Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) (2024)

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Your new best friend is waiting!

Thank you for considering pet adoption! Adopting a shelter animal can be a very rewarding experience. At RASKC, our mission is to place healthy and treatable adoptable pets into permanent homes. We welcome all adopters and aim to find a great match for every customer by providing as much information as we can about each animal, and ultimately allowing each adopter to make the final decision about what is right for their family. Our goal is to be a resource for you throughout the life of your new pet and beyond!

Jump to adoption listings

Paths to Pet Adoption

Shelter Process

  1. View adoptable pets
  2. When you find an animal on our website that you're interested in adopting, click their "Meet" button to see what process you should follow based on their location.

  3. Visit the Pet Adoption Center
  4. Want to meet a pet at the Pet Adoption Center in Kent? We welcome walk-in visitors for meet-and-greets from noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

  5. Meet and greet with shelter pets
  6. Upon arrival at the Pet Adoption Center, depending on who you are visiting - cat, dog, rabbit, bird, reptile, or small mammal - a team member will take down your name and the name/ID number of the pet(s) you're interested in. During your meet-and-greet, one of our team members will discuss any known history of the pet, as well as their behavior in the shelter, to help you determine if a pet is the right match for your family. Meet-and-greets may be limited to no more than three pets, depending on staffing, and our team members will bring them to you. If weather permits, dog meet-and-greets may take place in our enclosed play field. Adoptions are done on a "first-interested, first-served" basis.

  7. Go home with your new best friend!
  8. Successful match? Great! We'll take about 30 minutes to process your adoption, including answering any first-time pet adoption questions.

Foster Process

  1. View listing of adoptable foster pets
  2. Scroll through our list of available pets. Click the animal's "Meet" button to see what process you should follow based on location.

  3. Complete Foster Interest eForm
  4. Interested in visiting with a pet from a foster home? Complete the Foster Interest eForm. Upon completing this form, a copy will be sent to the foster volunteer. A foster volunteer will contact interested parties in the order the forms were received. Due to the current pandemic, we ask that fosters and interested adopters limit contact by using no-physical-contact tools to engage and interact with a pet (email, photos, videos, text, FaceTime, Zoom, etc.).

    Please note: completing the eForm does not guarantee that you will be able to adopt the available pet. We ask that you continue to check the listing of adoptable pets. Should there be a pet whose profile is no longer listed, we ask that you keep your heart open to other pets that may still be looking for their forever home.

    Foster Interest eForm

  5. Make a match!
  6. If after connecting with a pet's foster parent you both feel that the pet is a good match for you, the adopter can go ahead and finalize the adoption by filling out the following forms and payment:

    1. Adoption Processing eForm
    2. Adoption Contract (one per pet)
    3. Online Payment (Point and Pay)

    Please only fill out these forms after receiving confirmation from foster parents to proceed with an adoption. Note that pre-payment does not guarantee adoption.

Partner Store Process

Adoptions at partner stores are coordinated on a "first-come, first-served" basis. You can view animals that are at our partner store adoption centers online either by using the filter function and searching by location or by noting their location in the individual animal's bio.

All adoption paperwork and payment will be taken care of at the time of adoption with the partner store representative.

If after meeting the animal with a partner store representative and you both feel that the pet is a good match for you, the adopter can go ahead and finalize the adoption by filling out the following forms and payment:

  1. Adoption Processing eForm
  2. Adoption Contract (one per pet)
  3. Online Payment (Point and Pay)

Please only fill out these forms with the partner store representative to proceed with an adoption.

Partner Locations

*Cat Cafés have a different adoption process, please reach out to the café directly for adoption policies.

Barn Cat Process

If you are interested in adopting a barn cat, please follow the steps below:

  • Read all documents listed below and prepare your home for your new barn cat. Preparations should focus on the cat’s outside shelter and the acclimation requirements. Feel free to email usif you have questions.
  • Preparing to receive your new barn cat
  • Barn cat acclimation
  • Warm, racoon proof shelter
  • Check available barn cats on our website to ensure that we have cats in our adoption center available for pick up. (Adoptions are made on a "first-come, first-served" basis.) Special accommodations may be provided for adopters with extensive travel time, if required. Please call 206-296-3936 to set up a temporary hold.
  • Check in at our Pet Adoption Center, please bring your own hard plastic carriers for the cats to go home in and be prepared to review a short barn cat adoption tutorial with our staff.

    Want to meet your potential new best friend in person?
    Walk-in visiting hours at the Pet Adoption Center in Kent are noon to 5 p.m. weekdaysand noon to 4 p.m. on weekends.

    Although this list updates frequently, there is a chance that the pet you see has already been adopted or is currently in the adoption process. We ask that you keep your heart open to other pets that may still be looking for their forever home.

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    Adoption FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

    How much does a pet adoption cost?

    *Please note that adoption fees may vary based on special promotions, events, etc.
    Animal Adoption Fee*
    Cats (six months or older) $75 $30 promo
    Kittens (younger than six months) $100 $50 promo
    Dogs (six months or older) $100 to $250
    Puppies (younger than six months) $100 to $250
    Rabbits, Birds, Small Animals Varies by species

    What's included in the adoption fee?

    The adoption fee includes everything a pet will need for a great start in its new home:

    • Spay/neuter surgery by RASKC veterinary team
    • King County pet license (if applicable)
    • Microchipping (for cats and dogs)
    • Initial vaccinations (including rabies if pet is over four months old)
    • Opt in 30 days of free health insurance from Trupanion
    • Collar
    • Temporary carrier (for cats)
    • Temporary leash (for dogs)
    • GoodPup Training Partner (for dogs): for RASKC adopters, first session is FREE with a 20% discount offer for life!

    It's also a good idea to consider the additional costs of owning a pet. Additional expenses for a new pet may include food and water bowls, toys, bedding, training supplies, litter box (cats), leash and harness (dogs). Ongoing expenses can include food, litter, grooming, flea prevention, vaccinations, and other medical expenses.

    What do the behavior colors mean?

    Each animal at RASKC is assigned a color to give our adopters a little more information about their personality. Please note that as each animal spends more time with us, their personality can evolve and their color may change. These colors are general guidelines intended to help you find the right fit for your family and lifestyle! Review the three adoption colors below to find the personality description that best fits what you are looking for in your new family member!

    • Rambunctious Red: Animals in the red category are spirited, independent-thinkers. They may be particular about who or what they like or have quirks that are best suited for seasoned handlers. Investing in them will reward you with a cherished friend!
    • Bashful Blue: Animals in the blue category are gentle and loving, but they may be nervous in new situations. They might need some time to come out of their shell, but once they do they will be a devoted part of the family!
    • Easy-going Green: Animals in the green category are adaptable and carefree. They are wonderful companions who love to go with the flow!

    Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) (3)

    What is the difference between the shelter, foster, and/or partner store adoption processes?

    Our RASKC animals are spread throughout King County, thanks to our great community!

    While we have animals at the Pet Adoption Center and/or partner stores, we also have animals that require special, one-on-one attention. Due to the various needs - ranging from medical, socialization, or behavioral - these pets are placed with foster volunteers who open up their homes and hearts to provide temporary care.

    Therefore, the adoption processis different, depending on the location of the animal.

    How do I adopt an animal located at a RASKC Partner Store?

    Adoptions at partner stores are coordinated on a "first-come, first-served" basis. You can view animals that are at our partner store adoption centers online either by using the filter function and searching by location or by noting their location in the individual animal's bio.

    All adoption paperwork and payment will be taken care of at the time of adoption with the partner store representative.

    Partner Locations

    *Cat Cafés have a different adoption process, please reach out to the café directly for adoption policies.

    Do you have an adoption guarantee?

    Yes! Our adoption team will do everything they can to help ensure success for you and your new family member. However, we understand that sometimes an adoption may not work out as planned. If you need to bring your new pet back for any reason, you can return your pet to RASKC at any time. If your return is within 90 days of the adoption, we will refund your adoption fee.

    What are your adoption policies?

    • We welcome adopters who live with people and pets of all ages
    • We welcome adopters of all lifestyles and backgrounds, including those who rent
    • We welcome the giving of pets as gifts
    • We stand by our adoption guarantee
    • Adopters must be 18 years of age or older and be able to provide a photo ID

    Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) (4)

    Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC)

    21615 64th Ave. S.
    Kent, WA 98032
    Monday thru Friday: 12 pm - 6 pm
    Saturday and Sunday: 12 pm - 5 pm

    Get directions

    Pets@kingcounty.gov
    AdoptAPet@kingcounty.gov
    PetLicense@kingcounty.gov

    Pet Information Line
    206-296-7387 (PETS)

    TTY Relay 711

    Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) (2024)

    FAQs

    How do you answer animal adoption questions? ›

    Be honest in your answers and don't lie about anything that you're asked. It's tempting to write down what you think the rescue wants to hear, but this could lead to you matching with a cat or dog who won't fit well in your home environment.

    How much is it to adopt a dog in Washington state? ›

    Dog Adoption Fees
    TypeAgeAdoption Fee
    Adolescent11 months - 2 years$350 - $400
    Adult2 years - Senior$175 - $250
    SeniorUnder 50 lbs / 9+ years Over 50 lbs / 6+ years$80
    Buddy adoptionAdopt an adult or senior dog at the same time as another dog1/2 price of the adult or senior adoption fee
    2 more rows

    How do I surrender my pet in King County? ›

    If you need to surrender your animal, please reach out to one of the following organizations:
    1. Seattle Animal Shelter. 2061 15th Ave W. Seattle, WA 98119. (206) 386-7387.
    2. Regional Animal Services of King County. 21615 64th Ave S. Kent, WA 98032. (206) 296-7387.
    3. Kitsap Humane Society. 9167 Dickey Rd NW. Silverdale, WA 98383.

    What to do about a barking dog in Seattle? ›

    Complaints about barking dogs or other nuisance animal noises can be submitted by calling 206-296-PETS (7387), extension 24. The phone hours are Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

    How do you answer an animal interview question? ›

    Focus on their characteristics

    Although a question such as this is actually about you, the framing calls for you to focus your response on the characteristics of the animal you chose. Explain which animal you'd be and which of their traits you find to be most appealing .

    What are the three questions you can ask of a service animal? ›

    When it is not obvious what service an animal provides, only limited inquiries are allowed. Staff may ask two questions: (1) is the dog a service animal required because of a disability, and (2) what work or task has the dog been trained to perform.

    Why are dogs so expensive to adopt? ›

    Shelters and rescue groups usually cover initial veterinary costs to prepare the pet for a new home. Adoption fees often include: Veterinary wellness visit and exam $50-100. Spaying or neutering $150-300.

    How much does it cost to put a dog to sleep in Washington state? ›

    $70-$145, depending on size.

    Is dog adoption free in USA? ›

    Depending on the type of organization and type of pet, adoption fees can range from no fee up to several hundred dollars. Adoption fees help cover the medical care of the animal while he or she waits for a new home, as well as food and transportation costs.

    What if I adopt a cat and I don't want it anymore? ›

    Either put them up for adoption, or give them away to an animal shelter/home where they will be again put up for adoption- but will be in more responsible hands. Your pets are a lot like children.

    How do I surrender my dog in Washington state? ›

    Surrendering Your Pet to Our Shelter
    1. Please complete our Pet Rehoming Support Form. Once this is completed, a member of our team will contact you for support and resources. ...
    2. If further assistance is needed, a phone consultation will be scheduled. ...
    3. An appointment to surrender your pet may be scheduled.

    How do I rehome my dog in Seattle? ›

    Create a pet profile for your pet on Seattle Humane's Home-to-Home adoption page. Home-to-Home is a direct-to-adopter tool for people looking to rehome their pets. Fill out the free Home-to-Home application to post your pet.

    How long can a dog bark legally in Washington state? ›

    Understand the law

    A dog that barks for at least 10 minutes during any half hour period is in violation of Snohomish County Code 9.12. 060.

    Will police respond to a barking dog? ›

    You can call the animal control department of your local police on a barking dog, but it should only be used as a last resort for excessive barking. If your neighbor's dog barks a lot, it can be annoying, but you should address it with a measured response rather than going straight to the law.

    What to do if your neighbor's dog won't stop barking in an apartment? ›

    File a noise complaint for consistent dog barking

    You could also try calling animal control. Take legal action: As a last resort, you can try filing a police report.

    How do you answer the question why do you want to adopt a dog? ›

    10 Reasons to Adopt a Shelter Dog
    1. You're Saving More Than One Life. ...
    2. Unconditional Love! ...
    3. You're Giving a Second Chance to a Deserving Animal. ...
    4. You Get a Chance to Stay Active. ...
    5. You Have Someone New to Shop For. ...
    6. You're Fighting Back Against Cruel Breeding. ...
    7. Destress and Unwind with Someone Who Will Never Judge You.
    Oct 16, 2019

    What do you say in a pet adoption interview? ›

    Provide as many details as possible about your living situation, family experience and how you plan to care for the animal. Explain your previous experience with raising an animal, including training and exercise regiments. The more information you're able to provide, the better you'll look on your application.

    How do you ace a pet adoption interview? ›

    The best way to pass an adoption interview is to just be yourself. Be genuine, truthful, and upfront about how you can raise a dog as well as some challenges you may have. Remember, the staff just want to make sure your adopted pooch will have a good home.

    What is a pet animal on a question answer? ›

    Pet animals are defined as animals that are kept for a person's company or for entertainment at home. Pet animals are companions to humans and they are very loyal to their owners.

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