How to Adopt!

1. Browse available animals online!
View our current adoptable dogs and cats on our adoptables page anytime. Please note that animals in foster care will have additional meet and greet instructions listed in their bios.

2. Visit the shelter during open hours to meet available animals.
Our animals are adopted on a first-come, first-served basis. Stop by to meet available pets, learn about their personalities, and find the right match.

For dogs, please check in with staff in the Cat & Admin Building, and we’ll bring adoptable dogs out to meet you. This helps keep our dog building calm and stress-free for the dogs in our care.

3. Let staff know when you found your match!
Once you’ve found an animal you’re interested in, our staff will help guide you through the adoption process. We don’t rush meet and greets just to fit in more appointments. Our goal is to create positive, thoughtful matches that set both the adopter and the animal up for success.

Please note that dog meet and greets will not begin within 30 minutes of closing. We typically have one staff member available to assist with dog introductions, and wait times may occur during busy periods. If there are multiple families waiting near closing, you may be asked to return another day so we can ensure each adopter and animal receives the time and attention needed for a successful match. Returning another day does not guarantee priority, as adoptions continue on a first-come, first-served basis

Browse Adoptable Pets

Adoption Fees

Kittens (Under 6 months) - $170

Adult Cat (Over 6 months) - $90

Senior Cat (Over 7 years old) - $50

Puppies (Under 6 months old) - $290

Adult Dogs (Over 6 months old) - $175

Senior Dogs (Over 7 years old) - $90

The adoption fee for any animal from the WCHS includes the pet’s vaccines to the appropriate age, microchip, and spay or neuter.

Adoption FAQ’S

  • Our dog building is open to staff and trained volunteers only.

    Our dogs’ kennels are their living space while they wait for their forever homes, and we work hard to keep that environment as calm and predictable as possible. Because our dog building has a circular layout, one person entering the space can trigger a chain reaction where every dog sees, hears, and reacts to the activity. This creates unnecessary stress and excitement for the entire building.

    Additionally, some dogs may be on medical holds, behavior plans, or require extra space and limited interaction. Staff and volunteers complete training on shelter protocols, animal behavior, and reading kennel signage to ensure each dog’s needs are respected.

    If you are interested in adopting, please check in with staff in the Cat & Admin Building. We are happy to bring our adoptable dogs out to you during our open hours!

  • If you are renting your home, you likely need to obtain approval from your landlord before adopting a pet. Potential adopters sometimes face last-minute denials from their landlords. This helps ensure a smooth adoption experience and a stable home for your new pet. Please note that WCHS may not be able to take a pet back immediately if an issue with your landlord arises after adoption.

  • The WCHS aims to have open conversations with adopters as to best pair them with an animal suited to their needs. However, sometimes it is hard to say if it is the perfect match before giving it a try. A new pet is a big commitment, and we take that just as seriously as you likely are! Adopters looking into adult cats, dogs, and puppies are often given the opportunity to do a “Foster to Adopt”. This one to two-week trial is often a good way to make sure that a new pet and a previous pet are well suited to live in the same home, as well as to allow you to evaluate your needs versus the needs of this new animal. This program is not applicable for every adoption, so please be sure to speak with shelter staff if you feel like this is the best option for your home.

  • A combination of factors such as stress, food change, and the location where the animal was originally found play into this. If your new family member begins to show signs of health issues within the first 10 days of adoption, please call us right away at (509) 332-3422 so that we are able to have your pet seen by our veterinarian. We are dedicated to each animal, and aim to support both them and their new family through their adoption!

  • Yes, local regulations may limit the number of pets you can have in your home. We recommend checking your city or county’s pet ownership laws to ensure you comply with any restrictions. For example, in Pullman, the limit is three cats and three dogs per household. Violating these regulations can lead to significant fines, so it’s important to be aware of and adhere to your area’s rules before adopting a pet.

  • Check out our pet support program!