WHY Adopt with Dog Gone Seattle
The largest foster-based rescue in the PNW since 2017
Join the Pacific Northwest’s largest foster-based rescue community and adopt with confidence. Our dogs are known, our placements are thoughtful, and our rescue stands behind every adoption — with collaborative communication, trusted local resources, and a lifetime safety net for every dog.
Foster-Based Model
It comes down to the evaluation and individualized care each dog receives in foster-care, with the support of the rescue organization. We get to know the dog's personality and temperament and provide foundational skills like potty, crate and leash training to prepare them for a forever home. All of our adoptable dogs are healthy or on a path to health before adoption.
Rooted in Community
As the largest foster-based rescue in the PNW we are a well established community. In adopting you become a #DGSAlum joining a tribe 6k strong, connected online and in person to support each other. Adopters gain access to the Community Center, connections to trusted trainers and veterinarians, and exclusive perks and discounts from our partner network. Our community-driven model ensures that adoption is just the beginning of a relationship built on support, education, and shared passion for dogs.
Thoughtful Placements
Matching a dog with the right family is our top priority. We value honesty and transparency about lifestyle, experience and expectations from our adopters and to that end, we are fully transparent with our each dog's personality, needs and history. This honest and collaborative approach best facilitates successful placement.
Lifetime Support
Your relationship with Dog Gone Seattle doesn’t end on adoption day. We provide ongoing guidance and post-adoption support to help you and your dog thrive together. And if life changes, our lifetime safety net guarantees that your dog always has a place with us. We are committed to being there for you and your dog every step of the way.
Search Available Dogs
Search available dogs (or maybe you met a dog in person).
Complete Adoption Application
We ask everyone complete an adoption application. If you have issues, we recommend a Chrome Broswer.
Our Adoption Process
As a foster-based rescue, our community is greatly invested in the success of the dogs in our care. We do not offer same day adoptions so that we can ensure placements are likely to be successful for our dogs as well as the families seeking to adopt with us! We understand this process can feel dauting, but we promise it’s worth the wait to be matched with a dog who is a dynamo fit for your home.
Whether you meet one of our dogs at an Adoption Event or happen upon a Petfinder profile, the process is the same: everyone starts with an Adoption Application.
There are several factors that influence the timeline of adoption, but many folks welcome home a new family member within days of applying to adopt. Please be aware if you are not ready to bring home a dog in the immediate future, we cannot hold dogs for adoption: we expect that once approved to adopt you are available to welcome home a dog within 72 hours, and we cannot hold dogs for adoption.
In Person Meet and Greet
In Person meet and greet with foster family. This may be at your home.
Prepare to Adopt
If all parties agree, we will send you the link to adopt. Sign contract, pay fee, review vet records, etc.
Welcome Home Your Dog
Coordinate with foster family to welcome home your new dog.
FAQ
Here are answers to some common questions about adopting a dog from Dog Gone Seattle.
Why adopt from Dog Gone Seattle?
It’s hard to tell what a dog is really like from an online profile or a visit in a shelter environment. We carefully assess the temperament and personality of the dogs in our rescue through foster care. In foster homes, dogs will also learn foundational skills like potty training, crate training, and walking on a leash. Our process includes at least one in person-meeting with the dog and their foster family so you can learn more about the dog and we can learn more about what you are looking for, to ensure a good fit for everyone. We also ensure the dogs in our care are healthy (or have a clear path to health) prior to adoption, and all dogs are in foster care a minimum of 10 days prior to adoption so we can get to know them and make sure they are not likely to have any parasites or contagious bugs like kennel cough or parvo.
What happens if the dog is not a good fit?
We’re committed to quality placements for the dogs in our care as well as the families who trust us with matching a canine companion. For this reason, the vast majority of our placements are a happy success. However, if the dog is not a good fit in your home, we will accept the dog back into rescue for the life of the dog, and refund the adoption fee within 30 days. Adoption fee refund is subject to a 20% rehoming fee (this will be assessed at our discretion if we feel no good faith was made to follow through on your commitment to adoption).
How much does it cost to adopt a dog?
The current adoption fee is $575 (or less) for all dogs in the rescue. This consideration includes spay/neuter (a procedure which costs around $1,000 in the greater Seattle area), vaccinations, microchip with lifetime registration, and a recent health check with a veterinarian. Adoption fees help to cover the costs for all dogs in the rescue, many of which need extensive care such as special diets, dental procedures, orthopedic surgeries, and more. Adoption fees may be tax deductible as DGS is a 501(c)(3) organization.
How do I find out more about a certain dog?
If you’re interested in one of our available dogs, fill out an adoption application. A case manger will review your application and typically follow up with you within 72 hours. If you do have not received a response to your application, please email adopt@doggoneseattle.org. Please keep in mind our case managers are volunteers giving their time to help place dogs in need, and we are all doing our best to respond to all inquiries in a timely fashion.
Where are you located?
All of our dogs reside in foster homes with volunteers throughout the greater Seattle area. We do not have a central physical location where dogs reside. Our Community Center in Bothell is a hub for people (we do not have a physical shelter) and is not open to the public, except for public events or by appointment.
What if I have questions after I adopt?
Please reach out to us with any questions! The case manager who handled your adoption is a great resource, or you can email adopt@doggoneseattle.org.