Animal shelters in Washington, District of Columbia

We list 14 animal shelters and rescues in and around Washington.

Yes. We list 5 rescue organizations in Washington, based on the source classification or the organization's name. Many rescues are foster-based and have no public shelter building, so they adopt by appointment or at adoption events; check their website before you visit.

Start on the shelter's or rescue's own website: most post their adoptable animals there and on Petfinder or Adopt-a-Pet. Visit or call to meet an animal, then fill in an adoption application. Expect to show a photo ID, and if you rent, proof that your landlord allows pets. The adoption fee usually covers spay or neuter surgery, first vaccinations and a microchip. Fees vary by organization and by animal, so ask the shelter directly.

If the animal is friendly and safe to approach, check for an ID tag and take it to any vet or shelter to scan for a microchip. Report the found animal to your local animal control or municipal shelter, since that is where owners look first, and post it on local lost-and-found pet pages. Many cities require found pets to be reported or brought to the shelter within a few days. For injured or orphaned wildlife, call a licensed wildlife rehabilitator instead of handling the animal.