Top 10 Animal Shelters Near Seattle, Washington
Seattle is known for its beautiful parks, coffee culture, and tech-driven atmosphere—but it's also a fantastic place for animal lovers. If you’re looking to adopt a new furry friend or simply want to support local animal welfare organizations, Seattle and its surrounding areas have some of the best animal shelters in the region.
Whether you're looking for a new furry friend or want to help out, these shelters are committed to making a difference in the lives of animals. Here’s our guide to the top 10 animal shelters near Seattle, starting with the best of the best.
1. Seattle Humane
13212 SE Eastgate Way, Bellevue, WA 98005
seattlehumane.org
Seattle Humane is one of the most well-known animal shelters in the region. Located in Bellevue, this no-kill shelter works with both dogs and cats, providing a safe and welcoming space for animals in need. They offer medical care, behavior training, and adoption services to help pets find their forever homes.
Why We Love It: Seattle Humane is renowned for its high standards of animal care and its commitment to ensuring each pet is placed in the right home. Their services go beyond adoption, offering pet behavior workshops and low-cost spay/neuter programs.
2. Homeward Pet Adoption Center
13132 NE 177th Pl, Woodinville, WA 98072
homewardpet.org
Homeward Pet is a no-kill shelter dedicated to rescuing animals, primarily dogs and cats, from high-risk situations. Located in Woodinville, Homeward Pet has a reputation for providing excellent care to the animals it rescues, ensuring they are healthy and well-socialized before being adopted.
Why We Love It: Homeward Pet offers personalized care for each animal, including medical attention and behavioral support. They provide detailed information about each animal’s needs to help match them with the right family.
3. PAWS (Progressive Animal Welfare Society)
15305 44th Ave W, Lynnwood, WA 98087
paws.org
PAWS is a multi-faceted organization located in Lynnwood, offering rescue and adoption services for dogs, cats, and wildlife. In addition to animal rescue, PAWS runs community programs that aim to reduce pet overpopulation, including low-cost spay/neuter clinics and public education initiatives.
Why We Love It: PAWS is known for its commitment to animal welfare, not only through rescue efforts but also via its wildlife rehabilitation program. Their programs help both companion animals and injured wildlife in the region.
4. Emerald City Pet Rescue
2962 1st Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134
emeraldcitypetrescue.org
Emerald City Pet Rescue is a Seattle-based rescue that focuses on saving animals from high-kill shelters. They take in both dogs and cats, providing medical care, training, and fostering programs to ensure every animal is placed in a loving home.
Why We Love It: Emerald City is dedicated to making a difference by offering specialized care to pets that need extra attention. They focus on behavioral rehabilitation and offer a personalized adoption experience.
5. Seattle Animal Shelter
2061 15th Ave W, Seattle, WA 98119
seattle.gov/animal-shelter
Operated by the City of Seattle, this shelter provides compassionate care and adoption services for cats, dogs, and critters like rabbits and guinea pigs. They also offer low-cost spay/neuter and microchipping services. Known for their dedicated volunteers and responsive staff, the Seattle Animal Shelter is a community cornerstone.
Why We Love It: Government-run, well-resourced, and deeply involved in the local rescue community.
6. PAWS (Progressive Animal Welfare Society)
15305 44th Ave W, Lynnwood, WA 98087
paws.org
A little north of Seattle, PAWS has been rescuing and rehabilitating animals for over 50 years. They help cats, dogs, and wildlife, making them a unique hybrid shelter and wildlife center. Their education programs and outreach efforts also help promote humane treatment of animals across the state.
Why We Love It: Wildlife rescue + companion animal adoptions = a powerhouse for animal welfare.
7. Emerald City Pet Rescue
2962 1st Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134
emeraldcitypetrescue.org
Emerald City Pet Rescue specializes in saving pets from high-kill shelters and neglectful situations. They focus on special-needs and senior animals that are often overlooked. Their team provides ongoing care and rehabilitation until each animal finds the perfect match.
Why We Love It: Boutique-style rescue with a big heart and personalized attention for every pet.
8. Homeward Pet Adoption Center
13132 NE 177th Pl, Woodinville, WA 98072
homewardpet.org
This no-kill shelter in nearby Woodinville has a stellar reputation for cleanliness, transparency, and compassion. They have a strong volunteer program and offer resources for pet owners, including training and pet food assistance.
Why We Love It: No-kill, volunteer-driven, and an excellent adoption process that prioritizes long-term success.
9. MEOW Cat Rescue
10600 NE 68th St, Suite F, Kirkland, WA 98033
meowcatrescue.org
Calling all cat lovers! MEOW Cat Rescue is a nonprofit, no-kill shelter focusing exclusively on felines. They go out of their way to rescue sick, injured, and senior cats and work hard to place them in loving homes. Their motto: "Making Every One Wanted."
Why We Love It: Cat-focused with exceptional care for medically fragile kitties.
Ginger’s Pet Rescue
PO Box 28518, Seattle, WA 98118
gingerspetrescue.org
Why We Love It: Ginger’s Pet Rescue is one of Washington state's largest nonprofit pet rescue organizations, specializing in saving "Death Row Dogs" from high-kill shelters. They operate without a physical shelter, relying on a network of foster homes to care for animals until they are adopted.
Seattle is home to a wide variety of shelters and rescues, each working hard to improve the lives of animals in need. Whether you’re looking to adopt a dog, support a specific breed rescue, or volunteer your time, these shelters offer countless ways to get involved. Consider visiting one of these organizations to find your future best friend or make a positive impact on the local animal community!
