#84 in United States, #3 in Washington
by appt only: 8410 Woods Creek Rd, Monroe, WA 98272
https://www.motleyzooanimalrescue.org/
Service areas:
Greater Seattle, Greater Eastside, Western Washington, King County, Snohomish County
"Great care and supporr of good homes for pets"
— sue b.
Adoptee
"I've been a follower and supporter of Motley Zoo for many years. I've continually been impressed by their efforts to educate, support, and fund raise in order to provide healthcare, rehabilitation, and housing for the animals they rescue. After following their adoption and education efforts for meant years, I was able to adopt a perfect Malti-poo from them 5 weeks ago. I was so impressed by the thoroughness of the adopter vetting process that I fell when deeper in love with this group and felt blessed to have been approved to adopt. I visited their location to meet (and bring home) my baby and was in awe of the kennel set up. There was a huge, fenced area for the large dogs they were fostering in site. There's also a boarding facility on location. The location and staff are so impressive that I wish I could adopt another. I will always refer anyone asking about adopting to Motley Zoo. I can't say enough good things!"
— kerma j.
Adoptee, Supporter, Fan
"After losing my last cat to cancer the year before, I was finally ready to find a new furry friend. I visited an adoption event for Motley Zoo to meet some kittens. They had some fosters there with their kittens and I was able to ask them questions and get to know the little quirks each kitten had. I ended up adopting a little gray kitten and named her Mira. After meeting such nice and interesting people I contacted them about volunteering and I started helping out at their adoption events. Forward 6 months and I adopted another kitten from them as a companion for Mira. This little guy (named McGee) was a special needs kitten with Cerebellar Hypoplasia and had been bottle raised by a dedicated foster. As a medical rescue Motley Zoo takes on harder cases and gets them the vet care they need and find them the best fit homes. After another year of volunteering, I was talked into becoming a kitten foster myself. With many trials, joys, hardships, and success stories I have now been fostering for Motley Zoo for 9 years and am now a Cat Care Team member and foster coordinator. These dedicated individuals have become a huge part of my life and I can’t imagine not being a part of this fabulous organization."
— jessica n.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster
"Motley Zoo is very dedicated to every single animal in their care, no matter how costly or complicated. As a foster we feel very supported and appreciated. Motley Zoo is there all of the way with resources they provide so that we can be the best foster parents possible without worrying about lack of supplies or knowledge. We love fostering with Motley Zoo!"
— brittany m.
Volunteer / foster
"Motley Zoo. The folks who tirelessly fight for the well being of fur babies everywhere. Ive never seen a passion so strong from everyone in the entire organization. We have fostered, adopted and foster failed. Love these folks and are honored to support them throughout the years."
— kristal a.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan
"I believe they care about the animals they are entrusted to their program. We obtained our dog through them in February 2022. She is a small mixed breed and the love of our lives. Prior to us getting her I know she was socialized by going to as assisted living facility to visit the residents as well as outdoor concerts and other venues. When we took our do back to Motley Zoo to visit her first/foster mother, our dog Bugs, could not contain her excitement. She was squeezing and so happy. That she remembers that love two years later is a testament to her memory of the love she felt. I totally recommend this organization for their commitment to high quality pet care and adoptions."
— susan w.
Adoptee
"We adopted Jack when he was six months old. Obviously, he was well taken care of prior to becoming ours. His foster family had him potty trained and mostly crate trained."
— terri s.
Adoptee
"I have fostered for Motley Zoo for several years and we are amazing! Motley Zoo cares for animals with all sorts of needs and our dedication to saving animals responsibly and by matching the right family with the right animal makes us special. We have had 4502 adoptions to date with all sorts of animals from reptiles to cats and dogs.."
— mary w.
Volunteer / foster
"We currently have our second foster dog from Motley Zoo and everyone at MZ has been fantastic to work with. I would highly recommend MZ to adopt, foster or just generally support a great organization so dedicated to helping dogs and cats."
— steve s.
Volunteer / foster
"Motley Zoo saved our beautiful Jeannie 4 years ago. They knew exactly what type of home she needed with a confident 2nd dog. They nurtured our shy & insecure Malinois mix & found the best foster for her. 4 years later we have the most amazing girl. Thank to Motley Zoo!"
— cheryl s.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Fan
Discover the Jack Russell Terrier, a breed celebrated for its intelligent and affectionate nature. Recognized as a small dog, Jack Russell Terriers have their origins in England, where they were initially bred for fox hunting and vermin control starting in the 19th century.
Discover the Dalmatian, a breed celebrated for its affectionate, trainable, and loyal nature. Recognized as a medium-sized dog, Dalmatians have their origins in Croatia, where they were initially bred for coaching (running along carriages), guarding, and hunting starting in the 16th century.
Discover the Bernese Mountain Dog, a breed celebrated for its affectionate, loyal, and playful nature. Recognized as a large dog, Bernese Mountain Dogs have their origins in Switzerland, where they were initially bred for guarding livestock and droving work starting in the 1st century.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Albuquerque? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks and plan for your next adventure in Duke City.
44.5 percent of all American households share life with a canine companion. Pet professionals like dog trainers, veterinarians, and veterinary behaviorists are more important than ever as our modern society becomes increasingly difficult for four-legged friends to navigate—dog reactivity, anxiety, and general stress from lack of proper enrichment are on the rise in domestic dogs.
In our modern, human-centric world, it can be hard to find spaces for your pup to safely play off leash—especially if they’re a flight risk. Dogs who might run off after interesting smells, prey, or simply because they feel the whim can be a hazard in unfenced areas. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best securely fenced dog parks throughout the United States!
Does your dog ever growl when you walk by their food dish? Maybe they get possessive of treats, carrying them far away and giving you side-eye when you start to approach — or snarling at your other pets or children if they get too close.
As almost every dog owner is aware, the nose of a dog is an amazing thing. Just as they can pick up sounds we can’t hear, their sense of smell and ability to pick up scents is well beyond ours. In fact, dogs have 40 times the number of olfactory receptors as humans.
More than 80 million Americans rely on their service dogs to help them navigate the world. Task-trained assistance animals perform a huge range of life-changing—in many cases, life-saving—services: These dogs act as eyes for visually impaired handlers, provide mobility support, alert to seizures and blood sugar crashes, interrupt anxiety attacks, remind their people to take medications, and so much more.
You thought your dog was house trained. Your home was clean from puddles of pee, those dreaded middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks were behind you, and you loved every minute of dog ownership… until your four-legged best friend started using the bathroom inside again. What’s going on?
Ah, poop. We humans think it’s disgusting… but many of our dogs seem to love the stuff. If you’re wondering why your canine companion tries to eat feces (either their own or that of other animals) you’re not alone!
Do you have a water-loving dog looking to burn some energy? There are countless dog parks to visit throughout our country — but some of them become far too hot in the midday sun to be safe for your pets to play. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best dog water parks throughout the United States! At these locations, your pup can frolic, splash, and swim to their heart’s content.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Does your dog destroy every toy you give them? Is your house littered with remnants of fabric and stuffing of all different sizes? Are you tired of investing in “indestructible” toys only for your pup to still dismantle—or worse, get bored of—them in just a few days?
You’ve been told your dog needs regular exercise. There’s a reason “walking the dog” is a classic daily activity: Frequent excursions give your pup a chance to experience the world, maintain a healthy weight, and — most importantly — spend time with you! Consistent physical activity can also improve their strength, muscle tone, coordination, and mental ability over time.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Many dogs have gotten a bad reputation over the years for being "dangerous breeds." Rottweilers are among them. Like pit bulls and other large, blocky-headed types of dogs, these powerful and beautiful animals are often assumed to be aggressive.
Your dog is reactive. They’ll see another dog, person, or other stimulus in the environment (like a car or bike) while out on a walk and suddenly go crazy at the end of their leash. The barking, lunging, and growling feels embarrassing for you — and it’s clear that your pup isn’t having a great time either.
Does your dog display reactivity to other pets or people? Maybe they’re a new rescue pup and are still settling into your home. Or they were sick growing up, so you missed their critical socialization period. Possibly they’ve had a bad experience after being raised as a normal puppy.
Do you have a reactive dog or suspect you may have one? You’re not alone!
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
From 2009 to 2020, there was a 40 percent increase in the development of public dog parks. Designated spots for canine exercise have become commonplace in every major city in North America — many pet owners won’t even consider renting an apartment that doesn’t have its own fenced-in pet area for their canine companions.
Thousand Oaks, California has been a safe haven for Sniffspot host, Jen, since childhood. Having grown up in busy Santa Barbara, Jen, an introvert from an early age, would seek out solitude and serenity away from tourists attractions and droves of people visiting from elsewhere. “My grandparents own 60 acres about a 30 minute drive from here, and I grew up spending every summer and every holiday visiting them on the ranch,” Jen explained. “In Santa Barbara, we wouldn't go to the beach on the weekend because that's where everybody was, so you'd find places off the beaten path where the tourists weren't. For me, the ranch was just my happy place.”
Ellen is the host of Country Pasture Getaway, one of Sniffspot's most popular sniff spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great sniff spot host.
Just 20 minutes outside of the busy city of Portland, Oregon, and settled right on the banks of the Columbia River, you’ll find what countless visitors have flocked to the area in search of – mountain views, crisp, clean air, and running water for miles. What you might not expect to find, however, is a hidden oasis designed just for dogs and their people, owned and operated by a farming couple and enjoyed by visitors on two legs, and four.
Fran is the host of Ranch Setting, one of Sniffspot's most popular spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great Sniffspot host.
Looking for a space to play with your dog no matter what the weather’s like outside? Look no further than our list of the best indoor dog parks in the United States! These climate-controlled spaces are growing in popularity as pet ownership increases throughout the country. As a bonus, many of them also offer dog training, boarding, grooming, or daycare services on the premises.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered! It’s hard to narrow down, but we’ve put together some of the best off-leash dog parks throughout the country so you can plan your next adventure — along with a checklist of what to bring, what to know beforehand, and some frequently asked questions.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Las Vegas? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks to plan for your next adventure in Sin City.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered!
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Portland? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks and plan for your next adventure in the City of Roses.
Discover the German Shepherd Dog, a breed celebrated for its intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. Known for its impressive size and smooth, graceful movements, German Shepherds excel in various roles, including as guide, therapy, bomb detection, and police dogs, while being a devoted family companion.
Discover the Labrador Retriever, a breed celebrated for its playful nature, affectionate temperament, and trainability. Labradors are known for their friendly demeanor and adaptability, making them perfect family companions and versatile working dogs.
Discover the Golden Retriever, a breed celebrated for its affectionate, playful, and trainable nature. Considered a large dog, Golden Retrievers were originally bred in Scotland for hunting and retrieving game beginning in the 1860s.
Discover the American Staffordshire Terrier, a breed celebrated for its playful, friendly, and loyal nature. Considered a medium-sized dog, American Staffordshire Terriers were originally bred in the United Kingdom for baiting bulls, fighting, and hunting beginning in the 1800s — though they're known as gentle, playful lovers today.
Discover the Australian Shepherd, a breed celebrated for its trainable, playful, and affectionate nature. Considered a medium dog, Australian Shepherds were originally bred in the United States for herding beginning in the 1950s.