Advice for Adopters
Adoption Handouts & Resources
Post-Adoption Care
Seattle Humane offers post-adoption support and veterinary services for concerns related to the time your new pet spent in our care. If your new pet exhibits symptoms of illness or post-operative complications, our veterinary clinic may be able to help. Post-adoption care and emergency clinic information is also available in this handout.
Setting Your New Pet Up for Success
Pet to Pet Introductions
FeLV and FIV Testing for Cats
We recommend cat adopters consult with their veterinarian about FeLV/FIV testing. Adopters may choose to have a cat tested by Seattle Humane’s veterinary staff at the time of adoption for a fee of $55. Retesting in 3-6 months is still recommended. Learn more here.
Licensing
Pet licensing is required annually for all dogs and cats eight weeks of age or older residing in King County. Seattle Humane has partnered with Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) to issue pet identification tags at the point of adoption for pets residing in King County or any of the following contracting cities:
Beaux Arts | Bellevue | Black Diamond | Carnation | Clyde Hill | Covington | Duvall | Enumclaw | Issaquah | Kenmore | Kent | Lake Forest Park | Maple Valley | Mercer Island | Newcastle | North Bend | Redmond | Sammamish | SeaTac | Shoreline | Snoqualmie | Tukwila | Woodinville | Yarrow Point
Adopters must make the payment to register their tag as a RASKC Pet License within 30 days of issuance. Adopters can do so by calling (206) 296-2712 or visiting kingcounty.gov/licensemypet.
Learn more about pet licensing with RASKC here. If you live outside of King County, check with your city or county about pet licensing.
Need to renew an existing pet license?
- Residents of King County or any of the above contracting cities can visit RASKC’s website for more information about renewing your pet’s license.
- Seattle residents can visit the City of Seattle’s website to purchase or renew a pet license.
- Renton residents can visit the City of Renton’s website to purchase or renew a pet license.
Visit Our Resource Library
If you need help with your pet, you’ve come to the right place. Our resource library is huge and growing all the time. Look for articles and resources about pet care, safety and behavior. View the library.
Dog Training
Seattle Humane offers a whole suite of positive reinforcement-based dog training classes for dogs and puppies of all ages. Our training classes focus on good manners in the real world, socialization and giving you the tools to prevent or address behavior challenges.
Welcome Home! Join one of our certified dog trainers for a 90-minute virtual seminar geared toward helping new dog adopters get started on the right foot. Seattle Humane adopters receive 50% off the $50 registration fee! Register here.
Shop to Support
Services Provided for Seattle Humane Adopters
30 Days of Pet Insurance
Trupanion offers 30-days of pet insurance IF you activate within 24 hours after your pet’s first veterinary exam. This insurance will not cover wellness services or pre-existing conditions, but it can cover unexpected emergencies. Details can be found on this flyer from Trupanion.
Complimentary Health Exam
When you adopt from Seattle Humane, you receive a complimentary health exam from VCA Animal Hospitals. Call your local VCA Animal Hospital to schedule your pet’s complimentary health exam within 14 days.
Complimentary Training
When you adopt from Seattle Humane, you receive one free week of training from GoodPup, the nation’s leading positive reinforcement dog training service over live 1-on-1 video chat. GoodPup matches you with a certified trainer who will provide you with personalized dog training on your own schedule and they will make a generous donation to Seattle Humane for every person who signs up and continues training past the free trial week.
Learn more about GoodPup and the complimentary training, and Seattle Humane adopters can sign up for the week of free training below.
Nutritional Support
Seattle Humane is a proud partner in Hill’s Pet Nutrition’s Food, Shelter & Love program. Hill’s provides science-led nutrition to feed all the pets in our care and FREE small bags to go home with every dog and cat adopted from our shelter. You’ll also receive handouts with tips & tricks and pet safety info from Hill’s.
When you adopt, you will receive a small bag of Science Diet appropriate for your pet’s life stage, to help you transition them more easily into your home. Hill’s also provides valuable offers on the outside of each bag, and online when you opt-in for communication, to help you continue to feed the brand recommended #1 by US veterinarians.
