Home To Home Direct Adoption
What is it?
The Home To Home program is a unique, direct-to-adopter tool for pet owners that need to rehome an animal. In just a few simple steps, pets can find a loving new home without ever entering a shelter. It’s free to use for both pet owners and adopters, and it gives animals needing a new home the best of both worlds: their current owner can find the best fit, and their adopter can learn all about their personality and preferences firsthand. It’s a win-win for pets!
The benefits!
- Less stress for the pet! Because these pets move directly to their new home, they never have to enter the shelter. Regardless of the facility or quality of care, a shelter is a strange and unfamiliar place for any pet.
- More space in the shelter! This allows us to use our limited shelter space and resources to take in animals that have no other options. We may be able to rescue more animals at risk of abuse or neglect, and pull animals from other shelters to avoid overcrowding and euthanasia.
- Adopters get more information! Owners are able to tell adopters all about their pet’s personality and preferences first hand. Adopters get to see the pet’s behavior in a more natural environment.
- We can help other animals! Although our shelter only houses cats and dogs, any species (as long as they are legal to own in Washington State) can be rehomed through Home To Home.
How much does it cost?
Home To Home is free to use for both owners and adopters, and no money should ever exchange hands. If you are offered money or asked to pay fees for any adoption or related activity, please contact us immediately. We review all profiles before they are posted on the Home To Home site to prevent any misuse of the program by anyone that may be breeding pets for profit.
How can I adopt a pet through Home To Home?
First, visit the Home To Home website to register, and view all of the adoptable pets!
Once you’re a registered user, you’ll be able to contact current pet owners directly to learn more about any pet that you might be interested in. This is done privately through the secure messaging service in your Home To Home profile, so your information remains confidential. Once you find the right pet, you can arrange to meet them with the pet owner, and potentially adopt a new furry family member!
If you need some tips on what to discuss with a pet owner, you’ll have access to some sample adoption questions and other helpful resources in your Home To Home Profile. See our Tips & Tools section below for more information.
How can I rehome my pet through Home To Home?
First, visit the Home To Home website to register, and create your pet’s listing. Select Homeward Pet Adoption Center as your supporting shelter.
Once your pet’s listing is submitted, we’ll review their information. Once approved, your pet will be posted on the Home To Home website, and potential adopters will be able to contact you directly to learn more about your pet. This is done privately through the secure messaging service in your Home To Home profile, so your information remains confidential. Once you find the right person for your pet, you can arrange to meet with them, and potentially place your pet in their new home!
If you need some tips on what to discuss with a potential adopter, you’ll have access to some sample interview questions and other helpful resources in your Home To Home Profile. See our Tips & Tools section below for more information.
Rehoming your pet is a difficult decision and we understand you may find yourself in a situation where you feel that you have no other options. Before making that decision, please review our Pet Retention Resources for assistance with many of the challenges that cause pets to be rehomed or surrendered. Whether you’re experiencing financial challenges, moving or housing issues, allergies, house soiling, behavioral issues, or one of many other challenges, we may be able to help you find a solution that allows you to keep your pet.
Tips & Tools
For more ideas, see this short video of ten tips to take better pet photographs.
To reach a wider audience of prospective adopters, you may also consider utilizing other reputable pet rehoming websites in addition to Home To Home, such as rehome.adoptapet.com.
Your personal network is another great opportunity to find a loving home for your pet. Share with friends and family - you may be surprised that you already know someone looking for a new pet! Your network can also help by sharing with their friends and family as well. You may also be able to promote your pet through people you know at work, school, or other social circles. Get the word out there!
If you need some tips on what to discuss with a potential adopter, you’ll have access to some sample interview questions and other helpful resources in your Home To Home Profile.
Be prepared to answer questions from a potential adopter too—they will likely want to know as much as possible about your pet’s history—where you got them, how long you’ve had them, all about their personality, and about any medical and behavioral needs they have.
Check out this list of Safe Trade Stations.
When you adopt or rehome a pet through the Home To Home website, you’ll have access to a digital contract to streamline this process.
If you’re not sure which brand/company your pet is microchipped with, you can use the AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup to find out where your pets chip is registered. If you are unsure of your pet’s microchip number, your veterinarian should be able to scan your pet and provide you with this number.
More questions?
If you have more questions, please reach out to us at ! You can also find more helpful tips on the Home To Home website.