Temporary Care (SPOT)
Finding Temporary Care Within Your Network
Seeking temporary foster care placement through your social networks, friends, family and neighbors can often provide an immediate solution for pet owners. It is our first suggestion when considering options for temporary care.
We encourage pet owners to post online in their social networks when seeking temporary care options. Facebook neighborhood groups, the Nextdoor app, and local blog sites can be great places to start. A cute photo of your pet, information about their personality, and clear expectations on what is needed will go a long way. Seattle Humane is happy to provide supplies to friends, neighbors or family members to use while caring for your pet. Check out this temporary guardian contract to organize your arrangements.
We also encourage pet guardians to seek temporary care for their pets through Seattle Humane’s Home to Home fostering website. Home to Home is a free online platform that allows pet guardians to connect directly with potential foster parents to find temporary care for their pets. Please note that while Home to Home is affiliated with Seattle Humane, it is not a part of our regular foster program. Our foster department does not manage these cases and does not provide supplies, resources, medical or behavioral care for these animals.
Seattle Humane's SPOT (Supporting Pet Owners in Transition) Program
The SPOT program uses Seattle Humane’s existing foster network to house pets for owners who need temporary care due to housing insecurity, hospitalization or another personal crisis.
This program is designed to support pet owners who may be facing the decision to surrender their animal to a shelter. Rather than having to part with their pet, Seattle Humane’s animal care team and foster families step in to provide care for up to 90 days. The goal is to reunite pets with their owners, offering them both a second chance to stay together.
If you need temporary housing for your pet, please fill out the intake form below. All intakes are by appointment only. After we receive your intake form, a team member will reach out to review the pet’s information and determine the next steps in the process with you.
SPOT FAQs
How do I get my pet into the program?
Please submit a SPOT Intake Form. Once one of our team members has reviewed your application, we will get back to you.
I am not the owner of the pet. Can I still apply for the SPOT Program?
Yes. However, the owner, next of kin or power of attorney will need to sign a contract releasing their pet to the SPOT Program.
Will my pet stay in the shelter while in the SPOT Program?
SPOT pets will stay in the shelter until a foster home is found. This can take anywhere from 1- 7 days. Additionally, your pet may reside in several foster homes during their stay if a single family isn’t able to provide foster for the full time.
Can my pet join the program if they’re not spayed or neutered?
Yes! All pets that enter the SPOT Program will need to be spayed/neutered once in our care (at no cost to you).
Does my pet have to be up-to-date on their vaccinations to join the SPOT Program?
No, your pet does not need to have had any vet care before coming into the SPOT Program. Each SPOT pet will be given vaccines while in our care if there is no proof of current vaccinations.
What do I need to bring my pet for their stay in the SPOT Program?
Please bring cats in a carrier and dogs on a leash. If you do not have a carrier or leash, we can give one to you. You can bring other small items with your pet, but it is not required. Seattle Humane is prepared to provide all necessary supplies for your pet during their stay.
If you have any questions, please contact the Foster team at foster@seattlehumane.org.
We do not require government identification or documentation to access our services.