints.
  • Animal abuse complaints.
  • Dangerous animals reports.

You might also want to check out: Adopting A Rescue Dog: The First 7 Days [Checklist]

#7: Seattle Animal Shelter

Rating: 3.5

Reviews: 89

Website: seattle.gov

Address: 2061 15th Ave W., Seattle, WA  98119, United States

Phone: +1 (206) 386-7387

Opening Hours:

  • 1 pm- 6 pm

Social Media: 

Services

Adoption

Adoption information, costs, requirements, and other questions here

Note: In-shelter pets and pets in foster homes have different adoption processes, so visit the website and decide which one is for you.

Spay and Neuter

Surgeries are by appointment only. Consent forms for pre-admitting here

  • Admitting hours: 10 am- 11 am.
  • Discharge hours: 5:30 pm- 6:30 pm.
  • Closed to the public: 11 am- 5:30 pm.

#8: Kitsap Humane Society

Rating: 3.5

Reviews: 42

Website: kitsap-humane.org

Address: 9167 Dickey Rd NW., Silverdale, WA  98383, United States

Phone: ​​‭+1 (360) 692-6977‬

Opening Hours:

  • 12 pm- 4 pm

Social Media:

#9: Auburn Valley Humane Society

Rating: 3.5

Reviews: 32

Website: auburnvalleyhs.org

Address: 4910 A St SE., Auburn, WA  98092, United States

Phone: +1 (253) 249-7849‬

Opening Hours:

  • 11 am- 6 pm

Social Media:

Services

Adoption

Currently, no walk-ins and public viewing, as entry to the shelter is limited.

Adoption application is available here, and to be sent to: adoptions@kitsap-humane.org 

Each adoption at Kitsap includes:

  • Microchip.
  • Initial vaccinations.
  • Spay/neuter surgery.
  • Initial flea treatment.
  • Deworming medication.
  • Free post-adoption exam.
  • Reference material on pet care and training.
  • Post – adoption behavior support; as needed.

Adoption hours: 

  • Monday- Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday-Sunday: 12 pm- 4 pm
Veterinary Services

Kitsap provides spay and neuter, microchipping, euthanasia, and surgeries by appointment.

#10: Homeward Pet Adoption Center

Rating: 3.5

Reviews: 99

Website: homewardpet.org

Address: 13132 Little Bear CK Pkwy.,Woodinville, WA  98072, United States

Phone: ‭+1 (425) 488-4444‬

Opening Hours:

  • 11:30 am- 5:30 pm

Social Media:

Services

Volunteering

Volunteering is open to those who want to foster and work at the shelter.

Applications and more information here.

Community Services

Homeward offers the following services for the community:

  • Pet rehoming.
  • Pet food bank.
  • Spay and neuter.
  • Last litter program.
  • Behavior consultation.

#11: Oregon Humane Society

Rating: 3.5

Reviews: 195

Website: oregonhumane.org

Address: 1067 NE Columbia Blvd.,Portland, OR  97211, United States

Phone: ‭+1 (503) 285-7722‬

Opening Hours:

  • 10 am- 6 pm

Social Media:

Services

Volunteering

At OHS, volunteering is not limited to working at the shelter.

You can help by attending events, holding fundraisers, supporting their partners, or supporting animal legislation

Adoption

All adoptions are done by appointment only.

If you are interested, click here and follow the website prompt to complete your application.

Reporting animal cruelty

If you have witnessed animal abuse or a crime to any animal, there are two ways to report:

  • Fill up a complaint form here.
  • Call their hotline: (503) 802-6707.

Note: Emergencies are not catered by the hotline, so if any emergencies occur, call your local police or animal control unit. 

#12: Humane Society For Tacoma And Pierce County

Rating: 3.0

Reviews: 92

Website: thehumanesociety.org

Address: 2608 Center St.,Tacoma, WA  98409,United States

Phone: ‭+1 (253) 383-2733

Opening Hours:

  • 11 am- 5:30 pm

Social Media:

Services

Community Services

The following services are being offered by this shelter:

  • Microchipping.
  • Pet licensing.
  • Animal control.
  • Pet food pantry.
  • Pet surrenders.
  • Community cats.
  • Spay and neuter.
  • Humane education.
  • End-of-life services.
  • Pet behavior and tips.

Note: Wildlife concerns are not catered as of now, so refer all inquiries to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. 

Adoption

Adoption applications are done through online forms. Fill up here if interested. 

Some services are also included in the adoption process such as:

  • Microchipping.
  • Spay or neuter.
  • Initial vaccines.
  • Pet care counseling.
  • Wellness examination.

Reading Recommendation: 13 Mistakes When Adopting A Rescue Dog (Guide)

#13: Whatcom Humane Society

Rating: 3.0

Reviews: 34

Website: whatcomhumane.org

Address: 2172 Division St., Bellingham, WA  98226, United States

Phone: ‭+1 (360) 733-2080

Opening Hours:

  • 10 am- 6 pm

Social Media:

Services

Animal Control and Rescue

Whatcom offers rescues and animal control from pets to wildlife. 

Schedule:

  • Sunday- Tuesday: 9 am- 5 pm.
  • Wednesday- Saturday: 10 am- 6 pm.
  • Holidays/After-hours are for emergencies only.

Note: Wildlife rehabilitation center: (360) 966-8845

Adoption

Adoption and kennel viewing schedule:

  • Tuesday- Saturday 12 pm- 4 pm (appointment only)