When PAWS Cannot Help

If you have applied to surrender your pet to PAWS, we could determine that the shelter is not a good fit for your animal’s needs.

Listed below are some of the most common reasons why PAWS will not be able to accept your dog or cat into our Re-homing Service:

• PAWS does not accept dogs or cats who are hybrids with exotic or wild species, such as dogs who are part coyote or wolf.
• PAWS takes in a wide variety of breeds and mixes, but certain breeds of dogs are typically known to do very poorly in a kennel environment and may exhibit behavioral problems once in our care. Dogs or cats will not be eliminated based solely on their breeds, but we may require additional information before they are accepted into the Re-homing Service.
• Animals who have certain medical conditions, behavior problems or aggression issues cannot be accepted. In these cases, the PAWS staff will suggest our free behavior helpline or tips on finding a trainer, behaviorist or veterinarian to help you solve these problems.
• We cannot accept very elderly animals without current medical records, or those with multiple or severe geriatric issues (such as incontinence), or animals needing end of life hospice care.

Be realistic

It is important that you are realistic about the adoptability of your pet. You have an established relationship with him. If you find you are unable to deal with a behavior or medical condition, then you must understand that those who have no relationship with your animal are not likely to deal with it either.

If the animal has a behavioral problem that makes him unsafe or if the animal is suffering from a severe medical condition, humane euthanasia may be the best choice for your pet. As difficult as it can be to think about, you may want to speak with your veterinarian or a PAWS staff member about that option.

Other area animal organizations

There are other animal organizations in Western Washington that you can contact to see if they may be able to take your pet. You can also do a search on Petfinder.com.

Keep in mind, however, that these organizations may also decline taking your pet for reasons similar to ours.