Caring for animals is one of the most incredible honors and privileges in the world (in our humble opinion), but it can also be extremely taxing and trying. The past year’s been a ruff one for everybody, including our pets. If you’re looking for organizations to support, or if you and pup need a lending paw, check out these Seattle pet resources.
1. Seattle Animal Shelter Pet Food Bank
The Seattle Animal Shelter hosts a pet food bank in collaboration with Seattle Humane, Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC), Auburn Valley Humane Society, and Pasado’s Safe Haven. Email SASpetfoodbank@gmail.com with your contact information, how many pets you have, and which days work best for you to pick up pet food. There are multiple distribution centers across King County, and delivery options available upon request.
2. Homeward Pet Food Bank
Homeward Pet Adoption Center distributes pet food and supplies to families in need through local food banks and outreach programs throughout the Pacific Northwest. Click here for a full list of their partners who are currently open (along with any COVID-19 protocols).
3. The Goochy Project
The Goochy Project provides free, time-limited pet care and boarding when pet parents need to be temporarily separated from their fluffs for any reason. Visit their website to request a temporary foster.
4. Seattle Veterinary Outreach
Seattle Vet Outreach’s mission is to keep people experiencing homelessness and their companion animals safe, healthy, and together. They host veterinary clinics, and distribute pet food and supplies through partnerships. Get more details on their website. Check out their donations page for ways to help your unhoused neighbors and their animal companions.
5. Seattle Dogs Homeless Program
This WA nonprofit program offers dog boarding for pet parents who have emergency life experiences that would take them away from their pets, like hospitalizations, treatment programs, unexpected essential travel, or even just to go to work or school. They also offer emergency vet care and free spaying and neutering. Life happens, and oftentimes we can’t bring our furry friends along. The goal of Seattle Dogs is to keep pets and their pawrents together through those tough times, and reduce the number of shelter drop-offs because of it.
6. Seattle Humane Pet Food Bank
This Seattle Humane-run program distributes pet food donations to families in crisis, low income seniors, and other community members in need. Apply to receive monthly pet food by emailing an application to outreach@seattlehumane.org.
7. Pet Project
Also from Seattle Humane and run as an offshoot of their Pet Food Bank is the Pet Project, which works specifically with low-income pet parents with HIV/AIDS or cancer. Pet Project matches volunteers with clients to help them with their basic pet care needs on a monthly basis, enabling clients to keep their pets. Free services include pet food and cat litter delivery, and basic veterinary care. To be considered for Pet Project services, call 425-649-7566.
Do you know of any Seattle pet resources we missed? Please let us know in the comments and share this article far and wide to help somepawdy in need.
Featured photo: Markus Winkler