If your little animal lover has been (not-so-subtly) dropping hints that your family would benefit with a furry sibling added to the mix, then consider this holiday season the perfect time to extend your fam. With so many pets needing a good home, there’s never been a better time to check out our area’s pet adoption centers full of animals in need of love. We’ve listed out some of our faves, all you need to do is read on for the shaggy details.
photo: Katie Rust
Seattle Animal Shelter
The Seattle Animal Shelter is really hoping you’ll give a pet a home for the holidays and are offering a sweet winter promotion. Now through December 14, you can adopt a pet for only $15 plus applicable licensing fees. Here you’ll find dogs, cats, bunnies, and other critters. Most animals are in foster care and may not be available to view at the shelter, but check with the staff for info. Also, check out their animal cam which allows you to watch the animals and fall in love before you even step foot in the door.
2061 15th Ave. W.
Seattle, Wa 98119
206-386-7387
Hours: Tues.-Sun., 12 p.m.-6 p.m.
Online: seattle.gov/animalshelter
photo: Petfinder via Yelp
Seattle Humane Society
If you’re in the market for a dog, cat, bunny, or mouse, a fantastic option is the Humane Society. You can view the available animals by checking out their website. If you see one that strikes your fancy, simply fill out the pre-adoption questionnaire, take it in and let a volunteer help you find the best fit for your fam. Once you’ve found the pet you’ve been searching for, get them on the right track by checking out their trainings and classes. Bonus: Most dog adoptions come with 30 days of pet insurance and six weeks of training at one of their off-site campuses.
13212 S.E. Eastgate Way
Bellevue, Wa 98005
425-649-7563
Adoption Center Hours: Sun.-Wed., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Thurs.-Sat., 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Online: seattlehumane.org
photo: Bonnie Gilbert
Homeward Pet Adoption Center
At Homeward Pet Adoption Center, they take great pride in the adoption process and really take the time to match animals with the right family. If you would like to adopt from here, make sure to bring the whole fam when meeting your potential adoptee. Homeward wants to ensure the pet and people are the perfect match for each other. To get started, fill out their application and bring it in to review with an adoption counselor. You really are just a click away from finding your family’s ideal pet.
13132 N.E. 177th Pl.
Woodinville, Wa 98072
425-488-4444
Hours: Wed.-Sun., 12 p.m.- 6 p.m.; Closed Mon. & Tues.
Online: homewardpet.org
photo: Robert Couse-Baker via Flickr
MEOW Cat Rescue and Adoption
They say dogs are a kid’s best friend, but Meow Cat Rescue would beg to differ. In order to adopt, fill out the application and bring it in to be interviewed by an adoption specialist who will find the perfect cat for your fam. Good to Know: If you are planning to adopt a kitten under 6 months of age and have no other cats at home, you must adopt two kittens. Also, don’t be fooled by the name, they have dogs available as well, however, they are all in foster care and arrangements need to be made to see them. Whatever you choose, you can feel good knowing one more pet is going to a happy home.
10600 N.E. 68th St.
Kirkland, Wa 98033
425-822-6369
Hours: Tues.-Wed. & Sun., 12 p.m.-5 p.m.; Thurs., 3 p.m.-7 p.m.; Fri. 12 p.m.-7 p.m.; Sat. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Online: meowcatrescue.org
photo: Bryn Bunich
PAWS
Look no further than Paws to find your purrfect family pet. Like most other places, you must fill out an application and be interviewed. They are running a Holiday special now through Dec. 30, 2014, where they are offering reduced adoption fees. Good to Know: Adoptions end 30 minutes prior to closing, so plan to arrive at least an hour before that time to ensure you have ample time to see and play with the animals.
15305 44th Ave. W.
Lynnwood, Wa 98046
425-787-2500
Hours: Tues.-Wed., 12 p.m.-6 p.m.; Thurs.-Fri., 12 p.m.-7 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Closed Mon.
Online: paws.org
photo: Jim Pennucci via Flickr
Kitty Harbor
If your wee ones has a soft spot for all things feline, Kitty Harbor in West Seattle is an ideal place to find a cat. They are solely a non-profit, volunteer organization who are completely dedicated to placing cats in loving homes. Their cats are housed in a kitty play room where you can interact with them, but they want to ensure only serious buyers stop by. They offer adoptions only part of the year, from June to December and are only open on Saturdays and Sundays.
3422 Harbor Ave. S.W.
Seattle, Wa 98126
206-935-1919
Hours: Sat.-Sun., 12 p.m.-5 p.m.
Online: kittyharborseattle.org
photo: Anna S. via Yelp
Is adding a pet to the fam a paws-ibility this holiday season? Let us know about your experience in a comment below.
— Allison Rasmussen
