Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Humane Society of Central Washington and what do you do?
We are a private not-for-profit organization. We offer adoption services, community outreach and education programs, free or low-cost spay/neuter program, and are an authorized licensing agent for Yakima County, Yakima City, and Union Gap. We contract out for Animal Control Services to the cities of Sunnyside, Toppenish, Union Gap, Selah, and areas of the Yakama Nation Housing Authority complexes. We also carry housing contracts with the City of Yakima and Yakima County to house strays that Animal Control receives. We are not authorized to handle abuse or neglect cases within the city limits of Yakima or the rural areas of Yakima County. We are, however, empowered to investigate and enforce animal cruelty or abuse cases in the cities of Sunnyside, Toppenish, Wapato, Union Gap, and Selah. For more information on Animal Control issues please go to our Animal Control page.
How long are stray animals held at the Humane Society of Central Washington?
Stray animals that are picked up or brought to the shelter without identification are held for a minimum of 2-3 days (depending on where they came from) - not counting Sundays, or major holidays. Those animals who come into the shelter wearing identification are held a minimum of 5 days. When stray animals are admitted, we make every attempt to locate their owner(s). If the animal is not claimed by the end of the stray holding period, he/she becomes the property of HSCW and is immediately made available for adoption as long as there isn't any health issues or aggressive tendencies.
Is the Humane Society of Central Washington a "no-kill" shelter?
No. We are an open-admission shelter. Which means that we accept every stray dog, cat, and occasionally small animal (we do not have the proper facilities to care for small animals at this time) that is brought to us. Occasionally, we will ask people to hold onto an animal for a couple of days until space is available. We will only accept Owner-surrendered animals when space is available. We make every effort to place the animals into loving and permanent homes. If a successful adoption doesn't occur within a short amount of time we utilize off-site adoptions, foster homes, and an ever-growing network of Rescue Organizations and Shelters across Washington state to get animals out of our facility and provide them with more time to find a loving home.
The most difficult task that our staff performs is to euthanize animals. We do NOT place a "time-limit" on the animals in our care, but unfortunately we do have to euthanize for space reasons, especially during our busy seasons. At these times, we first select the sick, injured, and aggressive animals for euthanasia. If there is still a need for space than we will select Pit Bulls for euthanasia. If an animal that is admitted to us possesses serious medical or behavioral issues that make it unfair to the animal and to potential adopters to place it for adoption, we will humanely euthanize the animal. We believe that in some cases the most humane action that can be taken for a particular animal is to euthanize it.
It is important to understand that there is a serious pet overpopulation problem in this country. That is why it is so important that pet owners spay or neuter their pets; there are simply not enough homes for all of the pets that are born.
How is euthanasia performed?
Euthanasia is humanely performed in a room separated from the other animals by a compassionate, trained and certified technician. Dogs are euthanized by an intravenous injection of Sodium Pentobarbital. Cats are euthanized by an intraperitoneal injection of Sodium Pentobarbital. The procedure is quick and painless for the animals.
Can I get a trap from the Humane Society of Central Washington to catch a stray cat?
Yes. We do rent out humane traps to the public. Please contact the Front Desk at 1-509-457-6854 for availability of traps. There is a $50 refundable deposit and a fee of $8 per day for rental, there is no charge for the cats that you bring to us in the trap. Before trapping a stray cat, it is important to make sure that the trap you are using is a humane one, and that you check the trap frequently so that the cat is not trapped for any length of time. All trapped animals must be treated humanely.
I suspect that an animal is being abused/neglected. What should I do?
If you suspect that an animal is being neglected or abused, please contact your local animal control agency. Your voice is needed to protect that animal! Get as much information as possible. This includes the condition of the animal and whether the animal is being provided with proper shelter, water, and other necessities. The exact location and description of the animal is also helpful. However, even if you cannot obtain this information and you suspect an animal is being neglected, you still should report this.
Information provided to your local animal control agency is confidential. For the correct animal control agency to contact please visit our Animal Control page.
I found a stray animal, what do I do?
Please call us immediately. There is a good chance someone is already looking for a lost pet. If you wish to keep it while the owner is found, that’s fine, or you can bring the animal to our facility. There is a minimal fee for all animals coming into our facility. If you would like animal control to come and pick up the animal please visit our Animal Control page for that information. If the animal did not come from Yakima County we cannot accept it, please contact your local Animal Control or Police Dept. for your options.
I need to have my pet euthanized, what can I do?
If your pet is very ill or has serious medical issues, please speak with your own personal veterinarian about what options are available. The Humane Society of Central Washington does not perform euthanasia for the public at this time.
What if my pet passes away at home?
Deceased animals may be brought to the Humane Society of Central Washington for disposal. There is a disposal fee of $15 for dogs and $10 for cats. We are sorry, but we do not make house calls.
