About

Founded in 1897, Seattle Humane proudly promotes the human-animal bond by saving and serving pets in need. We are one of the region’s leaders in animal adoption, education and welfare.  

Watch this video to hear how Seattle Humane is more than a shelter – we are a community resource center, providing adoption services, a pet food bank and support for pet owners, low-cost spay/neuter surgeries and wellness exams, humane education for all ages and more. Our work is made possible by the support of a generous community, and through our outreach, advocacy and services we strive to ensure that animal companionship is accessible to all.  

In 2022, we celebrated 125 years of saving lives and completing families. Learn more about our rich past and present, and our vision for the future.  

Our Mission and Team Values 

Seattle Humane promotes the human-animal bond by saving and serving pets in need, regardless of age, ability, circumstance or geography. 

Our Commitment 

We believe everyone deserves a chance to experience the love of a pet and the lifelong benefits of the human-animal bond. With this lens, we will continue to expand our programs and services to impact as many lives as possible.   

Throughout history, the human-animal bond has played a pivotal role in creating our communities and culture. There is a direct link between human welfare and animal welfare—all life has value.    

Systemic issues of inequality and inequity create the pipeline of pets that come to Seattle Humane in need of care and shelter. Animals often end up in shelters due to housing inequities, lack of access to quality veterinary care, and people having to make tough decisions like choosing between an overdue bill and a beloved pet. These societal issues are created and sustained without equal access to quality education, community resources, good job opportunities, and the ability to build generational wealth.    

Understanding that it’s all connected, we are committed to doing our part to break this cycle and build a culture of equity and inclusion in our organization and in animal welfare.  

Seattle Humane is, and always will be, a safe place for people from all backgrounds and experiences to unite around a common goal of helping pets in need.  We believe in creating a community of support, showing empathy, understanding, respect, and kindness in our daily lives and in our work at the shelter. We are working to be a greater ally in this wonderful and diverse community we serve.  

Our Philosophy

Euthanasia Philosophy

Seattle Humane takes into account individual animals and people, as well as our community as a whole, in every aspect of the work we do and will not knowingly place animals who are dangerous to people or other animals back into our community. Because of this commitment, Seattle Humane does euthanize animals when mental and/or medical suffering is too advanced to overcome or when an animal’s behavior poses a risk to people or other animals in the community.  

Seattle Humane is committed to providing the highest standard of care and treatment to all animals through our intake, animal care, behavior and veterinary services. There are no limits placed on pets in our care for space or time. We believe no healthy, behaviorally sound animal should be euthanized.  

Seattle Humane continues to demonstrate this commitment through our high annual live release rate, which we refer to as our save rate.  

Five Freedoms 

Seattle Humane follows the Five Freedoms, the internationally accepted standards of care that affirm every living being’s right to humane treatment. These standards were originally developed by Britain’s Farm Animal Welfare Council and later adapted for companion animals in shelters by the Association of Shelter Veterinarians. 

Find Out More 

Financials & Statistics 

Seattle Humane is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Our funding comes from the generosity of individuals and local businesses, and your donations are tax deductible. Read more about our financials and statistics.  

Careers 

We are always looking for great people to join our team! Learn more about careers at Seattle Humane.  

Contact Us 

Visit our Contact Us page for general inquiries as well as contact information and hours for our Adoption Center, Schuler Family Medical Center and Pet Resource Center. 

Press Kit 

Find information about Seattle Humane, plus photos and logos here.  

Seattle Humane – At a Glance [PDF] 

Media Contact 

Brandon Macz
PR and Social Media Specialist
brandon@seattlehumane.org Phone: (425) 274-1501