Adoption FAQ

If you've reviewed our adoption process and still have questions, review these frequently asked questions for more information.

Adoption FAQ

First, please read our adoption process page for a step-by-step guide. Each animal will have instructions on its online adoption listing on how to apply to adopt. If it does not, please email animalcare@seattle.gov and include the animal number so staff can update the profile.

We welcome all adopters! Our goal is to make the best match we can between our adopters and our shelter pets. We do this by providing all information that we know about each animal and letting the adopter decide if the pet is a match for them. We want to be a lifelong resource for you and your pets!

  • You will be helped throughout by animal care officers, volunteers, foster parents, and customer service representatives.
  • Adoption of animals that have been treated by our veterinary team or have worked with our shelter behavior team may include a pre-adoption consult with a staff veterinary team member or the shelter behaviorist. 

The Shelter is open for walk-ins Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday-Thursday - so just come on down! Monday and Friday are appointment only - however if you can come down on our walk-in days, please do.  Please see our adoption process page to begin your journey to adopting a pet.

The length of time that an adoption takes varies widely by type of pet, how busy the shelter is when you come in, the number of meet-and-greets required and whether the pet is in the shelter or in foster care. Most pets go home with their adopters the same day, although you should be prepared to spend an hour or two at the shelter at minimum.

We are not able to place holds on adoptable animals. Please review our adoption process and adoption FAQ to ensure you have completed the necessary steps.

Our online adoption listings are live-updated. When an animal becomes available for adoption it appears on the available animals website. When an animal is adopted or no longer available, it disappears from the website almost immediately.

This graphic will be posted for pets who have an adoption scheduled. We do not review further adoption surveys for a pet when an adoption is pending.

Yes! We want to make sure that the animal you're interested in adopting would be compatible with any current pets in the household. Dogs, rabbits, and guinea pigs may require a same species meet up.

Each animal in foster care will have instructions on its online adoption listing on how to apply to adopt. If it does not, please email animalcare@seattle.gov and include the animal number so staff can update the profile.

Review our adoption fees for the cost of adoption. Adopters of dogs, cats, miniature goats and potbellied pigs who live in Seattle or King County must also purchase a two-year altered pet license at the time of adoption.

  • Spay/neuter surgery for dogs, cats and rabbits.
  • Recommended vaccinations, dewormer and flea control.
  • Microchip and registration for dogs, cats, rabbits and ferrets.
  • Certificate for free initial veterinary health exam. (Restrictions apply, see certificate.)

Puppies are rare at our shelter. While kittens are a bit more common, they are rare at SAS compared to other shelters with higher volume that serve larger communities. For your convenience, our available animals listings are updated live; this is the best place to check for the pet you're searching for.