Services

Our website contains information on many behavioral challenges for both cats and dogs—you can find information and advice on things like destructive chewing or scratching, rough play, escaping, aggressive behavior, positive reinforcement, clicker training, crate training, leash/harness training, house training, vocal behavior, tips for fearful pets, introducing your pet to other animals or children, and more.

View dog behavior and health tips.

View cat behavior and health tips.

The following animal welfare organizations have additional resources on pet behavior challenges:

Dumb Friends League

The Humane Society of the United States

ASPCA – Cat Behavior

ASPCA – Dog Behavior

We’re here to help! Dealing with behavioral challenges can feel frustrating and overwhelming. With so many different sources of information and different training recommendations out there, it’s hard to know what’s best for your pet.

Fill out our Behavior Questionnaire for a free consultation by phone or email to discuss your pet's behavior.

Access virtual dog training through one-on-one live video calls through GoodPup. Use this link to get a 10% discount.

Some behavior challenges may require hands on help or a more specific training plan. The following sites offer online directories to help you find a reputable trainer or behavior consultant in your area:

http://seattledogtraining.com/

http://www.kitsapdogtrainers.com/

https://www.ccpdt.org/dog-owners/certified-dog-trainer-directory/

https://karenpryoracademy.com/find-a-trainer/#!directory/map/

https://m.iaabc.org/consultant/

https://www.academyfordogtrainers.com/find-a-trainer/

If you have an adult cat or dog that begins eliminating in the house, your first call should always be to your veterinarian. Many treatable medical conditions can cause a change in your pet’s house-training habits. If your veterinarian determines that your pet is healthy, the cause may be behavioral. Most behavioral house-training problems can be resolved by using behavior modification techniques and making small adjustments to the home or routine. Puppies and kittens first learning about house-training will need time and patience as they learn the rules and routines.

For more information, please see our handouts on house-training issues for both cats and dogs:

Litterbox Problem Prevention

Solving Litterbox Problems

Housetraining Your Puppy

Re-Housetraining Your Adult Dog

If the cause is not related to a medical condition, and you need help to manage this behavior, you can fill out our Behavior Questionnaire for a free consultation by phone or email to discuss your pet's behavior.

Escaping is a serious problem for both you and your pet, and it can have tragic consequences. Pets that are able to run loose are at risk of being killed, injured, stolen, or picked up by animal control. In order to resolve an escaping problem, you must determine not only how your pet is getting out, but also why they are escaping.

Refer to our Canine Escape Artist handout for information on why dogs escape, ways to fix the source of the issue, and suggestions on how to prevent escape.

No dog should live on a chain or tether. There are a few non-profit organizations that assist people by building fences so that dogs can stay with their families:

Fences for Fido is a similar organization based in Oregon, but their service area covers as far north as Olympia.

Escaping is a serious problem for both you and your pet, and it can have tragic consequences. Pets that are able to run loose are at risk of being killed, injured, stolen, or picked up by animal control. In order to resolve an escaping problem, you must determine not only how your pet is getting out, but also why they are escaping.

If your cat shows an interest in trying to dart out the door, they may be feeling bored or frustrated by a lack of stimulation or exercise. See our handout on keeping your cat happy indoors for things you can do to provide more enrichment and entertainment to keep your kitty content inside.

If your cat is really intent on getting outside then cat enclosures, or “catios”, are a great way to give your cat safe and contained access to an outdoor space. Providing endless hours of bird-watching entertainment—your cat gets the outdoor space they crave, but they (and the birds!) remain safe. Catios can be built in any shape or size to fit your space, and can be made with simple tools and supplies from your local hardware store. But there are also many options for pre-made kits available for purchase online.

Check out Catio Spaces for more info on how to build a catio.

For more resources on outdoor enclosure options, check out this list from PAWS.

You might also consider providing a safe outdoor opportunity by training your cat to walk on a leash. See our handout for tips on training your cat to wear a harness.

If you need help to manage this behavior, you can fill out our Behavior Questionnaire for a free consultation by phone or email to discuss your pet's behavior.

Below are some resources from other animal welfare organizations with tips on how to make a plan to help your dog or cat adjust to all the new changes.

ASPCA - Dogs and Babies

ASPCA - Cats and Babies

Dumb Friends League – Preparing Your Pet for Baby's Arrival

Family Paws – Support for new parents with dogs

See our handout on acclimating children and your new dog for tips on how to manage safe interactions between your children and your dog.

The risk of you or your child contracting Toxoplasmosis from your cat is extremely low. In addition, there are steps you can take to mitigate this risk—without rehoming your cat. Check out this article from the Humane Society of the United States for more information.

Bites are preventable. Visit The Family Dog to learn more about preventing dog bites, and access tools and videos to teach children about respectful and safe dog handling.

You can also find more information on our handout about why dogs bite.

If you need help to manage your pets behavior with children, you can fill out our Behavior Questionnaire for a free consultation by phone or email to discuss your pet's behavior.

You may be able to manage mild-moderate allergy symptoms with some changes in your home and routine.

See our info sheet for tips on managing allergies and pets.

Spaying or neutering your pet has numerous benefits: it reduces the risk of many common cancers, it eliminates the bleeding and undesirable behaviors related to pets in heat, and it may reduce other behavioral challenges such as escaping and urine marking.

Our Public Spay & Neuter Clinic offers spay and neuter surgery by appointment at a reduced cost.

If your pet has had a litter of puppies or kittens that need to be rehomed, you may be able to have the momma dog or cat spayed at no cost through our Last Litter Program.

We also have a list of other low-cost spay & neuter clinics in our area.

And you can search for spay & neuter services in your zip code with SpayUSA.

If you are struggling with housing instability, please see the Domestic Violence and Homelessness section below for additional programs and funding that may be available to help with your pet’s medical needs.

See our list of other low-cost clinics for organizations that may provide surgery or other services for low-income homes.

If you are struggling with housing instability, please see the Domestic Violence and Homelessness section below for additional programs and funding that may be available to help with your pet’s medical needs.

See our list of financial assistance programs for information on both local and national programs that may provide financial assistance, as well as information on pet insurance and other ideas to pay for veterinary care.

If you are struggling with housing instability, please see the Domestic Violence and Homelessness section below for additional programs and funding that may be available to help with your pet’s medical needs.

Aging pets need a little extra care to keep them comfortable, and it can be hard knowing when to make the decision to say goodbye. See our info sheet on End of Life – Care and Support Services for resources on assessing your pet’s quality of life, in-home humane euthanasia options, low-cost euthanasia and cremation services, pet loss grief support groups, and a list of books to help children understand the passing of their pet.

Each year, the Homeward Pet Food Bank collects and distributes thousands of pounds of pet food to help support our local rescue partners, community organizations, and food banks. Families in need of assistance can contact our partner food banks directly.

To find a food bank in your area, please see our food bank referral list.

The following organizations may have additional pet food assistance programs:

Seattle Humane

Seattle Animal Shelter

The Regional Animal Services of King County Food Bank

The Humane Society of Tacoma and Pierce County

Pasado’s Safe Haven

Puget Sound Pet Food Bank

Concern for Animals

Snoqualmie Valley Pet Food Bank

In addition to their pet food bank, Seattle Humane’s Pet Project provides additional services to low-income individuals living with HIV/AIDS or cancer. Services include pet food and litter delivery, supplying items such as beds and scratching posts, basic veterinary care at their quarterly clinics, and providing pet care information.

Seattle Dog Spot offers a free 53 page e-book filled with information on pet friendly housing options in our area.

The following apartment-finding websites also include filters to search for housing that allows pets:

My Pit Bull Is Family maintains a nation-wide database of rentals that allow pets regardless of their size, breed or weight.

http://www.apartments.com/pet-friendly-apartments

http://www.rent.com/pet-friendly-apartments

http://www.peoplewithpets.com/

https://www.rentcafe.com/ - use the “Pet Friendly” filter after selecting a search area.

http://www.apartmentfinder.com/ - use the cat or dog filter in the “more” dropdown menu after selecting a search area

http://www.apartmentguide.com/ - use the “Pet friendly” checkbox in the “more” dropdown menu after selecting a search area

http://www.rentlingo.com/ - use the “Pet Policy” filter at the top of the page after selecting a search area

You might also consider writing a “resume” for your pet to help make your case to a landlord.


If you need temporary housing, the following sites offer listings of local hotels that allow pets:

https://www.bringfido.com/

https://www.petswelcome.com/pet-friendly-hotels

Visit the Humane Society of the United States for some information and tips on resolving landlord issues around pet policies.

If you are unsure of your rights as a tenant, visit the website for the Office of the Attorney General for information on laws and protections around evictions and foreclosures.

The Legal Services Corporation is a nonprofit that funds independent organizations providing legal aid to low-income Americans. Visit their website to find a local LSC-funded organization that may be able to provide you with legal assistance.

The Northwest Justice Project provides legal assistance to eligible low-income families and individuals needing help with civil (non-criminal) legal problems in Washington State.

Washington Law Help offers a library of free "know your rights" articles, videos, court forms and do-it-yourself packets covering many common legal issues such as family law, housing, public benefits and money/debt problems. They also provide a directory of other legal aid programs in Washington State.

Just Shelter provides a database of local and national organizations that may be able to assist you with legal aid, housing assistance, tenant rights, and education & advocacy.

See our info sheet for tips on moving with your pet.

Seattle Humane’s SPOT program may provide shelter to pets for owners who need temporary care due to housing insecurity, hospitalization, or other personal crisis.

Beck’s Place Foster Boarding Program is available to low-income families in Snohomish County. They provide temporary foster homes for pets to assist families seeking housing, financial, safety, and medical services.

Kitsap Humane’s Pet Protection Program provides temporary care for cats belonging to victims of domestic violence, people experiencing job loss, homelessness, or other unexpected life changes.

Auburn Valley Humane Society – Pets in Crisis program provides temporary housing and care for pets when owners are facing an unforeseen emergency, such as a loss of housing or medical crisis.

Domestic Abuse Women’s Network partners with the Auburn Valley Humane Society and the Regional Animal Services of King County to foster the pets of domestic violence victims that are entering DAWN’s programs.

Nomad Pet Fostering can temporarily foster pets for owners living in Auburn when they are faced with a situation that may force them to be separated from their pet.

Church of Pug offers temporary foster care for Pugs* when their family is experiencing an emergency situation. *In addition to Pugs, they also offer assistance for French Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Pekingese, and other similar Brachycephalic (flat faced) breeds.

Dogs on Deployment provides a central online network for military members to find volunteers willing to board their pets (not just dogs!) while they are deployed or have other service commitments.

PACT for Animals assists veterans and military personnel, by placing pets into temporary foster homes until they can be reunited.

GAFSP offers foster placement for pets of active duty service members being deployed, as well as veterans being hospitalized or facing challenges with homelessness.

SPCA International – Apollo’s Aid program helps active members of the military with financial support to relocate with their pet.

Many victims of domestic abuse remain in unsafe situations due to fear that their pet will be harmed if they leave. There are resources available to help.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline offers safety planning assistance that can include your pets. Visit their website for more information, or contact the national hotline by calling 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), or text “START” to 88788.

Red Rover provides financial assistance through their Safe Escape Grant to help families with pets safely escape domestic violence together.

Concern for Animals can provide pet supplies and medical care to help families that are leaving an unsafe environment, or attempting to enter transitional housing, through their SafePlace & Turning Pointe Partnership.

The following sites offer resources that can help you find pet-friendly domestic violence housing, as well as organizations that can temporarily care for the pets of domestic violence survivors:

• SAF-T Pet Friendly Domestic Violence Shelters
• Safe Place For Pets
• Animal Welfare Institute 
• Seattle Humane’s SPOT Program
• Kitsap Humane’s Pet Protection Program
• Domestic Abuse Women’s Network

If you need temporary housing, the following sites offer listings of local hotels that allow pets:

• Bring Fido
• Pets Welcome

There are resources available to assist you in feeding and caring for your pet. Please see our sections above for additional resources on veterinary bill assistance, low cost veterinary care, food banks, and finding pet-friendly housing.

The following organizations may offer additional services and assistance for those experiencing homelessness:

Washington Health Outreach offers free and low cost veterinary care for income qualified households, and those that are unhoused.

Seattle Veterinary Outreach provides mobile veterinary care.

Doney Coe Pet Clinic provides veterinary care, pet food, and pet supplies.

People for Animal Care and Kindness provides medical services and pet supplies.

Seattle Dogs Homeless Program assists with pet food and supplies, emergency vet care, spay and neuter, and boarding.

The Goochy Project coordinates short term foster placement for animals whose parents need to be temporarily separated.

Beck’s Place provides food, supplies, temporary boarding services, and veterinary care through their pay-what-you-can clinics for animals of homeless and low income residents of Snohomish County.

The Rainier Animal Fund provides wellness exams, medical care, and some surgical services during their in-service clinic days.

Pets of the Homeless provides an online resource to help people locate services for pet food, homeless shelters, free clinics, emergency vet care, and other resources.

Seattle Humane’s SPOT program may provide shelter to pets for owners who need temporary care due to housing insecurity, hospitalization, or other personal crisis.

Kitsap Humane’s Pet Protection Program provides temporary care for cats belonging to victims of domestic violence, people experiencing job loss, homelessness, or other unexpected life changes.

Nomad Pet Fostering can temporarily foster pets for owners living in Auburn when they are faced with a situation that may force them to be separated from their pet.