Intake Process
Stray animals
If you have found a stray pet, click here. If you have found a stray pet after hours, click here.
Stray dogs that are found in the city limits of Moscow are held for 10 days, while we search for an owner to claim them. Stray dogs that are found in Latah County are held for 6 days, while we search for an owner to claim them. Stray cats that are found either in city limits of Moscow or Latah County are held for 6 days, while we search for an owner to claim them.
Upon arrival, HSoP staff immediately search for any identification (collar, ID tags, and microchips). If the animal has identification we contact the owners to alert them their animal is safe with us, and waiting to be picked up. If the animal does not have identification, or we cannot get a hold of the owners, we post a picture and description of the animal to our Facebook page.
For information on fees when claiming your lost pet, click here.
If the animal is not claimed during the stray holding period, we begin the process of getting the animal ready for adoption. All animals adopted from HSoP are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped prior to leaving the shelter.
Owner Surrendered animals
Animals may be surrendered to HSoP for any number of reasons. HSoP does not accept aggressive animals, or animals with a known bite history. When an animal is surrendered to HSoP, we immediately start the process of getting them ready for adoption. If the animal is not already, we will spay/neuter, vaccinate, and microchip them.
For more information about owner surrenders, click here.
*** HSoP is a no-kill shelter, which means we are limited admission intake. We do not euthanize animals for space. When our kennels are full we do have to place animals on our wait list to be brought into the shelter when space is available. Our wait list is dependent on our adoption rates. The quicker our animals find loving homes, the quicker we can bring new animals into HSoP.
Dog Bite Quarantine Holds
For more information about dog bite quarantine holds at HSoP, click here.
Feral Cats
HSoP does not have the capacity or safe-housing to take feral cats into our shelter.
For more information on feral cats, click here.
Other Animals
HSoP does not have the space or safe-housing to take in birds or reptiles. HSoP does accept "pocket pets", such as ferrets, rabbits, rats, hamsters, and guinea pigs. We are limited on space for our small animal friends, so we do keep a wait list for animals to come in when we are full.
Found Pets
Read through our resource sheet for Found Pets.
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Contact HSoP (208) 883-1166 to leave a "found" report, and see if an owner has contacted us missing this pet.
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Dogs found in Moscow or Latah County may be brought to HSoP for holding until an owner is found.
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HSoP can also scan any found pet for a microchip. This service is also available at veterinary clinics.
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Contact your local police department or sheriff's office. An owner may have left a report with them.
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Moscow Police (208) 882-2677
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Sheriff's Office (208) 882-2216
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Make flyers in eye-catching colors with a photo and description of the found pet. Post flyers in your neighborhood, local shelters, veterinary hospitals, local websites, and grocery and feed stores. Even if the animal is in the shelter, these efforts will help the animal return home.
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Be aware that it is against City Code to post flyers on public property, such as telephone poles.
"The City of Moscow would like to remind citizens of the limits on posting signs or posters. Per City Code Title 10 Section 1-22, posters or signs may not be attached on property that does not belong to the poster without first obtaining the consent of the property owner or their agent. Also, posting signs on public property or right of way is prohibited. The City does provide a free public bulletin board in Friendship Square for posting notices that is available to the public."
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If an owner has not been identified after the holding period, the animal will be evaluated for adoption. To learn more about procedures for stray animals visit our Intake Process page.
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The holding period for found dogs in the city is 10 days.
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The holding period for found dogs in the county is 6 days.
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The holding period for found cats is 6 days.
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Cats are allowed to roam freely in Latah County. If you feel a cat is indeed a stray, please contact us prior to bringing the cat in. If the cat is friendly and you are able to handle it, please put the cat in a carrier and call HSoP to let us know you plan on bringing in a stray cat. We currently cannot accept feral cats.
Stray Pets Found After Hours
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If you found a stray dog in Moscow city limits, you may call the non-emergency police line at (208) 882-2677 to have a Moscow Police Officer impound the dog at HSoP. The dog will be placed in our indoor kennels with food, water, and a bed until HSoP staff arrives the following morning. We will scan the pet for any identification, and start the process of reuniting the pet with their owner.
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If you found a stray dog in Latah County limits, you may call (208) 882-2216 to have a Latah County Deputy impound the dog at HSoP. The dog will be placed in our indoor kennels with food, water, and a bed until HSoP staff arrives the following morning. We will scan the pet for any identification, and start the process of reuniting the pet with their owner.
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There is no assistance for stray cats found in Moscow or Latah County.
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If you find an injured stray pet after HSoP and the local veterinary clinics have closed, you can call Washington State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital at 509-335-0711.
Owner Surrendering Companion Animals
We understand there are circumstances where finding your pet a new home may seem like the best option… In the event you can no longer care for your pet, contact us at (208) 883-1166 to discuss how HSoP can help.
While we would love to accept all animals, for the safety of our animals and staff we are unable to accept the following:
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Animals with known aggression problems or behavioral disturbances, which would prevent them from being adopted
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Animals that have bitten someone
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Animals with known contagious or fatal diseases
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Feral animals
How do you surrender a pet?
Please understand that as a limited-access, no-kill facility, we do not have room for all animals. In order to stay a no-kill facility, HSoP does not euthanize to make space.
That being said, to adhere to our no-kill stance we are unable to offer “walk-in” owner surrenders. Please contact HSoP to discuss our owner surrender process prior to arriving at HSoP with your owned pet.
How many animals we adopt out decides how many animals we can take in, and this includes stray animals. Once HSoP reaches our care capacity, we cannot take in more animals.
Call (208) 883-1166 OR email: information@humanesocietyofthepalouse.org
Owner Surrender Fees:
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Feline Owner Surrender Adult
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Feline Owner Surrender under 6 months
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Canine Owner Surrender under 2 months
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Canine Owner Surrender 2-6 months
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Canine Owner Surrender Fee Adult
$35
$15
$15
$25
$50
To help HSoP better find the best possible home, we ask owners to fill out a personality profile for their pet.
HSoP also requires a copy of any medical care an owned animal has received. Including but not limited to, spay/neuter and vaccination information. HSoP asks for a copy of any medical care provided, but surrendered animals are NOT required to be up to date on vaccinations, spayed or neutered prior to arrival.
Hours of operation
Open Monday - Saturday from 1:00-6:00pm, dog kennels close at 5:00pm
Closed Sundays
If HSoP does not have space, what next?
View our resource page for Pet Rehoming Services and Assistance.
If your pet is spayed/neutered, we can help advertise your pet on our Petfinder page. We will create a courtesy listing for your pet, and advertise them along with our other adoptable pets. HSoP will only assist in the advertising, and you will be in control of the re-homing process. You will decide if there is a re-homing fee, home checks, or any other adoption requirements for your pet. The goal of courtesy listing is to help your pet find a new home, without needing to come into HSoP. If you would like HSoP to courtesy list your pet, please call us at (208) 883-1166.
Alternatively, you can list your pet to be rehomed through Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet. This service allows you to create your own free listing to advertise your pet to others. It offers screening questions, resources for choosing a good family, and full control over where your pet goes. Your pet does not need to be spayed/neutered to use this service, but the new owners are obligated to have your pet fixed within 30 days of adoption. The adoption fee is passed along to the referring shelter or shelter of your choice, which helps us to care for any homeless pets that make their way into our facility.
If you need assistance getting your pet spayed/neutered, click this button:
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Does HSoP euthanize animals?The Humane Society of the Palouse is a low/no-kill shelter. HSoP will not euthanize adoptable animals due to space. We’ve stayed true to our mission for 45 years and are committed to preserving and nurturing the lives of all the rescued animals in our care. We reserve humane euthanasia only in instances when animals are suffering greatly with no potential for relief, or if an animal is so aggressive that he or she presents a danger to people or other animals and cannot be safely handled or placed. The decision to euthanize is never made lightly and done only with the best interest of the animal in mind. HSoP is committed to providing all of the animals we rescue with the individualized and compassionate care they need and deserve until they are adopted by responsible, loving people.
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How many canines does HSoP help per year?Each year HSoP provides temporary housing for anywhere from 200-300 dogs.
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How many dogs are returned to their owner, and how many are adopted out per year?For stray dogs that are found within Moscow city limits, HSoP on average will be able to reunite 60% with their owners and 40% will remain in shelter care until adopted. Whereas stray dogs that are found outside of Moscow city limits, HSoP on average will be able to reunite 40% with their owners and 60% will remain in shelter care until adopted. We strongly encourage all pet owners to equip their pets with accurate ID to increase the likelihood of them coming home if they ever get lost. We encourage microchip ID for all pets, and strongly recommend a collar with an ID tag containing the owner's contact number.
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How many felines does HSoP help per year?Each year HSoP provides temporary housing for anywhere from 200-300 cats. HSoP generally has more cats than dogs
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How many cats are returned to their owner, and how many are adopted out per year?For stray cats that are found within Moscow city limits, HSoP on average will be able to reunite 10% with their owners and 90% will remain in shelter care until adopted. Whereas stray cats that are found outside of Moscow city limits, HSoP on average will be able to reunite 1% with their owners and 99% will remain in shelter care until adopted. We strongly encourage all pet owners to equip their pets with accurate ID to increase the likelihood of them coming home if they ever get lost. We encourage microchip ID for all pets, and strongly recommend a collar with an ID tag containing the owner's contact number. Cats should wear breakaway collars if possible.
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How is HSoP funded?For a more detailed view of HSoP finances, visit our Financial Transparency page.
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How much funding needs to be donated or raised by HSoP to make up the 35% and 8% of the annual budget?Each year, HSoP has to raise over $80,000 through donations and fundraising just to keep our doors open. This is why any size donation is greatly appreciated. Without the generous and continued support of our pet community, HSoP would not be able to do what we do. Donate today!
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Is the Humane Society of the Palouse part of the Humane Society of the United States?No. HSoP has no affiliation with HSUS or the ASPCA. Though we do look to the national animal welfare organizations to stay current with best practices, we do not receive funding nor are we affiliated with them. HSoP does apply for grants through these large national organizations, however HSoP does not receive annual funding from the HSUS or ASPCA.
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Who is involved with HSoP?City of Moscow, Chief of Police City of Moscow owns the building and pays for utilities and make up 22% of HSoP yearly budget. Latah county provides 10% of HSoPs’ yearly budget. HSoP presents to the County Commissioners every year to request funding. HSoP Voluntary Board of Directors 14 members who bring a variety of expertise to the organization. HSoP has a full time staff of 5 that include: Shelter Director Animal Care Attendants Public Relations Manager Countless Volunteers
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Does the Humane Society of the Palouse pick up stray animals?The Humane Society does not pick up animals. Stray dogs found within Moscow city limits can be reported to the Animal Control Officer by calling (208)882-2677. If a stray dog is found in Latah County, citizens can call the Latah County Sheriff’s office at (208)882-2216 for assistance, but do so knowing there is no animal control for Latah County. There is no animal control for stray cats.
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Where does HSoP list stray or impounded animals?HSoP lists all stray or unclaimed animals on our Facebook page. To see the most recent stray and impounded animals, please visit our Facebook page through this link: Humane Society of the Palouse | Facebook
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If my pet is missing, could it be at the animal shelter?Hundreds of companion animals come into the shelter every year from Latah County. If your pet is missing, it is important that you contact the shelter as soon as possible so that a missing pet report can be completed and shelter staff can be notified to look for your pet. It is also important that you visit the shelter in-person and look for your pet on a regular basis. Please remember that it is the responsibility of the pet owner to search for their missing pet; however, HSoP will do everything possible to assist you in doing so. We also encourage posting a photo, description and information about where your pet went missing from as well as when to local lost and found groups on Facebook.
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What happens if my pet is brought to the shelter?If your pet is not readily identifiable by tag or microchip, your pet will be held for a stray holding period. Dogs found in the City of Moscow have a 10-day holding period. Dogs found outside of Moscow but within Latah County have a 6-day holding period. Cats found anywhere within Moscow or Latah County have a 6-day holding period. The Shelter will make every effort to contact you regarding your pet during this time. Reclaim fees apply in each situation and must be paid prior to reclaiming your pet. Unclaimed pets become the property of HSoP following the end of a stray holding period. Once this happens, they start the process of becoming ready for adoption. Please ensure that all of your pets have accurate ID to increase the chance of being reunited with them if they ever get lost.
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What does it cost to reclaim my pet from the shelter?Pet owners are charged an impound fee of $20.00. To reclaim a dog that lives within Moscow city limits, if the dog is not already licensed with the city, the purchase of a lifetime license is mandatory. The license is $25.00 for altered dogs and $35.00 for intact dogs. Boarding fees of $10.00 per day are charged for each day of impound after the initial twenty-four hours of arrival at the Shelter
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Do I have to have my pet spayed or neutered?Spaying or neutering is not required for reclaimed pets, although we encourage responsible sterilization of pets and offer assistance through S.N.A.P. Spaying or neutering your pets can prevent unwanted litters and even prevent some cancers in your beloved cat or dog. There are already so many homeless cats and dogs at the shelter, we don't need anymore! If you are in need of assistance having your pet spayed or neutered, please apply for our Spay/Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP).
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If I witness what I believe to be an act of animal cruelty, who do I call?Humane Society of the Palouse encourages the public to IMMEDIATELY report acts of animal cruelty or neglect to Animal Control by calling (208) 882-2677 if occurring within Moscow city limits, and (208) 882-2216 if occurring in Latah County. HSoP does not have the ability to report cruelty or neglect secondhand. If we are contacted about situations of this kind, we will direct them to contact local law enforcement.
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Does HSoP offer veterinary services to the pulbic?Though we would love to offer spaying/neutering and vaccination services to our local pet community, HSoP does not have the ability or facilities to do so at this time. HSoP does offer assistance through our Spay/Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP), and microchipping services. For a list of local veterinary services, please view the Veterinary Services resource page in the HSoP Resource Library.
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Does it cost money to surrender an owned animal?Yes. HSoP does ask for a small donation to help provide care for owned pets that have been surrendered. Please visit our Owner Surrender page to learn more.
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How old do I have to be to visit the shelter?Anyone is welcome to visit the shelter during our open hours! We do have some restrictions about who can see and interact with shelter pets: - You must be at least 18 years old to enter our dog kennels or to interact with our adoptable dogs without a parent or guardian present. - You must be at least 18 years old to interact with our adoptable cats without a parent or guardian present (unless you're working a junior volunteer shift). - Those 17 and under are welcome to visit the shelter and interact will all of our adoptable pets, so long as they're accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18.
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I'm going on vacation, can you board my pet?No. At this time HSoP does not offer boarding services for pets. There are several boarding facilities throughout Latah County and most vet clinics will also board. For a list of local boarding services, please view our Pet Boarding Services resource sheet in the HSoP Resource Library.
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I found a wild animal hurt in my yard, what should I do?HSoP is not equipped care for wildlife. If you've found an injured or orphaned wild bird or animal, please call Palouse Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation at (208) 614-2273. For more information, please visit their website: Palouse Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation
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I found a feral cat, what do I do?HSoP does not have the ability to provide care for feral cats within our facility. We do have a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program for feral cats living on owned property in Latah County. The program intends to reduce feline infectious diseases and homeless cat births in our region, by providing feral cats with vaccines, spay/neuter surgeries, and ear-tips for identification.
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Why can’t I bring my animal to the Humane Society of the Palouse if I live outside of Latah County?HSoP does not euthanize to make space. We do not have the capacity, space, or manpower to receive animals from outside of the agreed jurisdiction we have with the City of Moscow and Latah County. We recommend contacting the shelter that services your county and they may be able to help.