About Us

The Seattle Animal Shelter was founded in 1972 to protect public safety and enforce all animal-related ordinances for the City of Seattle.  In addition to our primary role, we care for the abandoned, abused and orphaned animals of Seattle.  To fulfill our dual missions, we provide eight core services:

  • Enforce animal-related ordinances
  • Investigate animal cruelty, neglect and abuse
  • License all cats, dogs, potbellied pigs and pygmy goats
  • Educate residents about responsible pet ownership
  • Care for the city's lost and unwanted animals
  • Reunite lost animals with their owners
  • Adopt orphaned animals to suitable homes
  • Administer a low-cost spay and neuter clinic