Heartbroken and stunned... I visited a local animal shelter, Whatcom Humane Society in Bellingham, hoping to meet some cats and possibly give one a loving fur-ever home. Before I could even see them, I was told that if a cat is under 6 months old, adopting two is required. I wasn't even allowed to open a kennel and gently interact--I had to wait in a separate room for the staff to bring one in. After a 30-minute wait, I was told I needed to fill out a different application--apparently cat and dog adoptions use separate forms. While I was filling it out, I noticed someone receiving a large bag of pet food. She said it was part of their animal food bank, which I thought was wonderful. I asked about it and was told I could sign up. But then everything shifted. Because I inquired about the food bank, I was told I wasn't "financially responsible enough" to adopt. I explained I have food and resources for a pet, and that my last two ESA companions--a dog and a cat--each lived over 21 wonderful years with me. Still, I was denied the chance to even meet the cat I came for. I asked them to discard my application. This experience hurt deeply. I came with love to give and a stable home to offer. I never imagined being judged for asking about a support program offered to others. I will find a cat in need--just not from here. read more

Well stocked, variety packed thrift store. Hard working, helpful dtaff and volunteers. Super low, fair pricing. Best of all it supports the animals directly. A great place to shop and donate treasures to.​ read more

Whatcom humane society was helpful in recommending a close by vet, however they charged a lot more then we were used to paying.

They are rude and they have a staring problem when your a person of color and they just look annoyed ,was adopting a pet and one of the receptionist gave me a disgust look when I told her I was taking the pet home today and one of coworkers said I was correct and her face changed as soon as she heard that and she looked annoyed when I asked if I could pay the adoption fee cause I was confused cause they all looked like they didn't know who had what information and I couldn't hear them well due to the in and out of coming of folks in the building ,was polite to them and asked to be seen by another receptionist cause the one serving looked like she was annoyed by everything, and the one who I asked to change me of receptionist said there's no much I can do ,and she didn't knew who I was talking about when they literally across from each other ,all of the employees look annoyed and have a staring problem ,but I was change to receptionist to a guy who was nice as I wasn't doing nothing wrong ,was being polite ,wouldn't go here back again any time soon read more

There is definitely room for improvement. I recently submitted an application since they had a couple dogs I was interested in. A couple days go by and I heard nothing so I stopped by and was looking at the available dogs and then I asked if I could meet the dog outside of the kennel, so I could see what they were like. They told me you have to fill out an application and wait for someone from the adoption team to contact me after reviewing my application(which they could not find and I had to resend to them after submitting an application via their website). Three days later I received a phone call and I was not able to answer right away being at work and the message said to call back if I wanted to schedule a meet and greet and I have 1-2 hours or they would move onto other applications. I thankfully was able to call back within 1 hour and spoke to a someone who had difficulty finding my application again so I could schedule a meet and greet. We were able to schedule a meet and greet for now another 4 days later because that was what worked for them and make sure to have all my family there. Then last night I noticed another dog that might be a good fit I called and asked if I could meet another dog at the same time. I received a call back this morning that I may be able to meet the other dog but If I was interested in the other dog, I would have to restart the interview process over again. I mentioned to the person on the phone that, wouldn't it be easier to allow for people to meet the dogs when you take a look at them, then fill out the application and go through the interview process afterwards. I am just a little frustrated that when they are saying the shelter is full of dogs and they need to get dogs adopted and even have a pay what you can pay adoption fee special that ended May 10th and they claim they are so busy reviewing applications. If they would just allow for people who come during their 11-6p business hours to be able to meet the dog outside of the kennel in their visitation room, I would think that most people would know right off if they were interested. Then the Humane society would not have to process so many applications that go nowhere. In my opinion this is why so few dogs get adopted from the shelter and so many fosters/rescues are overloaded. For me If I had maybe 5-10 min with the dog when I was there the first time, I would know right away if I was fully interested and would want to pursue the adoption process. I would even be willing to provide my info/ID to be able to just have 5 min with the dog, like a visitation log. Just my Ideas. It's not fair to these animals to make them wait week after week because the animal is on hold because someone may be interested or waiting to be able to meet the animal. Thank you for listening, I hope things improve. read more

The Whatcom Humane Society moved to a new shelter location during the summer of 2013. The facility is beautiful, and comfortably accommodates a variety of animals (dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, and other small creatures). Each dog kennel includes an outside and inside run, and the dogs get plenty of exercise on the nature trail and enclosed play yards on property. The cats have it good too, with their community play room, and individual maze kennels that let them explore different nooks for napping and playing. There is even a horse facility located off site. Visit the facility everyday, except Tuesday, when the shelter is closed to the public, to walk the halls and see the lovable animals available for adoption. The staff are very knowledgeable and interview all applicants to help members of the public find the perfect fur ball that matches their lifestyle, housing situation and existing family. If you fill out preliminary paperwork, you can do a meet and greet with an animal you are interested in adopting. You can also make arrangements with the staff to introduce your other family members (2-legged and 4-legged) to a potential animal adoption. This allows you to see whether your significant other, children, and other pets will all get along with the new pet you want to adopt. Volunteers go through extensive training, so if you are looking for an opportunity to get involved and give back to your community, then sign up for one of the monthly, general orientation sessions to learn more. Volunteering is a great way to get to know the animals and get your 'fur fix' if you are not currently able to adopt. Check it out! read more

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I just adopted Finn (renamed Kobe), he is the sweetest boy. My family is lucky to have found him. The process was simple and easy. Whatcom Humane Society was detailed in making sure we were both a good match for each other, which i appreciate. The animal control handlers who interviewed me knew a lot about the personalities and could tell me which pup would be a better fit for what I was looking for. WHS has made tons of great connections with other businesses within Bellingham which has made the process even better. Tails-A-Wagging offers a first time discount for rescues. Vets around the city offer free first visits. We got many freebies and coupons. Thank you Whatcom Humane Society!! read more

The Whatcom Humane Society is a great place for getting a new friend, the process of getting a fury friend through them is not so great. Most employees are rude and snappy with customers, and often relay incorrect information. To start off, I adopted a cat during Summer 2019. It was disclosed to me the morning I was going to pick my cat up that she had horrible litter box issues and that her foster home was overwhelmed with her peeing outside of her box. I chose to go through with the adoption, since everything was finalized, payment and all. Things were great for the first three months but unfortunately once she got comfortable she began peeing outside of her box. I had to surrender her back to the humane society and months later, I began my search again. This time around the information on the cats charts included litter box history, and much more information which is great! But they still do not have a solid system for marking cats that have holds on them (this means someone is needing landlord approval for final adoption). This is harmful to customers because if you see a cat you like and connect with through the glass, you have to go up front, wait for a worker to notice you, just to tell you the odds of you getting said cat are not in your favor. Also they need to disclose the two kitten policy more directly on their website as well as in the adoption rooms. I have many complaints about the snappiness of the workers at WHS, their lack of customer service, and organization. BUT do not let this deter you from seeking an animal from there. The process of adopting is not often pleasant through the interactions with WHS employees but the volunteers that are present are often 10x nicer and more patient. . read more

The people who work here really care about the welfare of the animals and work really hard to take care of them. Coordinating everything with a limited staff is, I'm sure, quite difficult, but they make it work because they are so committed to doing right by the animals in their care. read more

This is a great animal shelter. They really do care about the animals in their care. They do all they can to take in any stray no matter the species. The people at the front desk really care about their jobs. Somedays, they are a little short tempered, but if you had to deal with what they have to on a daily basis, you would be too. Front desk shelter work is brutal to say the least. I am always impressed with them. As an open admission shelter, you can always find something to adopt. I have even adopted 2 tarantulas from there, along with my dachshund and a few cats over the years. They have a wonderful volunteer program. So if you are interested in checking into what really happens at WHS, go volunteer. read more

I recently adopted a small chihuahua mix (Beatrice) at WHS and I was very impressed with the organization and helpfulness of the staff. The vet took care of her several issues before she went home. The kennels are very clean and you can tell the staff really care about the animals and doing their very best for them and the adopters. I searched the internet and all local and non-local rescues for two months before WHS found my girl. She's wonderful and we are very happy to have found each other. I am so grateful for this organization and the hard work that they do every day. THANK YOU!! read more

This is a very large and clean facility. My issue is: any puppy under a year are not available for same day meet a greets. So for my family, driving over 50 miles to see a dog advertised on the website. This was extremely frustrating to not be informed of prior to our travels. We could gave planned our visit much better! When I explained the travel to the receptionist. She did not seem concerned but, more so procedural. She did agree the mentioning of this same day visit rule on the website. Would be helpful. read more

Came in every week for 2 months. Met a dog we really wanted, put in an application but was told someone else was first in line. This dog required special breed handling (which we had). We lost out to the family who was first in line. But....the dog was returned only 2 weeks later. Not only did we NOT get a call from WHS to see if we still wanted the dog, but they advertised her on Facebook. I called to inquire and the man I spoke to said they simply don't have procedures to handle this. Well if you have a waiting list with multiple families that are interested, just simply mark it down in the dogs file in case the dog is returned, then you can call the next family in line to see if they are interested! Literally takes 5 seconds to note a dogs file...for this purpose right here. Yep Beagles are cute right? Well they howl and bark when left alone and nip when harassed by kids. Instead of doing first come first serve, perhaps be more like the alternative humane society - which actually chooses the best home for a dog instead of who gets there first. You lost my future donations. read more

Went on the website to try and find a cat or dog to join our family. When clicking on the links, what is the fist thing to pop up:... a snake. Both links to the same one. I am terrified of snakes first off and quite angry that the links they provide that clearly say adopt a CAT/ Adopt a Dog would be so blatantly false. It doesn't take you to a different page even. it just auto scrolls you down the page. No warning that other animals would/could be mixed in. After nearly having a heart attack twice within a couple of minutes, I tried to get in touch with their office as there business hours clearly show they were still open. Straight to a phone tree telling me they are closed. Having first-hand knowledge that they were not in fact closed, as I have been to their location recently and seen their Hours of Operation, again upsetting and frustrating. On the brick and mortar side of things most of the employees are cordial. The couple who aren't however, make you feel like its a crime to exist in their presence and definitely don't make me want get a pet from them. I went so far to ask when one person was NOT going to be working, and told them I might return then. Choose your words carefully in their presence. You will know who these people are within 30 seconds if you go. But, better yet, you probably should just go elsewhere and save yourself. read more

My bf and I stopped by Whatcom Humane Society Animal Shelter to look at cats. There are so many loving animals who are in need of a permanent, safe, and loving homes. We were pleasantly surprised by this shelter's welcoming and educational staff. Each staff member had knowledge about the adoption process, about the animals at the shelter, and were ready to help us. We got the opportunity to meet and play with a cat. I'm impressed how serious this shelter takes their visitors and the adoption process. I was required to fill out an application type forms before being able to play with any animal, and there are forms for each type of animal. I think this process weeds out any non serious guest at the shelter. Therefore encouraging visitors to commit to adopting an animal which is also in the best interest of the animals in the shelter. When I'm ready to adopt a cat, I'll definitely stop by Whatcom Humane Society! read more

Went here yesterday to try and adopt a cat. I'm currently i college and go to western and am getting an ESA letter. I come in and talk to a nice lady at the front desk. I begin filling out paperwork and look over at my mom and mention how excited I am about having a cat In my dorm. This older lady snaps at me extremely rude and tells me incorrect information about how my school handles cat policies. She begins to tell me I'm wrong and how maintenance will randomly come into my room. I told her they warn us when they do which they never come in our rooms and she tried to tell me I don't know that. The employees here need to be nicer to their customers. This lady made me cry and didn't even feel bad about it. Don't come here if you're in college. They won't let you adopt. read more

The professionalism and compassion shown us today can't be commended higher! Especially Kate Miller and Cholanda who assisted us in the euthanasia of our elderly ailing yorkies. This area is indeed fortunate to have such a community service available. This is not our first experience with them, at their previous location. Very impressed with this premisis, especially the more spacious area. Thank you one an all for the "service" you provide. read more

Our cat was taken in as a lost pet (she had no chip or collar). She was well taken care of, and they helped us get her chipped. We got to take her home the same day we found her there, and they gave us a little crochet blanket and little cardboard scratcher for her! And she has now been reunited with her best friend! read more

Whatcom Humane Society - Crochet blanket and scratcher - Animal Shelters Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

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We've only had positive experiences here. When looking for a furry friend a few years ago, we were visiting at least once a week. The staff were always friendly and typically greeted us when coming in. They generally have good details listed on the dogs and small creatures and I appreciate the color coding on the dogs - three different colors showing what level of work/training a dog has or needs. April 2018 we finally found the dog we fell in love with, but we were about to head out on a two week vacation and knew we couldn't take him home before then. We talked to them, and they weren't able to hold him that long- understandable. So, while we were on our trip we checked their website EVERY day. When we got back, our boy was still there so we went in the next day and took him home. They were so helpful throughout the application process and kept us informed on what all we needed and gave us all the information they had for our boy. We couldn't be happier, and are hoping to get him a brother or sister from here soon! read more

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Not helpful they ran me right out because it was 10 to 4 and they stop showing at 4. Must not need to adopt out that bad..

After a long and hard search we found a place that helped us adopt the dog we fell in love with. Our handsome fur baby, OSO. It was a easy process that they kept us up to date daily with. They let us visit him and spend as much time as we wanted with him until we got to take him home. They gave us a leash and food to start him with. They even called to check in with us after we took him home. The packet with all his info has been a huge help and was fun to read what all staffs experiance was with Oso. You can tell how much the staff is happy to be there and give the animals the best possible home. Our baby is the best gift ever but the ease it was to adopt him made it that much better. read more

Whatcom Humane Society - Animal Shelters Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

I went there yesterday to donate some towels. The place is beautiful, and I have no doubt they do good work, but I could not find the place initially. There are no signs or street numbers on the side of the road, and their only sign is a small billboard hidden by some trees. When you are driving on a busy street, you do not need to be looking for stuff; the address should be instantly visible. Please: install an address number sign by the roadside. Thank you. read more

It's been a couple of years now since we adopted our crazy, er, sweet cat from WHS. My daughter knew from the moment she laid eyes on "Vanna" that this was the cat for her! She (the kitten, not my daughter) was only a few months old at the time and - despite her diva attitude - we fell immediately in love. She was even potty trained and tame, both appealing qualities in a potential new family member. The adoption process was very easy, and after the necessary waiting period we took "Vanna" (later renamed Abby) home to rule the house - and she continues to do so to this day. The staff was also very friendly and helpful. We'd love to adopt from WHS again. They do great work for both the people and animals of our community. read more

We tried to adopt a while ago and were unsuccessful. They made us jump through all these hoops so we could adopt and in the end they wouldn't let us adopt. They also wouldn't tell us why either. And they are somewhat pricey. Instead we went to N.O.A.H. in Stanwood where we got treated like people instead of being treated like children. read more

Had to wait 5 days after finding the purrrrfect cat because we are 2nd on the waiting list. So finally getting to pick him up. Very excited, not too expensive and the staff have been nice so far. The cat has good manners as well :) read more

19 minutes ago The staff there was rude, arrogant, and treated me and my husband like crap we went there to adopt a cat and they basically talk us not only out of it but ever wanting to go back there again. The lady refused to let us see the cat that we wanted because she thought it was feral and too much work for us then proceeded to show us three cats she felt we can only have but then after socializing with the cats informed us that they were all being adopted but that she would put us on a list. I have a high tolerance for people's crap but even I turned around and walked away I would never ever waste my time with those people they are not there to find homes for these animals clearly. read more

These days, adopting an animal at shelters/rescues work one of four basic ways: 1) First-come first adopt with a waiting list, 2) Lottery, 3) Auction, 4) Application submittal for review and possible approval. If you're looking for a specific breed, size, or age, and hope to adopt that animal at the Whatcom Humane Society (WHS), don't be in a hurry or have high hopes. Adopters are chosen; you will need to meet the WHS criteria and be selected. The WHS follows #4, application submittal, plus other caveats: puppies/kittens could be held for a couple weeks before awards to an applicant; adoptions of animals evaluated with moderate or major behavioral problems are further scrutinized; applicants are evaluation for their personal circumstances, age, number of family members and other pets, property when the animals will be kept, and ability to care for specific animals appropriately. Cities throughout Whatcom County contract with the WHS for animal control services. The facilities look like new, with about 15 dogs or so to be viewed at any one time. They have rooms for the animals to interact with potential adopters, and an outside area to interact as well. Their website is graphically sophisticated; unfortunately no first-available date is shown for adoption-ready animals, and the postings are frequently for animals already placed. Great facilities; unfortunately, not a lot of transparency in the operation. read more

Their gift to me enriched my life. I'm so grateful that they started her on thyroid medicine before I adopted her then let me know what she needed. My dear dog is so sweet. My kitty came from the same animal shelter. After three years she's definitely the boss of the house. read more

I love this place. I just adopted a kitten and am so happy I went through them! They were very attentive. Always answered my emails within 24 hours. They are very willing to help all you have to do is ask. :) Its not a store so people aren't just going to come up and ask if you need help. For people who have complained about how they have been treated you need to realize these animals are NOT for sale and the staff takes adopting animals out very seriously. They need to be 100% sure that they are putting the life of the animal in good, caring, responsible hands. If you do not meet their qualifications they won't adopt to you. I love the humane society and will not adopt with any other agency. They put the animals first always which is the most important quality in any shelter. Also if you shop on amazon be sure to order through amazon smile and select the whatcom humane society. Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to your favorite charitable organization. Mine of course being the Whatcom Humane Society! ** You actually have to go in and fill out an application you cannot do it online. I'm thinking Lizzie K. may have gone though the alternative Humane Society. They have an online adoption form. read more

If you lose your dog for 2 hrs they will give it shots, a latte, yoga classes, a pet license even if you already have a valid one and all the shots are up to date, and a facial for a fat chunk of change without your permission. Liberal legislation run rampant and used for the wrong stuff. I understand all that garbage after 24 hrs. But there should be a separate area for dogs there less than 12 hrs that dont have to have that. I'm a low income mom in a crisis situation w documentation to prove that and now I'm $80 short on my bills. Thanks. Have fun telling your friends about the angry woman in your awful shelter. read more

Difficult to adopt from, especially as someone who has some pet allergies and needs to meet an animal before knowing whether or not to bother filling out all the paperwork. That said, they do offer a good service and I feel comfortable recommending them for the average adopter without allergies, as I think their policies around adoption paperwork help make good matches and prevent high return rates. read more

Whatcom Humane Society - Gender-neutral bathrooms! - Animal Shelters Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

looking for a replacement family pet. Went looking for cats , unlike every other facility , you cannot touch any cat without asking - No one offered us help after telling us that !!! stupid policy or just stupidly run !!! read more

My first time here. Nice, clean place. I'm surprised they have a cat room that's off limits. I asked and was denied. I wasn't asked if I was looking at a certain cat, just told no I couldn't go in there. read more

Absolutely zero customer service and communications skills by the director there. Went in to donation some medicine we no longer need for my recently passed dog. The director was terribly rude and zero help. In the past we've donated tidy sums of money and material to them but no more. We'll put our time, money, and volunteer efforts into other animal support programs or donate to vets for free animal care. It's a shame such an important program is run the way it is. Good luck. I'd give them zero stars but I'd feel bad because it's not the animals fault and some of the volunteers are great. read more

Went just to look, ended up adopting ODI. Loving small dog to replace our Maltese that died a couple month ago. Thank to the staff for answering all our question. Especially GABBY she was a dream. Thanks to all for filling our hearts again. read more

Whatcom Humane Society is a great place to find a new pet for your family. The staff really care about the animals. Many of the cats were being held, and petted, and played with as we were there for a visit. There is a large room for free play, so the animals spend minimal time in their kennels. We came just before Christmas to adopt a cat for our three daughters. The staff took the time to help us find the right cat for our energetic household. We also have a dog, which really limited our choices. Be prepared to spend some time looking. Our cat was in the free play area when I first walked through. But eventually he came back to his kennel where we got a good look at him. He was young but not a kitten, so we decided that he may be more adaptable to our family. There is a few play rooms where you can get to know the animal. It was a good way to safely interact. When you decide to adopt, you must fill out paper work and talk with the staff. They really want to make sure the animal is going to the right home. Because it was near Christmas time, there were many donations of toys and treats under a tree in the lobby. As I was ready to leave, they gave me a cat bed with an assortment of toys for our new cat. It was a surprise and I was glad to have come to WHSAS to adopt. I had driven to 3 other places across town to find the right cat. After 2 days of searching craiglist, my final destination was WHSAS. I should have gone there 1st! The Cat: We renamed him December, but mostly call him "cat". He and the dog have a mutual understanding and tolerate each others presence. . . and he lived happily ever after.--The End-- read more

Terrible place, rude staff. Lost our cat and when we went back to get her they wouldn't let us take her, also that we aren't eligible to adopt her. All they want is to make money any way they can. read more

This place makes no sense to me in my experiences here, I've heard a lot of negative stories about the staff from others as well. Just wondering if you people actually really care about the animals and want them to get the love they deserve. There's one certain lady at the front desk, blonde short hair- she definitely needs to learn to be more reasonable and warmhearted with others. I really don't like her attitude, so much that I just refuse to go to this place now and it sucks. But basically can't even go in to give the animals any attention because 2 cats ran away at my old address, not my fault, i would've done anything I could to prevent that. Doesn't mean I shouldn't be able to give the animals at the shelter love and attention when you're understaffed. Really left a bad taste. But I got a little kitty outside of the shelter anyways and she has an incredibly loving home and adventurous life. Would've loved to get one from the shelter but you basically shunned me out of the facility. read more

Clean facility, friendly staff, and we found the coolest older kitten here that was clearly handled well and socialized.

First I went online and filled out all the necessary forms to get started with adopting a pet cat/kitten. Then a couple days later I called to see if they had received my application. They said they had but I was to young and did not seem serious enough to adopt a pet. They said I was "to young to be adopting seriously". I'm 21 years old have a steady job for over 3 years now. I live in an apartment with no other animals so my time would be dedicated to this cat/kitten. I live two blocks away from the park. You would think that the humane society would want to let kitten/cats/dogs get a home. It's disappointing to think they are so very judgmental without even asking me to come in and visit with the animals. I will say this as a last thing. I drove an hour to The Noah Clinic and now have two cute orange tabby baby kittens. They do not judge and are very informative about who adopts which animals and who is a great fit. GO TO THE NOAH CLINIC! It will be well worth your time and drive!! read more