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360-671-7445 | alternativehumanesociety@gmail.com | PO Box 2321 Bellingham, WA 98227
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Alternative Humane Society

Meet Our Adoptable Pets

🐶 Adoptable Dogs

🐱 Adoptable Cats

Enjoy shopping? Want to Help Animal Friends?

Get a gift or a basic necessity for an AHS cat or dog. It’s easy, quick, and so rewarding!

AHS Adoptable Animals

Here Are Our Featured Pets

These staff-picked, extra-special animals deserve a second look. They are waiting for their forever homes, and a lucky potential adopter like you can start with a Statement of Interest.

Maxy

Here’s Maxy… One Leg Down, a Lifetime of Love to Go

Size

Maxy is a small Chihuahua mix weighing about 20 pounds. He’ll do best staying slim to support his joint health, especially after his recent amputation.

Age

This sweet guy is a young senior, full of personality and still enjoying daily adventures.

Appealing Traits

Maxy is leash-savvy, laid back, and loves snuggling under a blanket for hours. He’s also affectionate, treat-motivated, and enjoys walks. Despite having three legs, he gets around well and has a playful spark. He’s neutered, microchipped, and up to date on vaccinations.

Needs

Maxy is working through some itchy skin and may need continued support with that. He also does best with reminders about personal space when around other dogs and benefits from confident, calm companions.

Ideal Home

Maxy will thrive in a home that appreciates a loving but sometimes bossy little dog. He can live with other dogs if they’re easygoing and tolerant, and he’s co-existed with cats. A calm environment with gentle structure will help him feel secure.

💕 Think Maxy could be your new dog pal? 💕

If Maxy sounds like your kind of companion, start by filling out a Statement of Interest. 💌

Sophie

Meet Sophie: The Regal Maine Coon Looking for Her Castle

Sophie is a gorgeous 7 year old Maine Coon mix just waiting to fill your home with cat magic. She is just the right combination of sweet and majestic, a regal lady who loves lounging on windowsills and curling up in front of the heater.

Her ideal owner would love to brush her just as much as she loves being brushed. Sophie is diabetic and gets insulin twice a day. She doesn’t mind the extra attention, but her new family will need to be comfortable with giving shots and committed to her diabetic care. She prefers to be the queen of your world but will warm up to other mature cats. Ideally, she would prefer a quieter home without young children or dogs.

Her long locks are amazing. She is just the right combination of sweet and majestic, a regal lady who loves lounging on windowsills and curling up in front of the heater.

If you’re looking for a smart and loving yet independent supermodel of a cat, Sophie’s your girl.

All of our cats come spayed or neutered, microchipped, and with age-appropriate vaccinations. Senior cats like Sophie have an adoption fee of $100. 

If you would like to apply to be a forever home for Sophie, please fill out a Statement of Interest.

(Unless otherwise indicated, all our cats and kittens are best suited for indoor-only life.)

Jack

Sweetheart Jack Seeks a Loving Canine Companion and Family

Jack is an 8-month-old Lab Shepherd mix, weighing 60 lbs. He is neutered, microchipped, and up to date on all vaccinations. Jack may be a little shy at first, but with a bit of time, he quickly reveals his cuddly and affectionate personality. He thrives around other animals and loves his foster dog and cat siblings.

Jack is best suited for a home with another friendly dog to play with and learn from. He will benefit from a patient and understanding family that can provide a safe and nurturing environment. Once enrolled in puppy training classes, Jack will excel at leash skills, crate training, and navigating busier social settings. He enjoys companionship and gentle daily activity.

  • Affectionate, cuddly, and loving

  • Great recall and eager to learn

  • Thrives in the company of other animals

  • Smart and trainable, ready for puppy training classes

  • Gentle and polite in social settings

  • A home with another friendly dog for play and companionship

  • Patient and understanding humans who will provide training and guidance

  • Safe and nurturing environment where he can continue to grow

  • Consistent opportunities for exercise, socialization, and mental enrichment

Could Jack Be Right for You?

If you think Jack could be the right match for your home, please fill out a Statement of Interest. he is more-than-ready to shower you with love, cuddles, and endless companionship.

Emmett

Sweet, Easygoing Lab/Pit Mix Emmett Wants Belly Rubs, Squeaky Toys, and Cute Outfits

Meet Emmett

EMMETT IS LOOKING FOR HIS FOREVER FAMILY

Emmett is a sweet and lovable black Labrador Retriever and American Pitbull mix. He loves squeaky toys, affection from anyone (especially belly rubs), going everywhere with you, wearing cute outfits, and sniffing his surroundings. He’s a lazy boy at heart who naps easily and only needs about an hour of exercise a day — though if you’re more active, he can happily tolerate two long walks or play sessions. He just wants love!

EMMETT’S BACKGROUND

Emmett was found as a stray about 2 years ago, so his exact age is unknown, but he’s believed to be between 4 and 5 years old. He has a history of abuse and can get a bit anxious around a lot of change, but he is very brave and will communicate with you through it. Above all, he just wants love.

Emmett is easygoing and adaptable, happy with a relaxed lifestyle and plenty of naps. He is not currently in a foster home with another dog, but he may be able to live with one if introduced correctly and fed his special treats separately. A patient, loving family who can offer stability and understanding will bring out the brave, affectionate boy he truly is.

  • Sweet, lovable, and easygoing
  • Loves squeaky toys and affection from anyone, especially belly rubs
  • Loves going everywhere with you and wearing cute outfits
  • Passed basic obedience training and walks well with his commands
  • Very smart and food motivated — eager to learn new tricks and behaviors
  • Easy to bathe and keep clean
  • Very good being left alone at home and understands hard boundaries when you set them
  • Dog friendly — enjoys running around and socializing at the dog park
  • Kennel trained, potty trained, up to date on vaccines, and neutered
  • About an hour of exercise a day, with the option of more if you’re active
  • Careful, correct introductions if he’s to live with another dog
  • High-value treats and bones fed in his kennel when another dog is in the home, as he can be protective of them
  • Patience and a stable routine, since big changes can make him anxious
  • Clear, consistent boundaries, which he understands and respects

Emmett has known life on the streets and a rough past, but through it all he stayed brave, gentle, and full of love. Now he’s ready to trade uncertainty for a warm couch, cute outfits, and a person of his very own. Could you be the one to show him how good life can be? If you’d like to meet this sweet, brave boy, please fill out a statement of interest. Submit an application today.

All of our dogs come spayed or neutered, microchipped, and with age-appropriate vaccinations. As an adult dog, Emmett has an adoption fee of $350.

Sai

Loyal, Goofy Siberian Husky Sai Seeks an Experienced Home

Meet Sai

SAI IS LOOKING FOR THE RIGHT FOREVER FAMILY

Sai is a big, goofy, affectionate lap dog who absolutely loves his people. He is especially bonded to his boy and has always been incredibly loving with him, happily letting him wrestle and play. He has a very sweet, goofy side, is protective of his family, and has a strong bond with the other dog in his current home. Sai has so much love to give to the right person.

SAI’S BACKGROUND

Sai is being rehomed by his current family, who are looking for exactly the right fit for him. They want to be completely transparent about his needs so he can land in a home where he’ll truly thrive. Despite some real challenges, he is a loving, loyal, goofy boy with a lot of heart.

Sai would do best with an experienced adopter who understands Huskies and is ready to provide structure, exercise, and patience. His ideal home is a calm one with a secure, fully fenced yard, no small animals, and either no other pets or a carefully introduced, similar-sized dog. With the right person who meets him where he is, Sai will be a devoted, goofy, loving companion for life.

  • Big, goofy, affectionate lap dog who loves his people
  • Especially bonded and gentle with his boy, happy to wrestle and play
  • Sweet, playful, goofy personality
  • Loyal and protective of his family
  • Bonds strongly with a canine companion he trusts
  • Best as an only pet, or possibly with a similar-sized dog after a slow, careful introduction — he has a high prey drive and is aggressive toward small animals
  • A secure, fully fenced yard is a must, as he is fence-reactive and fence-aggressive
  • A calm household, as he can become overwhelmed by loud or chaotic environments
  • Older, dog-savvy children only — his strong herding instinct means he may nip at the heels of running children
  • An owner willing to continue working with him, providing structure, exercise, and an understanding of Husky behavior
Emmett has known life on the streets and a rough past, but through it all he stayed brave, gentle, and full of love. Now he’s ready to trade uncertainty for a warm couch, cute outfits, and a person of his very own. Could you be the one to show him how good life can be? If you’d like to meet this sweet, brave boy, please fill out a statement of interest. Submit an application today. All of our dogs come spayed or neutered, microchipped, and with age-appropriate vaccinations. As an adult dog, Emmett has an adoption fee of $350.

Velvet

Friendly, Talkative Tuxedo Velvet Seeks a Quiet Home Where She Can Be the Only Cat

Meet Velvet

VELVET IS LOOKING FOR HER FOREVER FAMILY

Velvet is a 7-year-old girl who is friendly and talkative — a pretty tuxedo with one white eyebrow and a bit of extra size, since she does love her chow. She loves to play with catnip toys and dangly, wiggly toys, and she’s very investigative — you’ll often find her in your cabinets checking them out. At night she’ll be right at your side, snuggled up to your legs and purring.

VELVET’S BACKGROUND

Velvet loves to eat and will happily remind you when it’s mealtime. She prefers canned food and only nibbles at kibble. She is eating a prescription urinary food and is on an anti-anxiety medication, and any adopter should plan to continue both under the guidance of their veterinarian.

Velvet would prefer to be an only cat. She gets along with her foster’s cats but would be perfectly happy without other feline companionship. She’s friendly with adults but was concerned about the young children who visit, so an adult-oriented home would suit her best. She is unknown with dogs. Give her a calm household and a sunny spot to nap, and she’ll reward you with plenty of conversation and bedtime snuggles.

Velvet’s Nice Traits

  • Friendly and talkative — a pretty tuxedo with one white eyebrow
  • Loves catnip toys and dangly, wiggly toys
  • Very investigative — happiest exploring the cabinets
  • Loves her food, especially canned food and treats
  • Enjoys napping on towels
  • Snuggles right up to your legs at night, purring away
  • Friendly with adults
  • A home where she can be the only cat — she gets along with her foster’s cats but would be happy on her own
  • Continued prescription urinary food, under veterinary guidance
  • Continued anti-anxiety medication, under veterinary guidance
  • An adult-oriented home — she was concerned about the young children who visit
  • An indoor-only home

All of our cats come spayed or neutered, microchipped, and with age-appropriate vaccinations. Adult cats have an adoption fee of $150. Unless otherwise indicated, all our cats and kittens are best suited for indoor-only life. If you would like to apply to be a forever home for Velvet, please fill out a statement of interest at www.alternativehumanesociety.com.

Enjoy shopping? Want to Help Animal Friends?

Get a gift or a basic necessity for an AHS cat or dog. It’s easy, quick, and so rewarding!

What’s Happening at AHS

September

sat05sep11:00 am1:00 pmPetco Dog Adoption Event11am - 1pm | Meet adoptable dogs at Bellingham Petco with AHS staff. No same-day adoptions.

sun13sepAll Day2026 WHS Dog Days of Summer Festival11am - 3pm | Come visit AHS at the 2025 Dog Days of Summer Festival!

sat26sep2:00 pm4:00 pmPaws for a Beer2pm - 4pm | Pups & Pints: Mix, Mingle & Meet Your New Best Friend! Click to add to your calendar.

October

sat03oct11:00 am1:00 pmPetco Dog Adoption Event11am - 1pm | Meet adoptable dogs at Bellingham Petco with AHS staff. No same-day adoptions.

wed07oct10:00 am3:00 pmFree Veterinary Wellness Clinic in Bellingham for the Under-Served (Oct&Nov-2026)10am - 3pm | Free Veterinary Wellness Clinic

sun18oct11:00 am2:00 pmDewey Griffin Subaru Love Promise - Pets11am - 2pm | Help Subaru and AHS celebrate adoptable pets, at Dewey Griffin Subaru!

sat24oct2:00 pm4:00 pmPaws for a Beer2pm - 4pm | Pups & Pints: Mix, Mingle & Meet Your New Best Friend! Click to add to your calendar.

November

wed04nov10:00 am3:00 pmFree Veterinary Wellness Clinic in Bellingham for the Under-Served (Oct&Nov-2026)10am - 3pm | Free Veterinary Wellness Clinic

sat07nov11:00 am1:00 pmPetco Dog Adoption Event11am - 1pm | Meet adoptable dogs at Bellingham Petco with AHS staff. No same-day adoptions.

sat28nov2:00 pm4:00 pmPaws for a Beer2pm - 4pm | Pups & Pints: Mix, Mingle & Meet Your New Best Friend! Click to add to your calendar.

Download all events as ICS file
Paws for a Beer Adoption Event
Paws for a Beer Logo

Paws for a Beer AHS Adoption Event

Next Event: Saturday, June 28
2:00–4:00 PM
501 Harris Ave. Bellingham WA

Donations Needed
Fostering Saves Lives

What’s New and What’s Happening

September

sat05sep11:00 am1:00 pmPetco Dog Adoption Event11am - 1pm | Meet adoptable dogs at Bellingham Petco with AHS staff. No same-day adoptions.

sun13sepAll Day2026 WHS Dog Days of Summer Festival11am - 3pm | Come visit AHS at the 2025 Dog Days of Summer Festival!

sat26sep2:00 pm4:00 pmPaws for a Beer2pm - 4pm | Pups & Pints: Mix, Mingle & Meet Your New Best Friend! Click to add to your calendar.

October

sat03oct11:00 am1:00 pmPetco Dog Adoption Event11am - 1pm | Meet adoptable dogs at Bellingham Petco with AHS staff. No same-day adoptions.

wed07oct10:00 am3:00 pmFree Veterinary Wellness Clinic in Bellingham for the Under-Served (Oct&Nov-2026)10am - 3pm | Free Veterinary Wellness Clinic

sun18oct11:00 am2:00 pmDewey Griffin Subaru Love Promise - Pets11am - 2pm | Help Subaru and AHS celebrate adoptable pets, at Dewey Griffin Subaru!

sat24oct2:00 pm4:00 pmPaws for a Beer2pm - 4pm | Pups & Pints: Mix, Mingle & Meet Your New Best Friend! Click to add to your calendar.

November

wed04nov10:00 am3:00 pmFree Veterinary Wellness Clinic in Bellingham for the Under-Served (Oct&Nov-2026)10am - 3pm | Free Veterinary Wellness Clinic

sat07nov11:00 am1:00 pmPetco Dog Adoption Event11am - 1pm | Meet adoptable dogs at Bellingham Petco with AHS staff. No same-day adoptions.

sat28nov2:00 pm4:00 pmPaws for a Beer2pm - 4pm | Pups & Pints: Mix, Mingle & Meet Your New Best Friend! Click to add to your calendar.

Download all events as ICS file
donations-needed-new

Paws for a Beer AHS Adoption Event

Next Event: Saturday, September 26th
2:00-4:00 pm

What AHS Offers

A New Home

We have helped over ten thousand dogs and cats find their forever homes. We aim for the best match between people, homes, and pets, then help make it work.

Safe Environment

We foster cats and dogs in the safety and security our members' homes until they are successfully adopted.

Vet Check

Our adoptable animals are microchipped and vaccinated (age allowing) before the adoption process. All cats are FIV/FELV tested.

Home to Stay

We work with you to help smooth the process all the way through. Sometimes a little extra assistance or adjustment can make all the difference.

AHS Adoption Fees - Effective July 1, 2025

Adoption Fees

Effective July 1, 2025

Dogs

Puppies
Up to 18 months (+$200 spay/neuter deposit)
$425
Adults
18 months - 8 years
$350
Seniors
8 years and up
$225

Cats

Kittens
Up to 6 months
$200
Young Adults
7 months - 3 years
$175
Adults
4 - 7 years
$150
Seniors
8 years and up
$100
All cats are FIV/FELV tested

Payment Policy

Spay/neuter deposits: cash or approved cash apps only (no checks)

12,000+ Pets Adopted

Since our start in 1977

Thousands of Volunteers

Through the decades

500+ Low-Cost Spay
and Neuter Vouchers

Given by AHS yearly

Location

PO Box 2321
Bellingham WA 98227

Contact Info

Phone:
360-671-7445 
Email: alternativehumanesociety@gmail.com

AHS Adoption Fees - Effective July 1, 2025

New Adoption Fees

Effective July 1, 2025

Adoption Fees for DOGS

Puppies (up to 18 months)
Plus $200 spay/neuter deposit if not spayed or neutered at time of adoption
$425
Adults (18 months - 8 years)
$350
Seniors (8 years and up)
$225

Adoption Fees for CATS

Kittens (up to 6 months)
$200
Young Adult Cats (7 months to 3 years)
$175
Adult Cats (4 to 7 years)
$150
Seniors (8 years and up)
$100
Note: All cats are FIV/FELV tested

Updated Policy

Spay/neuter deposits can no longer be paid by check. Payments only by cash or approved cash apps that AHS accepts.

Make a cash donation

Donate to our Amazon or Chewy wishlist