In my opinion, there is nothing more rewarding than having a four-legged friend as a companion. While pets are a significant source of love and friendship, there have also been plenty of studies proving that they are good for your health as well.

Owning a pet though involves much more than just taking one home. It’s a huge commitment and you must be prepared mentally, physically and financially. There will be plenty of amazing ups, but along with the ups, come the downs. Unfortunately, far too often pets are discarded, mistreated or given to animal shelters because they just weren’t a “good fit” for the family, or they were “too much to handle.” You and your family absolutely need to be 100% ready and dedicated to the idea before adopting. If there are any doubts, hold off until you feel it is the right decision.

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If you are ready however, there are countless animal shelters and rescue groups that will not only guide you in finding the perfect match, but also educate you on how to raise your furry friend. Before going straight to a breeder or pet store (who often get their animals from puppy mills), be sure to check these places out. There are some really great animals at these organizations that are already housebroken, vaccinated, and are simply looking for someone to love and be loved. You can’t get much better than that!

Seattle Area Adoption Agencies:

Seattle Animal Shelter, Seattle, WA: Provides a large list of services to improve the lives animals and humans in the community via leash laws, anti-cruelty laws & information related to dangerous animals.

Seattle Humane Society, Bellevue, WA: The Humane Society is the nation’s largest animal protection organization. They provide pet adoptions, classes and training, spaying and neutering, microchipping and licensing.

Seattle Pug Rescue, Bellevue, WA: SPR is a non-profit organization devoted to rescuing, caring for and placing abandoned, neglected or abused pugs in forever homes.

Evergreen Golden Retriever Rescue, Washington State Area, EGRR is a non-profit organization run completely by volunteers who work tirelessly to care for homeless Golden Retrievers in the Western Washington area. The volunteers bathe, feed, socialize, train and care for these sweet dogs.

Meow Cat Rescue, Kirkland, WA: MEOW is a no-kill animal shelter that focuses on cat rescue and adoptions.

Seattle Purebred Dog Rescue, Redmond, WA: This corporation is dedicated to placing unwanted or abandoned purebred dogs into new homes. They work together with Puget Sound area shelters and breed clubs.

PUP, People United for Pets, Issaquah, WA: PUP is a registered non-profit organization focusing on small and toy breed dog rescue.

Homeward Pet Adoption Center, Woodinville, WA: Homeward Pet Adoption Center is one of the largest no-kill, non-profit animal shelters serving the Seattle area.

PAWS, People Helping Animals, Lynwood, WA: PAWS rehabilitates wildlife, provides adoption to orphaned animals and offers on-going educational opportunities.

Please keep in mind that these are only a few organizations out of the thousands out there. If you have any questions regarding this topic, please don’t hesitate to contact me, or the local animal shelter establishments. I know they would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.

For more shelters in the Washington state area, check out this website: Mutt Cats