Humane Society For Tacoma and Pierce County

I had never actually stepped into this place until my family’s dog ran away. After I had come there to pick up our dog, I came back the following 3 days looking to adopt a kitten. I finally got one and am on the 3^rd night with him. The staff was very knowledgeable and most of them gave me a lot of useful information; as I know nothing about raising an unsocialized kitten. I took those words to heart and have been bonding tough with my little guy

I adopted the best dog ever from the humane society over 15 years ago. So of course when considering a new addition to our family, this was the first place I went. I saw a dog online that fit our lifestyle and went down to see him. First, we were told the dog was separated because of kennel cough, makes sense, that isn’t uncommon at a shelter. We were told we’d have to visit with him outside. Also makes sense. Then we were told (at 4:15 p. m) that even though he was still showing symptoms, on antibiotics and contagious, that if we wanted him we’d have to take him that night. Really? That makes sense? Our other dog is up to date on his shots, but what about any other dog that walks down the side walk or past the sick dog? Kennel Cough is airborne and extremely contagious. The dog is so sick that he is quarantined, except if they can get rid of him, then it is totally cool to send him out into the world. They want folks to make decisions about giving a dog a permanent home, but want you to spend five minutes with him outside with a handler and take him home 30 minutes later. Ill. We left without a pet, without any consideration of returning and with a bad taste in our mouth.

So, my husband and I went in to look for a dog to add to our family. I have never had a positive experience at this shelter, but heck, I want to help get a dog out of that miserable place. So it started pretty decent. The front desk workers were a lot nicer than I have ever experienced, which that’s great. So, I get to meet up with four dogs after I fill out the adoption application sheet thing. Love them all, but we narrow it down to a 1 year old and a 9 month old dog, after discussing their temperaments with other dogs. So, we are told to come back in the morning, since they were now closing, so, my husband and I discuss it. Morning comes, we are there as soon as they open. We go in, and are sent to the back «adoption desk» thing or something. We tell them we want the one year old. They tell us his temperaments, and notes (things we had already been told about and discussed the day prior), and tell us, because we have other dogs, they won’t allow us to have him. So, we then say, ok, how about the 9 month old puppy. They tell us her temperaments and notes (again, things we already discussed with the workers the day prior. This YOUNG dog was adopted, and returned because she was too «energetic and was dominant with their other dog». So, she’s a puppy, and doesn’t have manners yet. I’ve raised all of my dogs from puppyhood, I know how they can be, and I know a 9 month old can still grow, learn, and change.), and then they tell us they will not allow us to adopt her either. So at that point, we are done then. We already met several dogs, we already decided on the dog, and then are turned away. I know, they say over and over «we don’t want to set them up for failure», but dude, give them a chance. Especially a 9 month old puppy. So basically, the only way you can adopt a dog here is if you don’t have any other dogs already. That’s the message I understood, and that is bull. I was willing to pay 200 for a dog from the pound, but they can’t give them or us a chance, after wasting our time. So thanks. We found a great dog that needed to be rehomed on Craigslist instead, since helping a local shelter has always been such a hassle, if not impossibility for me, and so many others.

We disagree with some of the negative posts. We adopted a cat — staff was very helpful, polite and friendly. This place is VERY busy and there are many people that work and volunteer here. They do good work — and help all these animals that need to find forever homes. You are not visiting a breeder or chain store that sells pets — you are visiting a non profit society that is trying to help these pets survive. Check their website for animals that are available to adopt before you go — you can do some research and narrow down your search before you even get there. They have all kinds of animals — dogs, cats, bunnies and even a chicken when we went. Our experience was positive — and we have a great new addition to our home.

Walked in didn’t plan on buying a puppy but they had two a Yorkie that was skiddish and a Beagle mix named Mojo. Everyone seemed okay one lady was being annoying put a gate up in my face while I was touching Mojo. Something about new puppy germs. Then I was filing the paperwork for Mojo she was just talking over me. You could tell the lack of respect. Got Mojo process was really fast in and out! Three stars is for the one lady who made me so uncomfortable.

I was told that the kitten probably only had a cold, and that it would pass. Later, I found out that it had all the symptoms of asthma. After spending thousands of dollars and watching the cat suffer for a year, my wife and I had to put it to sleep. They’re only in it for the money and this place should be shut down.

After getting our first apartment in September my boyfriend and I had been stopping by the Humane Society every week to look for a 20lb or smaller pup to start our fur baby family. Eventually on Halloween we decided on a whim to stop in, there we met little «no name». He was a stray puppy (who came into the shelter on our 5 year anniversary, October 27^th). He was very friendly and the perfect size. After visiting with him for a while and finding out he loved fetch, could sit, and loved giving kisses, we knew he was perfect for us. They ended up naming him Neo about 20 minutes before we adopted him and we later changed his name to Reese (because he looks like my boyfriends favorite candy, a Reese’s peanut butter cup). He’s now happy, healthy, and thriving every day. We take him everywhere we go and he has an extended dog family of uncles, aunts, and cousins. He loves car rides, his hundreds of toys, walks around the neighborhood, playing at the dog park, meeting new people and pups, and sleeping by our sides.

What a horrible place! I rescued a sweet little chihuahua from someone who was not able/​capable/​willing to care for him and locked him in a kennel… he just wanted to love anyone and everyone. I brought him here thinking they could help him and find him a home. Instead, I was faced with a woman who immediately started treating him like HE was a criminal. I assured her that he was sweet, and wouldn’t bite her. She put heavy gloves on, and grabbed him by the scruff of his neck! I had to stop her… this is NOT happening to this poor little 5 pound dog, who I just rescued from a horrible home. (they gave him up willingly btw) I told her to let him go, I put him in my jacket, gave him a hug, promised I would never let another human hurt him, and I took him home, to the vet, and cared for him until he was ready to find a family that would love him. I did find him a home, and he is a very happy dog now, I know this because I have gone back to check on him multiple times…

Very rude! Especially over with the cats. that they have hidden. we would love to provide a lovely home for an animal in need. Rude rude!!!

We adopted both of our dogs from here. Basher we got our first visit looking for a dog, and Byron it took us a little longer to find. Each visit to the humane society the staff was so patient and nice. You can tell they really want the best fit for the animals. They never made me feel weird about my 6 or 7 visits until I found Byron. Now we have two happy little best friends :-)

I have read the reviews for this fine place and have come to the conclusion that some people should never own pets. But I digress… I have frequented this place on three separate occasions for three separate reasons. The people who work here are the most caring and loving people. My most recent visit had me adopting a beautiful and loving pit bull (Wesley) who had been abused by people lying on their adoption paperwork. The staff here do remarkable work. My adoption went real fast and smooth. I am very happy with my new adopted family member and am grateful to the staff who guided me through the entire process (A special shout out to Starr!).

We adopted 2 cats from here. The first one we took home on the 22 of October and the other the 27 of October because she had to be spayed. We just took the first one back today. He had what it seemed like a small cold. Then we took him to the vet for wellness check up. He had a temp of 105.8, Ammonia, and upper respiratory disease. Not upper respiratory infection; disease. So he has it for life. We can afford the cat but not a regular vet check up and antibiotics. It was almost $ 300 for all the antibiotics he was going to need. It was awful. He was so sick. I was really in love with this cat. He was the biggest sweetheart in the world. Big beautiful green eyes. Big fluffy cat. Great lap cat to sit and read a book with. I couldn’t give him what he needed though. It left me heart broken and made me have to do something that I never wished. I just hope someone right adopts him. Someone who can give the time and love that he needs.

HORRIBLY rude.
The dogs are charming (of course) but most of the staff was incredibly unhelpful and just down rude an untactful.
I’ve been to humane societies in other states and they are nothing like this.
One woman was practically yelling at my husband over a mistake they made.
There are many incredibly ridiculous procedures you must go through to even meet one of their animals which made it impossible.
By the end because our apartment complex wasn’t answering their calls they told us we couldn’t meet anyone and had to go.
Great amount of cats, no puppies, mostly just pit bulls.
HORRIBLE.

Ok people calm the f down… The human society does a great job. I’ve come in here probably four or five times this year alone and every time the workers and volunteers are friendly and helpful. I got my cat through the human society three years ago and my dog 6 months ago.
They said my pup was two years old, but I knew he looked older and the vet confirmed he was around four. Other than that he was healthy. They fixed him and microchipped him and gave him some of his shots. Totally reasonable for the $ 180 adoption fee, plus some of that money goes to help other animals…
Just be careful about age and don’t believe everything you read. Trust your senses but really I love the humane society :)

The lady at the information desk is obnoxious. She doesn’t listen to anything you are saying. She finishes your sentence before you do.
On another note they have a program that to you can apply for to help with the coat of pet care. Fast and easy to do.
They have a a catuary and a stray dog walk.

No, I won’t be wasting my time here again. I went in yesterday to visit and possibly adopt a dog that was on their website and when I got there I was told that he was being neutered. I asked if they would hold him for me from 11:00am when they opened, until when I got off work and drove over, at around noon. Nope. Sure enough, the dog was being adopted when I arrived. In general the place is a total waste of time — pretty much nothing but pit bull mixes, and few if any of the dogs looked happy. Just a bad all around experience that I don’t plan on repeating — too many pets available through ads and other shelters that will hold them for you, which is only reasonable.

I didn’t read any of these reviews prior to adopting a cat from HS of Tacoma/​Pierce County; what brought me here was seeing a cat in Petsmart that I wished to adopt. The Staff at the HS was very friendly and I seemed to be sped through the adoption process, only staying at the office for about 25 minutes before the paperwork was finalized and I was on my way to pick up the cat. I was provided with all of his previous paperwork including the paperwork from his previous owners who had surrendered him.
After a few days of getting to know the cat I scheduled the complimentary first checkup by a participating Vet in the area. Turns out that not only was the cat not 9 months old as stated by the HS and Petsmart, he was 2 years old and had tapeworms. Lesson learned – and to anyone who plans to adopt an animal through these channels, make sure you schedule that complimentary checkup in the first five days. Luckily, tapeworms are easily treatable, though not a nice surprise in your new family member. Why they didn’t take care of this at the HS is beyond me. In the case of worms, when one animal has them, many of them will.
This said – I would still adopt an animal from this HS location, as they have good, deserving animals. Just be prepared for a few little surprises along the way.

A great experience. We were looking for a companion for our 10-​week-​old kitten and found a great little guy who was fostered and has been a very good match. We ended up going with the first kitten we played with but staff made it clear that we were welcome to spend some time with other cats if we were on the fence. Good patient education and referrals. The survey questions were reasonable and not obtrusive: basically, why you want a pet and some basic problem solving so they know its going to a safe home. On top of the usuals (spay/​neuter, microchip, preliminary shots, Advantage dose), adoption fee includes a free well-​pet exam (shots extra) within five days of adoption and coupons for food and other essentials.
If you’re looking for babies, you need to get there early and may have to make a few trips: they go fast. There are always plenty of older pets available who need love, too.

This place should not be called HUMANE at all!!!
I call about 2 kittens I found to see if there was any way I could turn them in or find a place for them.
I called and I was rudely treated by one of the female workers, I told her about the kittens and her response was «well idk what to tell you, if you bring them we are just going to put them down» her exact words! I mean I get it that shelters get to full capacity but damn a mean she could had at least guide me to someone or some organization that could take them in. I always donate to the humane society but after this I highly doubt I will ever support this organization.

Some people can be rude (toothless lady working the intake side) but there are a few who are really nice. A man who works up front is a lovely kind empathetic soul.
I have been through raising 9 orphaned kittens who all caught FVP and died, 1 run away mother cat, and 1 cat who got ran over by a car on top of my AKC champion Shih Tzu dog was stolen from my fenced in yard at the same time! I swear my new house is cursed but the workers in there have all been really good. I have never lost a pet or had one die like this before I moved here! But thank goodness for these people to help!
I got cans of KMR to help with the kittens, I got support when Quincy was ran over and had to be put down by the man who works in the front main area. When I was able to clean up my home with bleach and lick my wounds I promised to repay them back. I donated $ 100 and adopted a black 5 month old cat since black cats are harder to place for them.
So give them a try and take a look at their cats most are really nice cats who I got to hold and play with. They all need homes and for under $ 100 you get a spayed cat, microchip, and vaccines! If you go to Petco who contracts with them you get a coupon booklet, plus a free vet exam too. You can’t beat the price especially since people charge $ 200 for unvaccinated cats on Craigslist. You want a vaccinated cat trust me because FVP is no joke and lives in most environments for years on end!