Tacoma Humane is waiving adoption fees for all dogs because the shelter is ‘more than full’

TACOMA, Wash. — The Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County is waving adoption fees for all dogs because the reception center is experiencing capacity problems.

The Tacoma Humane posted on social media that they desperately need the community’s help.

“Our shelter is more than full. There are almost 130 dogs in our care, with only 89 kennels available, plus 70 in foster care,” the shelter said. “Dozens of dogs share the space, including one kennel with SEVEN small dogs.”

From November 14 to 17, adoption fees will be waived for all dogs. For dogs in foster care waiting to be spayed or neutered, the shelter offers a “foster-to-adopt option.” Families can adopt a dog and take it home and return it for surgery the same day.

“We are in crisis mode,” said Leslie Dalzell, Chief Executive Officer of the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County. “We have doubled or tripled kennel capacity, with dogs in offices and temporary crates in hallways.”

This year, the intake of dogs in the shelter has increased: 400 more dogs are coming to the shelter than this time last year.

According to the shelter, before becoming available for adoption, each dog must undergo a welfare examination, receive initial vaccinations, be microchipped with national registration and be spayed or neutered.

In the summer the shelter experience overcrowding and waived the adoption fee. They had received more than 500 pets in two weeks and their kennels had reached capacity.

Use this link to view all adoptable dogs.