Miss Clear the Shelter? Tacoma animal shelter still has more pets to adopt
The nationwide pet adoption drive in August was a success at the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County, but the shelter is still over its capacity.
Lindsey Heaney, communication manager, said the humane society had 730 pets available in its care at the beginning of the Clear the Shelter campaign in August. About 100 pets were available for adoption. As of Tuesday, the humane society had about 550 animals, with 300 in the shelter and 250 in foster care. About 50 pets remained available for adoption. During the Clear the Shelter campaign, 422 pets were adopted. Some pets that had been at the shelter for a long time were adopted, Heaney said. The humane society has kennels for 100 dogs and 200 cats.
She said August had the highest adoption rate in a single month in the last 20 years with 701 pets adopted. The campaign at the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County started Aug. 16 and ended Wednesday. The shelter’s adoption fees were $5 for critters, $25 for adult cats and $50 for adult dogs. The discount excluded puppies and kittens.
On Thursday, the adoption fees return to normal:
- Highly desirable dogs, such as single breed, designer breeds and small breeds, are $500.
- Puppies up to 10 months old are $500.
- Adolescent dogs, aged 11 months to 2-years-old, are $350-$400.
- Adult dogs are $175-$250
- Senior dogs are $80.
- Kittens, aged two to five months, are $135.
- Adult cats are $75.
- Senior cats, older than eight years, are $30.
- Rabbits are $80.
- Other critters vary by breed and species.
Heaney said a lot of shelters are at their capacity or over capacity. Some former pet owners are struggling with finding affordable housing that is pet friendly or the cost associated with a pet, like pet rent and pet security deposits, and with veterinarian costs. She said some owners contend they did not have enough time to care for their pets. She is unsure if that’s related to the return to office following the COVID-19 pandemic.
When the shelter is at or over capacity, it is challenging for the humane society staff, Heaney said. The shelter will not euthanize to make space. It will consider it if a pet is suffering or the pet’s behavior is considered dangerous. Every animal is getting care, medical, food and water. Volunteers also help with socializing, feeding and cleaning.
The shelter also hold pets that are strays, needs medical attention or will be fostered, Heaney said. With the veterinarian shortage, the time it takes for medical care, including spays and neuters, has increased, which delays when the pets are available for adoption.
Heaney emphasized that adopting a pet is a commitment. There are regular veterinary visits, grooming costs and food. She said they use a three-three-three rule at the humane society: three days for an adopted pet to decompress, three weeks for the pet to settle into the new home and three months to feel a part of the family. Adoption services staff can also help.
To adopt a pet at the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County, you can view available pets on their website, fill out an adoption application, stop by the shelter or plan an adoption visit by notifying staff of the animals you’re interested in adopting for a one-on-one visit.
All of the animals for adoption receive a wellness exam, a spay/neuter surgery that can cost about $400-$500 at a veterinary hospital, a microchip with national registration, their initial vaccines and possibly further medical care and/or training.
To provide foster care for shelter pets, you can apply at thehumanesociety.org/get-involved/foster. Fosters are needed for pets that are not doing well in the shelter, are recovering from surgery or need additional care.
This story was originally published September 1, 2022 at 5:00 AM.