The adoption fee for any animal from the WCHS includes their first year of vaccines, their microchip, spay or neuter, and thorough vetting. This means that every dog and cat that arrives at our shelter goes through the process of screening for common canine and feline diseases such as intestinal parasites, heart conditions, dental disease, fleas, and ticks, as well as any other potential abnormalities! Any underlying conditions are addressed and/or treated before adoption.

Yes, if you are renting your home, you must obtain approval from your landlord before adopting a pet. Potential adopters sometimes face last-minute denials from their landlords, which can complicate the adoption process. To avoid these issues, we ask you provide us with the # to your landlord/property manager so we can verify with them. We can also accept written consent from your landlord to have a pet in your rental property. This helps ensure a smooth adoption experience and a stable home for your new pet.

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.

Our adopted animals have been thoroughly screened for medical conditions before leaving the shelter, but this doesn’t mean that we can guarantee perfect health after the trip 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 30 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.