CatAdoptionSeattle.com

How to Surrender or Rehome a Cat in Washington

Rehoming a pet is a difficult and often heartbreaking decision. Whether you are moving, experiencing financial hardship, or have found a stray cat you cannot keep, there are safe and humane options available across Seattle, Bellingham, and the wider Washington area.

Steps to Rehoming a Cat

1. Try Direct Rehoming First

Shelters can be extremely stressful environments for cats. Before contacting a shelter, try rehoming the cat yourself. Ask friends, family, and coworkers if they are looking for a pet. You can also use services like Adopt-a-Pet's Rehome program, which allows you to create a profile for your cat and screen potential adopters yourself, keeping the cat out of the shelter system entirely.

2. Contact Foster-Based Rescues

Foster-based rescues place animals in volunteer homes rather than physical shelter buildings. This is much less stressful for the cat. Rescues often have waitlists, so contact them as early as possible.

3. Open-Admission Shelters as a Last Resort

If you cannot find an adopter or a rescue with space, contact your local municipal shelter. These shelters are often required to take in animals from their jurisdiction.

  • Seattle: Seattle Animal Shelter
  • Bellevue/Eastside: Seattle Humane
  • Bellingham: Whatcom Humane Society
  • Kitsap County: Kitsap Humane Society

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I take my cat in Bellingham if I need to rehome them? +
If you need to surrender a cat in Bellingham, you can contact the Whatcom Humane Society, which operates as an open-admission shelter. Alternatively, rescues like Whatcom Feline Alliance may be able to help if they have foster space available.
Will the shelter euthanize my cat if I surrender it? +
In the Seattle, Bellevue, Kitsap, and Bellingham areas, most municipal shelters and large rescues have incredibly high live-release rates (often over 90%). They do not euthanize for space. Euthanasia is typically only considered if a cat is suffering from a severe, untreatable medical condition or has severe, dangerous behavioral issues.
Is there a fee to surrender a cat? +
Yes, most shelters and rescues charge a surrender fee (usually between $25 and $75). This fee helps offset the costs of boarding, feeding, and providing veterinary care for the cat while it waits for a new home. If you cannot afford the fee, many municipal shelters will still work with you.
What information should I provide when surrendering my cat? +
Be honest and thorough! Provide all veterinary records, a history of where the cat came from, their current diet, and detailed notes on their behavior. Do they like other cats? Are they scared of loud noises? Providing this information helps the shelter place the cat in an appropriate new home much faster.
Are there alternatives to surrendering my cat? +
Absolutely. If you are struggling with pet rent, food costs, or veterinary bills, organizations like Seattle Humane and the Seattle Animal Shelter offer pet food banks and low-cost veterinary services designed to keep pets in their homes. If behavior is an issue, look into local low-cost behavioral consulting before making a decision.