About Us

The Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County (Tacoma Humane) is one of Washington’s largest nonprofit animal welfare organizations, providing essential care to more than 8,500 animals in our shelter each year. As a donor-funded organization, we rely on community support to find loving homes for nearly 7,000 pets, reunite more than 1,000 lost animals with their families through innovative community programs. 

As Pierce County’s pet resource center, we know helping animals means supporting the people who love them. Through programs like Friendly Finders, foster care, and volunteer opportunities, we empower the community to be part of the solution. We also provide vital services, including Spay/Neuter and Wellness Assistance, a monthly Vaccine and Wellness Clinic, and a Pet Food & Supply Pantry. Our S.P.O.T. mobile vet clinic is expanding access to care and deploying targeted trap-neuter/spay-return (TNR) efforts across Pierce County. 

In addition to serving the broader community, Tacoma Humane partners with several local animal control agencies to help them fulfill their mission. While we do not provide animal control services directly, we serve as a central hub, ensuring their animals receive safe shelter, medical care, and support while also working to reunite them with their families whenever possible. 

Our Mission

Partnering with our community, we champion the welfare of animals and promote positive relationships between pets and people. 

Our Vision

Every pet has a loving home, and all animals are treated with respect and compassion. 

Who We Are

Founded in 1888, the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County has served the community for more than a century as a trusted leader in animal welfare. From our earliest days challenging cruelty to animals, to today’s role as a regional resource hub, our work has always been rooted in compassion, community, and a commitment to doing what is right for animals and the people who care for them.  

Read our Three-Year Strategic Plan. 

Thoughtful Care, Centered on Every Animal and Their People

We care for animals of all ages, breeds, medical conditions, and behavioral needs, responding to a wide range of cases from animal control and the community seven days a week. At the heart of our approach is what’s best for each animal, striving to keep them where they are loved most: at home with their people.   

This work is carried out by a deeply committed team, including many animal care staff who are full-time union members represented by Teamsters Local 117. Wages and working conditions are determined through annually negotiated contracts that support stability and quality care. 

We believe strong communities keep pets and families together. Our programs are designed to remove barriers and provide practical support, including: 

• Low- and no-cost vaccines, parasite prevention, and microchips through our Vaccine and Wellness Clinic on-site and in the community 

• Expanded access to care through our Spay/Neuter and Wellness Assistance Program 

• Essential support through our Pet Food & Supply Pantry 

• Pet Support Counseling to help families navigate challenges and avoid surrender 

Compassion Comes First

We believe every animal deserves time, care, and consideration. Euthanasia is never based on time or space, and is only considered when it is in the best interest of the animal or necessary for safety. Euthanasia is only considered in two circumstances: 

• Behavioral and safety considerations: Euthanasia may be considered when an animal poses a significant risk or experiences extreme and persistent fear, stress, or anxiety that prevents an acceptable quality of life despite intervention and support. 

• Medical considerations: Euthanasia may also be considered when an animal is suffering from a condition that adversely affects their health and is not likely to become healthy or treatable, even with the care typically provided by reasonable and caring pet guardians. 

Read more about our euthanasia policy. 

Powered by Our Community

As a nonprofit organization, our work is made possible by the generosity of donors, volunteers, and partners. Their support allows us to provide lifesaving care, expand access to resources, and serve as a trusted partner for pets and people across Pierce County.