The Best Washington Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2026

Whatcom Humane Society

The Whatcom Humane Society (WHS) has been caring for animals throughout Whatcom County since 1902. As the oldest non-profit animal welfare organization in Whatcom County, WHS is committed to caring for any animal in need. As an open-admission animal shelter, WHS turns no animal away, regardless of the animals age, breed, temperament, physical or medical condition. Our dedicated staff and volunteers care for approximately 4,500 domestic, wild and farm animals annually. We currently operate 3 shelter facilities a domestic animal shelter, a wildlife rehabilitation center and a farm facility. In addition, WHS provides 24 hour a day animal control & rescue services for the majority of Whatcom County including the Cities of Bellingham, Ferndale, Blaine, Sumas, Everson, unincorporated Whatcom County and has relationships with both the Lummi & Nooksack Indian Reservations.

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Humane Society of Skagit Valley

The Humane Society of Skagit Valley is a non-profit organization founded in 1974 to provide a safe haven to shelter and care for the abandoned, abused, or unwanted animals within Skagit County; to treat the animals with dignity and respect; to place these animals into loving and caring homes; to create public education programs that increase the awareness of humane treatment and the necessity of spay and neuter of all animals; and to coordinate resources for housing and placement of small animals evacuated during disaster. We are not a county or city municipal shelter, although we do contract with Skagit County and a number of cities to provide services to them. We are a private non-profit shelter that relies heavily on fundraising events throughout the year as well as donations and gifts left to us in wills. We truly appreciate the generosity of our community members as well as the amazing efforts of our volunteers at the shelter and at our fundraising events. We are an open-admission facility. We do not pick and choose our pets, but accept any companion animals who need our care. We see over 2500 animals pass through our shelter each year. We provide care, comfort, and medical care to the animals that come through our doors. Even animals that have extensive medical needs get the attention they require.

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Orcas Animal Protection Society

Orcas Animal Protection Society is a private, nonprofit animal shelter serving San Juan County in Washington State. We serve the animals and people in our community by providing safe shelter for strays and owner released cats and dogs, operating an adoption program, and educating pet owners and youth on responsible pet ownership. We also provide low cost spays and neuters to help reduce the number of unwanted animals, offer a safe place for pets when an owner has a medical emergency, and transfer in pets from over crowded shelter in Washington State. Our organization is supported through the generosity of friends like you.Please see our adoption FAQs for current adoption fees and additional requirements to complete the adoption process. Orcas Animal Protection Society is a tax exempt organization receiving tax deductible contributions. We operate with transparency making available annual returns (Form 990) for three years after the due date, our application for exemption (OP - 1023), and our determination letter from the IRS showing our organization has tax-exempt status.

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Josie's Misfit Ranch

Josie’s Misfit Ranch is a volunteer and foster home based rescue that cares and advocates for misfit animals in Kittitas County and surrounding areas. “Misfit” animals are wounded in body or spirit who have been discarded, mistreated or ignored because they are considered less than “perfect.” We show these animals the love and compassion they deserve, build their confidence, and focus on all they can do instead of what they can’t. We act as champions for our animals,* their foster families, and their forever families at every stage of the rescue and adoption process, including providing training and ongoing support. By building the skills and confidence of all involved - the animal, foster family and forever family - we are building a more successful adoption experience and reducing the chances the animal will be surrendered again. Our hope is to build a community where people value these animals and treat them with respect and kindness, as well as help them reach their full potential. *We primarily serve dogs and cats at this time, but may expand to other animals in the future. Primary Goals of Our Non-profit Organization Provide medical care, foster care and training to “misfit” animals - those who have behavior problems, or physical limitations - and who have been mistreated, discarded or ignored. These animals are at a greater risk of being euthanized as they are often overlooked by potential adopters. • We provide training for fosters - both those who support our organization and those who are supporting other rescues - in the care and training needs of misfit animals. By providing foster parents with ongoing support we hope to improve the fostering experience, prevent foster burn-out and help prepare the animals for their forever home. This approach is meant to reduce the number of animals returned to rescues or shelters due to the lack of adequate preparation and guidance. • Support forever families in the understanding and ongoing training and care of “misfit animals” so they may have the best relationship with their animals, and ensure the animals continue to thrive. • Support our communities and partner with other rescues to help improve animal welfare.

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Animal Protection Society - Friday Harbor

The Animal Protection Society – Friday Harbor (APS-FH), established in 1982, is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) (ID# 91-1717047) organization dedicated to animal welfare. APS-FH operates solely through private funding without any local, state, or federal support, except for a small portion of county dog license fees. Our primary purpose is to provide essential programs and services that protect and improve the lives of companion pets. Through adoption matchmaking; local, regional, and national partnerships; low-cost clinics and other community support services; outreach, and education we strive to create a society where empathy and love for animals are foundational, and every pet has a happy “home.”

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Benton Franklin Humane Society

Benton-Franklin Humane Society, established in 1966 is a private, non-profit adoption center located in Kennewick, WA. We are a shelter that receives no government funding. BFHS advocates for the humane treatment of animals through adoption, counseling, educational outreach and community services. Compassion and respect guide our actions as we strive to create a model humane community.

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Grant County Animal Outreach

Since 2007, GCAO has partnered with the City of Moses Lake, Grant County, and Washington State University to efficiently provide Over the years, GCAO has evolved into a diverse network of compassionate employees, Board Members, and volunteers, each with the united desire to improve the lives of pets in Grant County. We strive to promote public awareness and provide education to the community concerning the importance of spaying/neutering to prevent overpopulation. We will utilize the newest technology available to reunite lost pets with owners, to identify breeds and characteristics, to advertise the availability of adoptable pets, and to continue the education of ourselves and the public. Grant County Animal Outreach will work to strengthen our relationships with city and county governments and to be responsive to changing community needs. We will be readily accessible in a crisis and be an informational resource. We will promote key animal issues by increasing our visibility in the community, participating in and supporting local events and causes. Grant County Animal Outreach will fulfill these commitments by fostering a professional and compassionate staff and volunteer base through training and continuing education. We will maintain a strong and supportive Board of Directors.

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The Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County

The Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County was founded by a handful of compassionate community members and has grown into one of the state's largest animal welfare agencies. Each year, we find loving homes for more than 6,000 pets, reunite over 1,100 animals with their overjoyed owners, and provide care for thousands more in our community. Additionally, we offer several comprehensive programs and resources, including Spay/Neuter & Wellness Vouchers, a monthly Vaccine & Wellness Clinic, a Pet Food & Supply Pantry, behavior advice, and private rehoming services.

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Caring Hearts 4 Paws

Founded 06/21 with a passion to help strays of the Yakima Valley and Yakama Reservation we take in pregnant or nursing strays with their puppies.

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Misspits Rescue

I started Misspits Rescue in 2013 to help advocate for pit bull type dogs. After adopting Dexter, a big, happy, pit bull that almost died simply due to his looks, I knew I had to do something. After years working with a local pit bull rescue and volunteering at a shelter, Misspits Rescue was born. In the last ten years we have grown and moved to larger property. We adding additional breeds over the years and help those that need us the most. Now that we have the space, we offer sanctuary to farmed animals as well. This created a perfect place to help struggling herding breeds as well.

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Red Rose Animal Rescue

Every year hundreds of animals such as dogs, cats become homeless for many reasons. Our mission is to find the homeless animals around the country and give them a better life. As like humans, they need love, care and also need home. We founded our organization to give them a chance for a loving home and family. Our successes are going forward and every year we give a better life to hundreds of homeless animals.

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Forgotten Dogs Rescue

Forgotten Dogs Rescue is a volunteer and foster home based rescue organization focused on saving Pit Bull type dogs. Located in Washington State, we are a 501c3 non-profit and have been saving animals since 2011. We are dedicated to rescuing homeless and abandoned dogs who are in Washington's shelters, surrendered by their owners due to difficult circumstances or are in danger of abuse or neglect. We save the dogs that need help the most, the dogs whose time has run out, the dogs who have lost all hope the forgotten dogs.

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Tri-Cities Animal Shelter

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Pet Medical Center of Pasco

Pet Medical Center of Pasco has proudly served the pets of the tri-cities since 1978. We are dedicated to providing the highest level of veterinary medicine along with friendly, compassionate service. Our caring veterinarians and support staff will treat your pets as their own! When we say we're committed to our patients and the people who love them, we mean it. After all, we share the same goal: to ensure your best friend lives a long, healthy, happy life. Whether your pet needs a simple wellness exam, a complex surgical procedure, or one of our many other service offerings, they'll receive quality veterinary care at our hospital. In addition to that, we seek to promote responsible pet ownership through both preventive care and opportunities for client education.

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Olympic Peninsula Humane Society

The Olympic Peninsula Humane Society (OPHS) was founded in 1947 with the goal of protecting homeless, helpless, and suffering animals in Clallam County. Over the years, shelters were built and remodeled, but a new facility was needed. In 2016, the “Bark House” was constructed on 9.5 acres. Barkhouse is planned to be temporarily closed by the end of August of 2024 due to financial struggles within the organization. Kitty City, a dedicated feline shelter, opened after overcoming challenges during the pandemic. The facility houses up to 75 cats and kittens, with outdoor “catios” and veterinary services. OPHS handles around 1,500 animals annually through adoption and contracts with local authorities. This closure is temporary until OPHS can restructure, rebuild, and consolidate our locations in order to properly accommodate for both Cats & Dogs while being financially stable.

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Whitman County Humane Society

The Whitman County Humane Society (WCHS) was established following concerns over budget cuts affecting the Pullman Animal Shelter, as reported in a Daily News article. Founded on February 16, 2000, by community leaders including Ray and Cathy Schulhauser, WCHS initially managed the city's shelter. Recognizing the need for humane animal care, WCHS adopted a no-kill policy in July 2000, preventing the euthanasia of adoptable animals due to space constraints. In April 2010, WCHS moved operations to AnimalHaven, a modern facility made possible by significant donations. AnimalHaven features an octagonal dog facility and the Gardner House, named in honor of Inge Gardner, providing housing for cats and administrative offices. The Lauren McCluskey Cat Wing, added later through community support, expanded the facility's capacity for cat housing and storage. This wing commemorates Lauren McCluskey's dedication to animal welfare, as she volunteered at WCHS and had a profound love for animals.

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Resilient Hearts Animal Sanctuary

Resilient Hearts is a 501(c)3 nonprofit rescue that rescues animals from high risk situations and unites them with their forever families in the Puget Sound area. As a queer led organization, we are committed to accessible and inclusive programs for our entire community, and maintain a community safe space for anyone to share our animals.

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Motley Zoo Animal Rescue

Motley Zoo Animal Rescue is the revolution of rescue. As a rock and roll-themed, foster-based, volunteer-powered rescue, we take in animals that have no one else. "Animals" primarily means dogs and cats, but as the name "zoo" implies, we take all kinds (as long as we have a foster home/ resources for that species). We work with shelters and owners who cannot keep their pets and through extensive veterinary care and training, we rehabilitate them and place them in loving, forever homes where the animals will never again be abandoned. More than 30% of the animals we take in are special or medically needy and require more extensive and expensive care. In all we work with all ages, breeds, many species and all different types of humans too- treating each as an individual so they can find the life and love they deserve.

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Auburn Valley Humane Society

AVHS is a local, independent 501(c)3 non-profit, which relies on pet licensing fees, vulnerable pet housing agreements with the City of Auburn, shelter services, spay and neuter services, Thrift Store sales, Cat Cafe Sales, and generous donations from the community to fund the shelter, clinic, and educational programs.

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Greyhound Pets, Inc.

John A. Hern Jr. founded Greyhound Pets, Inc. in 1985. John was a Coeur D'Alene, Idaho businessman who built a foundry business and owned Industrial Park real estate. Among John's many and varied interests, he held greyt admiration for ex-racing greyhounds and became committed to their care and welfare. As the greyhound racetrack opened in Coeur D'Alene John started a small side business providing feed and racing equipment to track kennels. He demonstrated his commitment to the dogs by being instrumental in building a track sponsored Greyhound Welfare Committee that reviewed track and kennel policies. John's first greyhounds were Roo and Babe, the two greyhounds featured in the GPI logo. John adopted several greyhounds after Roo and Babe. Ace was one of his favorites and was the subject of many of John's stories. John was the executive director of Greyhound Pets, Inc. for many years and oversaw expansion to include the Pacific Northwest and Southwestern Canada. John's generous bequest to the organization he founded has provided for GPI's continued prominence in the ex-racing greyhound rescue effort. The volunteers who continue in the efforts John began, honor his colorful leadership in finding homes for ex-racers. John is remembered and his love for ex-racing greyhounds honored in the Hern Greyt Works, GPI's kennel facility in Woodinville, WA.

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Juno's Den

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PAWS

PAWS is people helping cats, dogs and wild animals go home and thrive whether home is the family room or the forest. We do this by rehabilitating orphaned and injured wildlife, sheltering and adopting homeless cats and dogs, and educating the community to inspire compassionate action for animals. Since 1967, PAWS has united more than 130,000 cats and dogs with loving families, cared for more than 140,000 sick, injured and orphaned wild animals, and made the world a better place for countless others through outreach, education and advocacy.

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Mikey's Chance Canine Rescue

Our mission to provide a safe haven for dogs in desperate circumstances within our community and surrounding area. We rehome these dogs with families that are a good fit for the dog. We seek to serve the humans that come to us ‚both our adoptive families and the people who need help rehoming dogs ‚but our priority is to act as advocates for our dogs at every stage of the rescue and adoption process. We commit to our dogs for life! We are a registered non-profit organization, headquartered in the Tri-Cities in south-central Washington State. We focus mainly on saving dogs that are at risk in our region and placing them with adopters throughout the Pacific Northwest. Most of our dogs come from shelters in Washington & Idaho, where they are facing the threat of Euthanasia. Others are released to us by private individuals who need medical help with their own dogs. Other dogs are strays, either dumped or abandoned, that need a chance at a new life.

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Path of Hope Rescue

At Path of Hope Rescue we strive to decrease the euthanasia rate of high risk dogs in the southern United States by transporting pregnant dogs and puppies to the Pacific Northwest to find adoptive homes. We are 100% foster based and rely on volunteers and fosters to help in our mission. The overpopulation of dogs in Texas is extreme. Because of a culture that does not value spay and neuter, there are simply too many dogs. And because of this, dogs are being euthanized merely for their existence. Shelters are forced to choose which dog to kill and which to save on a daily basis. There are an estimated 700,000 stray dogs just in the city of Houston alone. Dogs on the streets, dogs in shelters, dogs living on chains, dogs everywhere. Pregnant dogs and puppies are often euthanized because of the amount of resources they require or even more often, pregnant moms are spayed, aborting the puppies. Path of Hope Rescue believes that these dogs deserve a chance at life.

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SpokAnimal

SpokAnimal will save lives by caring for and finding loving homes for homeless pets in our community and beyond Our strong community presence and relationships help identify the need for innovative programs that are designed to strengthen the human-companion animal bond by providing resources for pets and their people. From our food bank to our clinical programs, our vision will always be to help those who are not able to fully provide for their pets.

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Claws and Paws Rescue

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North West Great Dane Rescue

Northwest Great Dane Rescue is a 501 (c)3 organization that was founded to facilitate the placement of Great Danes into permanent homes. We have several years of experience placing dogs and we have developed a set of protocols over that time to ensure that our dogs find their safe, permanent home and to reduce the risk that they will be returned to us. From time to time we may make exceptions to some of our rules if the situation is right for that individual dog. For example, we may place an older dog that is incapable of climbing a fence in a home with a fence shorter than 5 feet if it is a good fit for the dog. The decision to make exceptions to our protocols is reserved for the Board only.

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Pawd It Forward

We provide a multitude of services to our community to include, but are not limited to: Tracking and Trapping Services for lost and feral dogs Lost and Found Social Media Deployment Services Transport Services for finders of lost pets Chip Scanning Clark County Pet Licensing Searchable Lost/Found Pet Database Pet Registration Database (FREE!) Impound Jail Break Support

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Angels For Sara Sanctuary

We are a small 501(c)(3) non-profit group providing quality care for little senior dogs under 25 pounds. Our Sanctuary is a rescue for little, older senior dogs ages 8 and over, who through no fault of their own, end up in the shelters, their owners may no longer be able to care for them or their human has passed. We also take in hospice dogs from the shelters. We work with Clatsop County Animal Shelter OR; South Pacific County Animal Shelter WA; Multnomah County Animal Services OR and Regional Animal Services of King County, WA, giving them a chance to find a loving forever home. This also opens space at the crowded shelters for younger more adoptable dogs. We also work with other credible rescues.

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Humane Society for Southwest Washington

Each year, thousands of pets in our community receive care at HSSW. We provide shelter to lost and stray pets, a refuge from abuse and neglect, essential medical care, and a second chance for a happy home. And our commitment to the pets and people of Southwest Washington extends beyond the shelter, providing critical support to pets and families with Wellness Clinics, pet food assistance, spay/neuter, emergency boarding, financial assistance, and other programs that help keep families together. We also own and operate ReTails Thrift Store ‚ named best of Clark County seven years running! Giving new life to gently-used items, every purchase and donation at ReTails supports our lifesaving work with the animals.

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Pure Mutts Animal Rescue

We are volunteers and foster homes that rescue animals, work to know each one and then match-make with adopters in forever homes.

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Lily's Pad Rescue

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Blue Mountain Humane Society

Blue Mountain Humane Society, established in 1967, is a nonprofit animal shelter committed to the humane treatment of animals and to enhancing the bond between people and pets in our community. Our mission encompasses sheltering, medical care, and finding loving homes for abandoned, abused, and homeless animals. We offer adoption services, educational programs, and community outreach to foster a more compassionate world.

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Wenatchee Valley Humane Society

Wenatchee Valley Humane Society supports the growth of a healthy, humane community empowered by respect and compassion for every person and every animal while ensuring animals receive the right care, delivered in the right place and at the right time, to the right outcome. A healing shelter for vulnerable animals Despite our best efforts, there are instances where pets need to find new homes or where animals are unwanted or neglected. With community support, Wenatchee Valley Humane Society is a refuge for vulnerable pets, offering them a second chance at life. Regardless of age, health, or behavioral challenges, every animal is valued and treated with individualized care and compassion. • Our team of animal care experts is dedicated to finding each safe and treatable pet a loving home: • We provide comprehensive veterinary care to address health concerns, including vaccinations and spaying/neutering. • Enrichment activities and behavior training programs help pets thrive mentally and emotionally during their stay. • Our network of foster care volunteers extends our capacity for care, providing animals with a nurturing home environment where they can heal and recover. • We collaborate with other rescue groups and shelters to ensure the best outcomes for vulnerable pets. • Above all, the well-being of each pet and the safety of our community remain our utmost priorities. • Pets in our care receive the time, attention, and support they need to thrive. • We assist prospective adopters in finding their perfect match, ensuring compatibility for both the pet and the family. United for a Better Future Wenatchee Valley Humane Society relies on the support of our community. We endeavor to understand your needs, seek support for our initiatives, advocate for animal welfare, and treat animals with the love and respect they deserve. Together, we'll continue building a brighter future for people and animals.

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Yakima Humane Society

The Yakima Humane Society was founded in 1904. We are a private, nonprofit animal welfare organization proud to be serving the people and animals of Yakima County for over 100 years. We practice and promote the humane treatment of animals through our adoption, spay/neuter services, and outreach programs. At the Yakima Humane Society, we are committed to ending the euthanasia of healthy, adoptable animals. As the only Humane Society in Yakima County, our staff and volunteers provide support and life-saving rehabilitation for the animals in our care.

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