Search and see photos of adoptable pets in the Bellingham, Washington area

Cities, Towns, and/or Counties We Serve:

Bellingham, Ferndale, Lynden, Custer, Birch Bay, Blaine, Deming, Everson, Sumas, Maple Falls, Kendall, Whatcom County, Skagit County

About Our Rescue Group:

The Alternative Humane Society is an all-volunteer, nonprofit animal welfare organization serving Whatcom County, WA. AHS has been helping animals and educating the public since 1977.

We have no shelter, office, or paid staff. Our programs include Canine Foster & Adoption, Spay & Neuter Assistance, and Community Cats Information and Referral.

Mission Statement: The Alternative Humane Society of Whatcom County is an all-volunteer, non-profit animal welfare organization dedicated to improving the lives of dogs and cats and helping them find and stay in permanent loving homes.

Our goals are:
• To make Whatcom County a community where no healthy animals are euthanized
• To prevent unwanted dog and cat births through spay and neuter assistance
• To cultivate respect and awareness for the needs of animals through education
• To advocate for the humane treatment of dogs and cats in all areas of life

Come Meet our Pets:

We can be found showing off our loveable dogs at Petco on Bakerview and Guide Meridian in Bellingham on the 1st and 2nd weekend of each month. We also hold an adopt-a-thon the third Saturday of every month at Pet Palace, also on the Guide Meridian in Bellingham. All our showings are between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm. Come on out and say hi!

Our Adoption Process:

AHS does not do same-day adoptions. We provide a form called a “Statement of Interest” for potential adopters to fill out. When completed, this form is reviewed by an AHS volunteer (the animal’s Case Manager) who will contact the potential adopter with any additional questions and arrange a meeting if it looks like a good match. The potential adopter usually hears back from a volunteer within 2-3 days, but since many of our volunteers also work at full-time jobs, the entire process can take longer. Although we try our very best we usually will not be able to contact every person who submits a Statement of Interest, we reserve our limited resources for those who look like a good match.

Adoption Fees:
Dogs under 18 months – $170
Dogs over 18 months – $145
Senior dogs (older than 8 years) – $95

Our Adopted Pets:

We have helped lots of pets connect with loving and caring owners. Check out our adopted pets list!