STEP: Short-Term Emergency Placement

Providing Temporary Housing in Times of Crisis

Kitsap Humane Society’s Short-Term Emergency Placement (STEP) program offers a temporary safe haven for pets belonging to people experiencing medical crises, domestic violence, temporary housing difficulties, and other unexpected life events. The program places the pet in a KHS-approved foster home or boarding facility at no cost to the pet owner, and the pets may be reclaimed at any point during their stay. The STEP program is completely confidential to protect the privacy of the pet owners.

Pets must be older than 6 months and pass an intake evaluation to be admitted to the program. They will be spayed or neutered and microchipped if necessary, and basic medical care will be provided while the pets are enrolled in STEP. The owner is never charged for any of these vital services, so donations are welcome to help offset the cost of medical care.

Our goal is always to support pets staying with their families, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to admissions@kitsap-humane.org for more information about the other programs Kitsap Humane Society offers such as The Pet Food Pantry, behavioral support, or low-cost veterinary care.

We understand this may be an urgent matter; the agencies and resources outlined on our website lists additional community assistance options.

If you have more questions about enrolling your pets in the STEP program, check out our FAQ or contact our Foster Department at foster@kitsap-humane.org. You may also submit an application for a dog or a cat and a staff member will reach out to you within 72 hours.

Would you like to help pet owners in need in our community by becoming a STEP parent? Click here.