Adoption Process

There are two ways to adopt from Seattle Humane! 

Please note that many of our pets are in foster homes, waiting for new families. If you are interested in a pet that is currently in a foster home, fill out an online questionnaire and an adoption advisor will contact you to arrange a meeting.

Pre-select adoption holds

At Seattle Humane, we provide an option for prospective adopters to place a hold on pre-select-eligible pets. Placing a hold ensures that no other parties can adopt the pet before the person who initiated the hold. We understand how important it is to have the opportunity to bring home your desired companion–this hold system helps prioritize your adoption process.

To initiate a hold for your desired pet, a non-refundable hold fee is required. This fee cannot be transferred to another pet or applied toward the pet’s adoption fee. Hold fees vary based on the type of animal:

  • Cats: $25*
  • Dogs: $50*
  • Critters (e.g., small animals like rabbits or guinea pigs): $10-$15

*Exceptions apply. Please confirm with an adoption advisor.

Once you have placed a hold on a pet, our staff will notify you when the animal is ready for adoption. At this point, you will have 24 hours to finalize the adoption, complete the necessary paperwork and bring your new pet home. This limited time frame ensures that the pet is allowed other opportunities to find a loving home as soon as possible if the adoption is not finalized. 

Finding the perfect pet to welcome into your family is exciting, and our goal is to make the adoption process as smooth as possible. 

If you have any questions or require additional information, please reach out to our adoption advisors at adoption@seattlehumane.org. 

How much will my adoption cost?

Dogs

  • Puppies under 6 months: $460
  • Dogs 6+ months and over 25 lbs: $285
  • Dogs 6+ months and under 25 lbs: $335

Cats

  • Kittens under 6 months: $185*
  • Kittens 6 months to a year: $160*
  • Cats 1 to 7 years: $110*
  • Cats 7+ years: $60

Critters

  • Rabbits & Chinchillas: $50
  • Guinea Pigs: $20
  • Rats, Mice, Gerbils & Hamsters: $15

Enjoy a 10% discount when you adopt a PAIR of kittens, cats, puppies*, dogs* or critters.

*Exclusions apply.

What’s included in the cost?

Adoption fees help provide medical care, training, food, and shelter to our animals. When you adopt from Seattle Humane, you receive more than $560 of services.