About HPAC
About Homeward Pet
Homeward Pet Adoption Center is one of the leading non-profit, no-kill animal shelters in Washington State.
Our mission is to transform the lives of cats and dogs in need through compassionate medical care, positive behavior training, and successful adoption while building a more humane community.
Homeward Pet is a private organization. We receive no state or federal funding. Your donations help us to grow a robust program that spans beyond simply intake and adoption. Enlisting the principles and practices of Fear Free Sheltering, the animals in our care are assessed as individuals and receive behavioral, medical, and in-home foster care as needed. Because of the generous support of donors and volunteers, we can care for animals that others may not have the resources for.
In addition, we provide free behavior consultations and low cost spay/neuter services to keep animals out of the shelter system and in their homes. We can work with owners to find a way to keep their pets. If an animal must be rehomed, we offer Home to Home to help owners match up directly with new adopters so that the animal never has to spend a day in the shelter.
The Story of Gridley
Last Spring, our Intake Manager, Katie, helped welcome an extra-large, 6.5-year-old black lab named Gridley from the Yakima Transport Van. Gridley was set up as a guest in a 10×5 kennel with toys and a soft bed. With no outstanding medical or behavioral challenges, he was cleared for adoption right away. He was a fun-loving, couch potato of dog. Our volunteer walkers reported that he was easy to walk but preferred cuddling or quiet time. However, weighing in at 115 pounds, his size tended to be a concern for potential adopters.
He stayed for 2 months as a guest in our shelter and was loved by staff and volunteers alike. His adopters discovered him through our adoption outreach program and drove up from Portland Oregon to finalize the paperwork to adopt him.
Gridley’s new family fell in love with him, yet they found it necessary to reach out to our Post-Adoption Support and Behavior Line for help.Gridley was indeed a big lover and couch potato, but he was having a hard time adjusting to his new life. He had become anxious, vocal and destructive, and his adopters needed help figuring out how to best ease his anxiety.
Our Behavior Team communicated weekly with the adopters, providing tips and tricks to help Gridley adjust. After a challenging 8 weeks, Gridley settled in, and his adopters sent the following update:
My husband and I love snuggling with him, as he politely sneaks onto our bed in the wee hours of the morning and nestles himself in between us.We start training with Noble Woof trainers (thanks for the recommendation, Theo) next month to work on basic training and some impulse issues, but he has shown that he is highly trainable and eager to please.
We had a challenging start with Gridley, and of course we were worried we wouldn’t be the right fit for him, but we are so glad we stuck with him! He is a great dog and we love him!"
While we care for the animals within the walls of the shelter, our compassion and support doesn’t end there. With our Behavior and Adoption Support Teams, we provide free services and support to adopters, while they adjust to new life with their new family member.
Your support makes this possible!
We Believe In Karma
Just because an animal has serious medical complications, doesn't mean that we give up on them.Karma came through our doors with both hyperthyroid disease and early signs of kidney disease. She also came with a zest for life and an adventurous nature.
Both of these illnesses would take time, and a certain amount of trial and error to find the right balance of medication to treat her symptoms and make her life manageable.
The longer Karma was with us, the more we got to know her. Karma’s personality emerged as her symptoms were managed and her pain and discomfort decreased. We discovered that she loved laying under the sun lamp and watching birds on the TV screens. Her ultimate favorite thing though - hours upon hours of lap time.
As we learned these fun personality quirks, we were able to share them with potential adopters, and after some time, Karma left Homeward Pet.
Her new family adores her, and has even started harness training her to give her time outside to see real birds and not just ones on a screen.
Your support provides the funds for this type of extended medical care and intervention. Homeward Pet is blessed to have a clinic and staff that goes above and beyond to prepare a customized veterinary plan for each animal we host.
