"An organization devoted to saving the lives of homeless animals and placing them in caring, responsible homes."

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A History of Adopt-A-Pet

Seven concerned animal lovers in Shelton, Washington, founded Looking for a Home Team 1979.  "They  just felt that there were so many organizations to help people but very few to help animals," With the assistance of a terrific all-volunteer staff  2 chain link and wooden kennels were built by the group and placed at a private resident on Olympic Highway were they remained for approximately one year.  Then 4 more kennels and were built and located at another volunteers residence for approximately 4 years.  This was to be repeated for many years.

When Elsie and Bill moved to Shelton in 1979 after retiring from aerospace jobs in California, they became members of newly formed Adopt-A-Pet.  We changed the name to Adopt-a-Pet in July of 1983.  But they didn't really expect to end up with an animal shelter on their property. "A veterinarian in Shelton was going to donate a dog kennel to Adopt-A-Pet," Elsie explained," and we offered to store it on our property until we could find another place for it."

Almost immediately, someone brought them an abandoned nursing dog and her litter of puppies, who moved into the kennel. "After that, we started taking in one dog after another, because there was always an emergency, always a dog in need."  Another set of donated kennels filled up right away.

Then, one Adopt-A-Pet supporter gave the group a miraculous gift of $4,000, which allowed  Adopt-A-Pet to expand the shelter to its current size.

With Bill and Elsie now both gone... we have purchased the property that our shelter sits on and we are in the remodeling process. 

Adopt-A-Pet now has 36 members. Our first Garage sale was held at a volunteers house and then as we grew they were held at the PUD and now a monthly rummage sale, held on the 2nd Saturday of every month in Shelton at 2nd and Grove Streets, is the group's main source of support.  Volunteers donate their time to organize and run the rummage sale and to care for the dogs.

Why do they do it? "Because we love animals, and we want to help them out,"

The Adopt-A-Pet Board

Rummage Sale

Adopt-A-Pet's monthly rummage sales are its greatest source of income.  Without the sales there would be no shelter.  Sales are held the 2nd Saturday of each month, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  

2nd & Grove St

Your donations of usable rummage are greatly appreciated and can be dropped off each  Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.  Or phone (360) 426-4269 to arrange a convenient time. (sports equipment, books, clothing, toys, dishware, kitchenware, etc.) Financial Donations Adopt-A-Pet is a non-profit, charitable organization.  So in addition to the monthly rummage sale, Adopt-A-Pet depends on private financial donations to support the dogs in the shelter.    Every donation pays for something essential -- a bowl of food, a visit to the vet, or a new kennel.  So whether you can donate $10 or $100, every gift matters.  Donations can be sent to Adopt-A-Pet,  940 East Jensen Road, Shelton, WA, 98584-0986 or you can now donate on line with the link provided below.                             Thank you! Volunteers Meet our AAP Volunteers Adopt-A-Pet has a wonderful team of volunteers who help take care of the dogs in the shelter and who spend a lot of time at the Rummage Shop.  However, Adopt-A-Pet can always use more volunteers than it has.  If you can donate a couple of hours a week, or one day a month -- however much time you can offer -- please call Adopt-A-Pet at (360) 432-3091.  To volunteer at the Rummage Shop, please call (360) 426-4269.  The folks who run the shelter will be happy to talk with you about volunteer opportunities.  Return to Top