What we do
Dalmatian Rescue of Puget Sound is a network of people who are passionate about Dalmatians. Our mission is to get them out of shelters where they run the risk of being euthanized. We work with shelters and other rescue groups in the Pacific Northwest and sometimes beyond. We bring them into our homes, and give them the loving care they deserve. When we can’t take them into our homes, we look for people who can. In an emergency, we might even send one to a boarding kennel. We look for ways to get them needed medical care, even if it means we pay for it ourselves. We carefully screen our adoptive homes, seeking a home that is a good match for both the dog and the family, in an effort to make it it a lifetime home. We also educate the public about Dalmatians, even if it means discouraging interested adopters.
Many of the dogs coming to rescue have behavior and health issues that limit the number of homes where they can succeed. We struggle to find foster homes where they can stay until their permanent home is found. Fostering is not an easy job. It often means inviting chaos into your home for a while. If you are interested in fostering, please use our contact form to let us know. Be sure to include your email address, phone number and location.
Our Story
Dalmatian Rescue of Puget Sound was founded in 2009. Our original plan was to help Dalmatians in the Seattle area, but the need is so great throughout Washington, Oregon and Idaho that we have extended our reach to the entire Pacific Northwest. In the past we have helped Dalmatians from as far away as Okinawa. We have also helped many great dogs that weren't Dalmatians.
Dalmatian Rescue of Puget Sound is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation, registered with the State of Washington and recognized by the Internal Revenue Service. Donations made to Dalmatian Rescue of Puget Sound are tax deductible.
Our EIN is 27-1632985.
Does your Dalmatian need a new home?
We do not have a shelter facility, Our ability to accept owner surrenders is limited by the foster space available. We will do our best to accommodate special needs. It is particularly difficult for us to accommodate dogs that are intolerant of other dogs as all of our fosters have other dogs in their homes. If you need to rehome your Dalmatian, please use our contact form to let us know. Be sure to include your email address, phone number and location, along with the name, age, gender and spay/neuter status of the dog.
Dalmatians in action
Did we mention that Dalmatians have a lot of energy and need room to run?
About Dalmatians
We receive a lot of inquiries from people who are looking for a Dalmatian who can get along with their cat, their children and their other dogs. Unfortunately, we don't get many Dalmatians fitting that description. It's not that they don't exist. They are just less likely to be given up.
We love Dalmatians, but, we can't stress enough that they are not suited for most modern homes. They were bred to run with horse drawn carriages and guard them. They can be distrustful of people who aren't their primary caregiver. They can have a strong prey drive that makes some of them a danger to other animals, including other dogs. They have an abundance of energy that requires mental and physical stimulation. While some can live happily in an urban setting, many cannot. We do not recommend them for apartment dwellers, or homes with small yards unless you are a distance runner.
Dalmatians shed continuously, bark enthusiastically and chew vigorously. They crave constant attention but not approval. They will have little remorse if you are not happy with their behavior. They are loyal and loving to their primary caregiver but that may not extend to the rest of the household..
In the late 1990s, the popularity of Dalmatians resulted in over breeding of puppies. Many were surrendered to shelters before their first birthday, as people discovered how energetic and destructive they could be. Rescue groups did their best to save them but many were killed. Things have improved since then. For a several years the demand for Dalmatians was greater than the supply. Having no Dalmatians needing homes was disappointing for people hoping to adopt. It was very good for Dalmatians. Times are changing and the number of Dalmatians coming to rescue is greater than the number of interested adopters. Our foster homes are full and our ability to take in additional shelter dogs and owner surrenders is at risk. More fosters are needed. If you are interested in fostering, please use our contact form to let us know. Be sure to include your email address, phone number and location.
Help a Dalmatian in need
Your support and contributions will help provide shelter, transportation or veterinary care to a Dalmatian in need.
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