No, we are 100% foster-based and do not have a facility. To meet one of our pups or cats outside of events, we require an approved application.

We are a small group of volunteers with jobs and families and not available for unscheduled phone calls. The best ways to reach us are via email northwestwagrescue@gmail.com or instagram message @northwestwagrescue Please allow 24-72 hours for replies!

Yes! We are a GuideStar verified registered 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Public Charity with the EIN 92-0497727 and can provide you with a receipt or other information upon request.

No. Aggression is not a breed characteristic or personality trait and is not specific to any one breed of dog. The American Temperament Test Society, which provides a uniform national program of temperament testing for dogs, has found that pit-bull-terrier-like dogs passed the test at a higher rate than many other dog breeds, including golden retrievers and border collies. Aggression in dogs is largely influenced by how they are raised, trained, and socialized. Please refer to Best Friends Society Pitbull Facts and Myths.

Yes, there are many advantages to adopting a mixed breed pet or a pitbull dog. Mixed breed pets can have unique and interesting physical and behavioral traits, and often have fewer health issues. Pitbull dogs are loving and loyal companions that can make wonderful pets with proper training and socialization.

At Northwest Wag Rescue, we do our best to ensure that every pet we rescue receives proper medical care and attention, as well as basic behavioral training. However, in some cases, a rescued pet may have underlying behavioral issues that may not be immediately apparent. If one of our rescued pets has any known behavioral issues, they will be noted down on their profile page on our website, along with any special needs they may have. We encourage potential adopters to review a pet's profile carefully and ask questions to the foster parents, before deciding to adopt. In addition, we strongly recommend consulting with a professional trainer or behaviorist if you have any concerns about a pet's behavior. Remember, with patience, love, and training, many behavioral issues can be addressed and resolved.

Thank you for reaching out to us! As a nonprofit pet rescue organization, we rely on the support of dedicated volunteers to respond to emails and inquiries. We try our best to respond to all inquiries as quickly as possible, typically in 24-72 hours, but there may be times when it takes us a bit longer to get back to you. If you haven't heard back from us after 72 hours, please don't hesitate to follow up with us.

No breed of dog, including pit bulls, is inherently dangerous. Every dog is an individual, no matter the breed. It is important to remember that any breed of dog has the potential to be dangerous if not treated with care and respect. Please refer to Best Friends Society Pitbull Facts and Myths.

At NorthWest Wag Rescue, we prioritize rescuing pets that are at risk of euthanasia in high-kill shelters. We have partnerships with Roswell Shelter in New Mexico, Stanislaus Shelter in Modesto, CA, START Rescue, Taillights Rescue Project, and Flying Dog Rescue Ranch in Mexico to help us in this mission. Our goal is to rescue as many pets as possible and find them loving forever homes in the Pacific Northwest. We believe that every animal deserves a chance to live a happy and fulfilling life, and we strive to make that happen through our rescue efforts.

Pitbull dogs and mixed-breed dogs do not require any special care beyond what is required for any other dog. It is important to provide all dogs with proper nutrition, exercise, and veterinary care. All dogs require training, and pitbull and mixed-breed dogs are no exception. It is important to provide dogs with positive reinforcement-based training to help them become well-behaved and well-adjusted members of the family.

Yes! We're always looking for volunteers to help us with everything from rscreening applications and social media support to transporting pups and helping at events in the Puget Sound Area. Some things can be done from home, wherever you are! Please fill out our volunteer form if you're interested!

Mixed-breed pets are just as loving and deserving of a forever home as purebred pets. In fact, many mixed-breed pets are healthier and have fewer breed-specific health issues.

At Northwest Wag Rescue, we greatly appreciate all donations of new and gently used items for our rescued pets. These donations help us provide the best care possible to our furry friends. We happily accept donations of pet supplies, such as food, treats, flea/tick prevention, Panacur, probiotics, beds, toys, leashes, collars, and food bowls, as well as cleaning supplies, office supplies, and other items that help us run our organization smoothly. If you have items you would like to donate, please send us an email at northwestwagrescue@gmail.com to coordinate a pickup or drop-off time. We appreciate your generosity and support in helping us continue our mission of rescuing and rehoming pets in need.

Absolutely! Pitbulls, like any other breed, can make great family pets. All dogs, regardless of breed, have their own personality and temperament. At Northwest Wag Rescue, our fosters take the time to get to know each of our dogs individually. We can help you find a dog that would be a good fit for your family's lifestyle and needs. We always recommend that families with young children supervise their interactions with any dog, and teach them how to properly interact with and respect animals. If you have concerns about adopting a pitbull with children, our team can help answer any questions you may have and provide guidance on how to safely introduce your new pet to your family.

Yes, absolutely! Fostering a pet before deciding to adopt is a great way to get to know the pet and make sure that they are the right fit for your family. We encourage you to apply to become a foster home and open your heart and home to a pet in need. Please keep in mind that while you are fostering a pet, they are still available for adoption, and we will be receiving applications from potential adopters. If you fall in love with your foster pet and decide you want to adopt, we encourage you to let us know as soon as possible, so we can process your application and ensure that your foster pet is not adopted by someone else.

We ask for a $500 donation for dogs. Your donations help us covers the cost of their shelter fees, transport to Washington, all standard vaccinations, and spay/neuter for pets of appropriate age. If your pup is too young at the time of adoption, we will provide a voucher for your use at Northwest Spay and Neuter Center in Tacoma; pets over 4 months of age will receive Spay/Neuter voucher, while those under 4 months will receive a Wellness Voucher. If you are interested in adopting a pair, we ask for an $850 donation for the pair of dogs. Adoption of cats and kittens over 4 months, we ask $300. Again, this donation help us covers the cost of their shelter fees, transport to Washington, all standard vaccinations, and spay/neuter. Kittens under 4 months we offer the option of $150 without spay/neuter voucher or $300 with the voucher to cover their procedure at Northwest Spay and Neuter Center in Tacoma.

No, we do not currently have a facility. We rely on our cat and dog fosters in Tacoma, Seattle, Gig Harbor, Bremerton, and other areas in the PNW to help us rescue pets and save lives! Please keep an eye on our upcoming events if you want to meet the pups before applying!

Though you can offer to pay the adoption fee, the recipient must be involved in the entire adoption process, including filling out the application, going through the interviews and reference checks themselves to ensure that they are ready for the responsibility and commitment of pet ownership. If you are adopting a pet for a child, we require that the adult(s) commit to caring for the pet in the event the child cannot meet the responsibilities. We encourage potential adopters to meet and interact with the pets to help them find the best match. Adopting a pet is a big decision that should be carefully considered, and we want to make sure that the pet and the new owner are a good match for each other. Therefore, we require the person who will be the primary caregiver to complete the adoption application and screening process.

Yes, we are absolutely OK with having the pups fixed at another facility, but we would not cover that cost, and no discount is given on adoption fee.

Yes! You can adopt our dogs and cats from different areas of the Pacific Northwest such as: in a reasonable range of Tacoma, Washington State Northwest Idaho North Oregon Southern British Columbia However, we cannot provide transportation to these locations and it would be up to individual fosters on how far they would be comfortable traveling to meet. In these cases, we would require a trial agreement to be signed prior to the meeting (if the trial option is available). Adoptions to Canada may require additional expenses.

Depending on the age of the pet, pups will have standard vaccinations, will be wormed, and spayed/neutered. Pets over 4mo that are not yet scheduled to be spayed/neutered will be offered a voucher for Northwest Spay and Neuter Center in Tacoma. Pets under 4mo will not be fixed, but we offer a Wellness Visit voucher to cover their next round of vaccines.

Yes! We offer a 10-day trial period as a standard part of adopting our dogs. We require you to give the trial a minimum of 5 days prior to deciding whether the pup will not work. Most pups need decompression time in new environments to start showing their true personalities. Please familiarize yourself with the 3-3-3 rule of thumb for rescue dogs. If you are adopting a dog outside of Washington/Northwest Oregon we are not able to offer this trial period. We do not offer a trial period for cats.

We typically answer applications to adopt pets in the PNW, or in other locations, within 5 days. For dogs, once you meet the pet and decide to take them home, we have a 5-day minimum, and 10-day maximum, trial period. We do not offer this trial period for cats.

We require every adopter to be over 18 years old and to go through the application process, including interviews and reference checks. Every dog and cat is different, and there are many ways to meet their needs!

Yes, you can by coming to one of our events or submitting an adoption application. With the exception of events, we require an approved application prior to meeting a pup. Once we have an approved application, we can connect you with fosters and set up meet and greets. We do not offer same-day adoptions at events.

No extra fees from our side, but as a pet owner you’ll need to be able to support the costs of food, medical care, and more. At adoption, you will be charged an additional refundable deposit (or you can purchase) the pup’s AirTag ($30) or Fi collar ($100), but return it within two weeks of adoption and you’ll get your deposit back! Purchase of a Fi collar includes a code for a one-year free subscription. Cats do not have tracking collars.

At Northwest Wag Rescue, we have a variety of dogs and cats from areas across the country available for adoption in the PNW. Our dogs and cats for adoption in Tacoma, Seattle, Gig Harbor, Port Orchard, and other cities in the PNW, range in size from small to large, and we have many breeds and mixes to choose from. Our pets are of different colors and ages and are all spayed or neutered (except those too young for it), up-to-date on vaccinations, and microchipped. We strive to match each adopter with a pet that suits their lifestyle and personality, and we encourage you to browse our available pets on our website and fill out an adoption application. Most of our adoptable pets are all located in the Pacific Northwest area, and we welcome you to schedule a visit with our available pets once your application is approved.

We can connect you with a great local trainer, depending on your location and needs. AllEars Pet Care, Raining Treats Dog Training, Bullishly Brilliant, and Sidekick Dog Training are all great trainers our alumni have worked with. Please reach out via email to northwestwagrescue@gmail.com for more information!

First, check the bio, pics, and videos posted on the pet profiles on our website. Then, follow and scroll our Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok profiles for daily extra content about our pets. Lastly, send an email to northwestwagrescue@gmail.com with your questions and we will reply as soon as we can to provide you more information about our adoptable pets. Please allow 24-48 hours for replies.

Our process starts with an application on our website, northwestwagrescue.org and someone will be in touch with you within a few days. Once we have an approved application, we can connect you with fosters and set up meet and greets. For dogs, we offer a 5-day minimum, 10-day maximum trial period for adoptions and our current fee is $500, which includes all standard vaccinations and spay/neuter (except for dogs and cats under 4mo at the time of adoption). For cats, we do not offer a trial period at this time and our fee is $200.

Preparing your home for a newly adopted pet is an essential step in ensuring a smooth transition for your furry friend. Please refer to this great guide for welcoming a new pup; https://www.bullishlybrilliant.com/decompression-and-integration-guide Some tips to prepare your home for a new pet include: Make sure your home is safe: Check for any potential hazards such as loose wires, toxic plants, or sharp objects. Ensure that any areas where your pet will be spending time are free from hazards. Secure your home: Make sure that all doors and windows are secure, and that your pet cannot escape or get into areas that are off-limits. Designate an area for your pet: Create a designated space for your pet, including a comfortable bed, toys, and food and water bowls. If you use a kennel, it should also be in this area. Stock up on supplies: Purchase all necessary supplies for your new pet, including food, treats, a collar and leash, a litter box and litter (if applicable), and grooming supplies. Prepare your family: Make sure that everyone in your family is prepared for the new addition and knows how to properly care for the pet. Discuss feeding schedules, exercise routines, and any other important information. By taking these steps to prepare your home, you can create a safe and comfortable environment for your newly adopted pet.

Please email us at northwestwagrescue@gmail.com and we will reply as soon as we can with the next steps for the dog. We require a minimum of 3 sessions with a qualified trainer prior to the return of any dog. Our goal is always to keep pups in their home and trainers are great resources! We work with several local trainers and can offer referrals for any situation.

Absolutely! We encourage people who already have pets to consider adopting a new furry friend. However, it's important to introduce the new pet slowly and carefully to ensure a smooth transition for everyone involved. We recommend setting up a separate space for the new pet initially and gradually introducing them to your current pets in a supervised and controlled manner. We also suggest speaking with your veterinarian to ensure all your pets are up to date on their vaccinations and to get advice on any additional steps you can take to make the introduction successful. Please note that our pets' profiles will typically say if they are friendly to other pets, however, no one can say with 100% certainty how each pet will react in every situation. This is one of the reasons we offer a trial period of a minimum of 5 days up to 10 days.

No! We don't require you to have a yard at all. We recognize many people live in apartments/condos/houses without yards but are still wonderful, responsible pawrents who get their pup appropriate potty breaks and exercise of the leashed kind! Please feel free to apply for our pups, to foster or adopt in the PNW, with or without a yard!

If your pup is too young to be spayed/neutered prior to adoption or has all the standard rounds of basic vaccinations at the time of adoption, we will provide a voucher for your use at Northwest Spay and Neuter Center in Tacoma. Pets over 4mo will receive a spay/neuter voucher, and those under 4mo a Wellness Visit voucher to cover their additional vaccines.

If there are any special requirements for adopting a senior pet, they'll be noted in the pet bio. Senior pets often have specific care needs that should be taken into consideration. For example, they may need a special diet, extra attention, and more frequent visits to the vet. However, adopting a senior pet can be a very rewarding experience. They are often already trained and well-behaved, and they just want to spend their golden years in a loving home. Here are some tips for caring for a senior pet: Consider their energy level: Senior pets may not have the same energy levels as younger pets, so make sure to adjust their exercise routine accordingly. Pay attention to their diet: Older pets may have specific dietary requirements, such as a low-fat or low-sodium diet, to help manage health conditions. Make accommodations for their mobility: Older pets may have arthritis or other mobility issues, so make sure their environment is safe and comfortable for them. Visit the vet regularly: Senior pets may need more frequent vet visits to monitor their health and manage any age-related conditions. Reach out to our friends at Adopt Old Dogs (@eugenetheseniordog) for more information!

Yes. individuals must be at least 18 years old to adopt one of our pets.

Fostering with us can be 100% Free! We provide all the essentials such as kennel, collar, harness, leashes, food, toys, and even treats. We can also share resources to help minimize stress on in-home animals and people. All you need is time and an open home and heart!

We recognize this can happen, even with the most information possible prior to dog arrival, new behaviors commonly arise as a dog adjusts to a home (refer to 3-3-3 rule of thumb). Please email us at northwestwagrescue@gmail.com or text our main number at 253-254-6340 to figure out next steps. We will try to place the dog in a new foster as soon as possible, but unless there is an immediate safety issue, we cannot guarantee any timeline for rehoming. We’re happy to provide training guidance and suggestions on separation as needed!

First, Email Us! If it's a behavior or issue that goes beyond our typical guidance, we have a trainer we work with. We recognize that behaviors can arise in home that were not known prior, and we want to support our Foster pawrents and pups as much as possible! If we feel a training assessment and appointments are necessary, we will work with you to schedule.

Most of our fosters have pets of their own in the home! It's best to be thoughtful and careful whenever you introduce your pet to other animals, whether in passing, off-leash areas, daycare, or boarding. This goes for your home and foster pets too! If your pets are current on their vaccinations, maintain healthy diets and lifestyles, and are not immune compromised, the health risks should be minimal. We can share resources about how to best set up your home and manage introductions. Remember separation and slow introductions are keys to success!

Length of time dogs spend in foster care varies greatly! Some pups may only be with you a week or two, some may take much longer. We have resources to help you best showcase your foster to potential adopters, including training tips, and how highlight their best sides in pictures and bios!

Many pups post-transport will have stress colitis, including bloody poop. Most pups will resolve it on their own within a few days, but probiotics and a gentle diet are also helpful! If you need probiotics or are concerned about other illnesses such as giardia or worms, please email us at northwestwagrescue@gmail.com including pictures and we can get you the appropriate treatments!

Do you love dogs? Will you do anything to take care of the pup? Do you have spare time and energy to devote to an adorable fur-baby? As long as your answers are yes, we think you're a great candidate! Fill out an application and we can chat further about which pup may be a good fit for you and your home.

Please direct them to our website to fill out an application! All potential adopters/fosters MUST complete an application and be fully vetted prior to taking any of our dogs home with them.

Our fosters must be willing and able to transport the dog to their scheduled appointment at Northwest Spay & Neuter in Tacoma, we do not have any other facility for this important procedure. We can have some flexibility to schedule certain days that work for you, but we cannot guarantee that. The time of dropoff/pickup is set. Dropoff is at 7am and pickup at 3pm, and you’ll need to text the number posted upon arrival and wait until instructed to come inside. Let them know at dropoff if you need a cone to be provided and one will be available at pickup. Please allow 30+ minutes for this process at both pickup and dropoff. You will also receive 3-days of medication to be started the following morning, all in pre-measured doses. You will need to limit the activities for 10-14 days. Leashed walks of any length are always OK! We recognize some pups may need help with limiting activity, we recommend CBD solution and/or calming treats. Please email us at northwestwagrescue@gmail.com if you need help with these items. In very few cases, additional medication can be provided, but this is not needed for the vast majority of pups.

Yes! Please see our foster resources page for more information!

We screen applications and talk to references! Once we have an approved application, we will pass their information on to you to reach out, answer any of their specific questions, and schedule a meet and greet. If everything goes well, they can take the pup home from there to start their trial. Please email us to let us know how the Meet and Greet went and if they took the pup home!

Please email us at northwestwagrescue@gmail.com or text our main number at 253-254-6340 and we will get back with you as soon as we can. We require our pups to be seen at our vet/approved facilities. If you choose to take the dog to a vet without prior approval, we cannot cover that cost.

We currently work with two high-kill shelters; Roswell, NM and Stanislaus in Modesto, CA. We are happy to tag dogs from either facility with a committed foster. Please note that your commitment is the only thing saving this dog’s life, we do not have a facility or other space for this dog to land if you back out. Please think carefully before committing to foster a euthanasia-listed pup. Please start by emailing northwesteagrescue@gmail.com and filling out our foster application on our website northwestwagrescue.org to get started.