FAQ

Do I need to make an appointment to have my pet spayed or neutered?
Yes! Surgery is performed Monday–Thursday, and pets are dropped off at 8:00 am. Pick-up for surgeries performed Monday–Thursday is at 7:30 am the following morning. Pets must be at least 8 weeks old and weigh at least 2 pounds in order to be eligible for surgery. Call 253.627.SPAY to make an appointment!

How old does my puppy or kitten have to be to be spayed or neutered?
Coalition: HUMAnE supports early age spay and neuter and spays and neuters puppies and kittens as long as they are at least 8 weeks old and weigh at least 2 pounds. However, we recommend that your puppy or kitten have shots before being spayed or neutered.

When should my puppy or kitten be vaccinated?
Vaccines should begin at 6 weeks of age and every 3 weeks thereafter until the puppy or kitten is 16 weeks old.

I don’t know the vaccine history of my adult dog. Which vaccines does he/she need?
Coalition: HUMAnE recommends a Parvo/Distemper combination vaccine for all dogs, and the rabies vaccine.

I don’t know the vaccine history of my adult cat. Which vaccines does he/she need?
Coalition: HUMAnE recommends a rabies vaccine and a feline upper respiratory (FVRCP) vaccine for all cats.

My cat is an inside cat. Does he/she still need to be vaccinated?
Yes! If your cat should ever escape or you decide to add a new cat to your home, it is extremely important that your cat be vaccinated. Certain feline illnesses are not curable, but can be prevented with vaccines.

Does my cat need a Feline Leukemia test before getting vaccinated for this disease?
Feline Leukemia testing is strongly recommended before vaccination for this disease.

Why should my cat be vaccinated for rabies?
Cats are natural predators. Outdoor cats, especially, may be more susceptible to rabies since they are more likely to come in contact with squirrels, bats, mice, etc. These small animals are among the most common carriers of the disease.

Should I get a 1-year or 3-year rabies vaccination?
You may only get a 3-year vaccination if you have proof of current rabies vaccination (a rabies certificate) for your pet.

Does the clinic accept feral cats?
Yes. Coalition: HUMAnE actively supports the “trap-neuter-return” (TNR) approach to dealing humanely with colonies of wild cats who are not adoptable. For more information, see our Feral Cat page.

Do I have to live in Tacoma or Pierce County to use the clinic?
No, there are no residency restrictions—you can live anywhere!

Do pet cats and dogs need to be licensed to be altered?
No. The clinic is not part of an animal control agency and licensing is not required to use its services.

How can I help support Coalition: HUMAnE?
If you would like to make a donation to Coalition: HUMAnE please contact us at: 253.627.SPAY or coalitionhumane@psnp.org.