C.A.R.E.S. Animal Shelter
A Heart for Our Community
Burien C.A.R.E.S. is dedicated to promoting public safety and the health and welfare of animals through compassionate shelter care, community education, and successful adoptions. We strive to strengthen the precious bond between people and their pets, ensuring every animal finds the love and security they deserve.
Our Story of Commitment
Founded in 2011 by local residents and business owners, C.A.R.E.S. began with a vision to provide dependable, local animal control and sheltering services for the Burien community. Over more than a decade, our small but mighty organization has grown from a humble back-alley office into a stable, independent nonprofit that serves Burien, Des Moines, and Federal Way.
Care with Compassion
As an independent, no-kill shelter, we provide individualized attention to over 1,200 animals each year. Our facility—which we proudly purchased in 2021—is a safe haven where dedicated staff and volunteers work tirelessly to care for lost, stray, and surrendered pets. We prioritize the physical and emotional well-being of every resident as they await their perfect match.
Finding Your Forever Friend
Adoption is a joyful partnership, and we are committed to making thoughtful matches that last a lifetime. Whether you are looking for a playful dog or a sweet cat, our team is here to guide you through the process of meeting and welcoming a new family member into your home. Each adoption is a celebration of a second chance at happiness.
Join Our Mission
Ready to meet your new best friend? We invite you to view our available dogs and cats online or visit us at our Burien shelter to see who is waiting for you. Your support—whether through adoption, volunteering, or donation—makes our work possible and helps us keep our community’s animals happy, healthy, and loved.
Trust Assessment
BronzeRated Sep 22, 2026
NonprofitVerifiedMunicipal PartnerOperating 10+ years
FinancesOnline Review Highlights
- Compassionate staff
- Supportive pet pantry services
- Communication breakdown
Recent Videos
10/19 - June and Johnny had an amazing time at the Fall Frolic yesterday. They met so many nice people and played with pumpkins. Shout out to the Normandy Park Police Department and the whole Normandy Park community for really cramming the cruiser with donations for the dogs and the cats! We have already put the items to use! Our hearts are full and so are our shelves! June and Johnny are looking for their furever after. They showed everyone how well behaved 8 month old puppies could be! Reach out to the shelter to meet them! Normandy Park Police Department The Normandy Park Blog #cramthecruiser #fallfrolic #AdoptAShelterDogMonth
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10/18 - Day 18 of Adopt A Shelter Dog Month - Chubbs Chubbs is a natural athlete. He loves to get out on walks he loves to play fetch and tug -o-war. He is a gorgeous guy. He loves people and loves to snuggle with his friends. Chubbs would like to join you on the sofa to watch sports or go for a walk on the beach. He's flexible! Email the shelter and meet this adorable pooch! #AdoptAShelterDogMonth #adoptable
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10/18 - Happy Gotcha Day to Miko, Junior and Rex. They all got adopted this week. We have already had an update from Junior's family that he is settling in and they are getting him started on training. Shout out to Rex's amazing foster family! They worked really hard preparing Rex to be the best dog. They gave him so much love! Many more dogs awaiting you at the shelter. We are always looking for fosters to help the dogs decompress from being in the shelter and adjust to family life. Please email the shelter if you are interested in fostering. #AdoptAShelterDogMonth
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10/18 - Ralph, Chapi, and Jack had the BEST time at JSE Coffee! They greeted the customers and played. Ralph was put in charge of the lattes! The wonderful folks at JSE gathered donations and gave out coupons! The pups totally loved selling coffee and meeting people! Thank you so much @jsecoffee ! They volunteer at the shelter and give their love, time, and energy to the dogs EVERY day! We love you and appreciate you! JSE Coffee & Energy Drinks #AdoptAShelterDogMonth #adoptable
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10/18 - Day 17 of Adopt A Shelter Dog Month - it's the amazing Chapi! Chapi is a natural cheerleader! She'll cheer you up and give you kisses and hugs when you need them! She is so wonderful and loving! She loves to go out on pack walks with her neightbor dogs. Reach out to the shelter to meet Chapi! #AdoptAShelterDogMonth #adoptable
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10/17 - The Aussie pack took a stroll yesterday! These shy puppers have been settling in at the shelter. They are ready for adoption and ready to take on the world. Girls - Star and Shay are so playful on leash together. Shay really came out of her shell. Boys - Chase and Bruce are lovely gentle dogs. Tigger is a shy guy but he is very playful with his pals! Even though they are not used to walking on leash, they did SO WELL!! These pups will make great family dogs. Contact the shelter to make an appointment to meet the pups from down under! (please note: Tigger's look-a-like Tiger was otherwise occupied 😃) #AdoptAShelterDogMonth #adoptable
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10/17 - Chapi is ready to bust out of the shelter and move onto her best life! She is a big love! Come and adopt this great girl!
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10/17 - Day 16 of Adopt A Shelter Dog Month! Princess Mindy! She is the cutest little pittie. Mindy has lots of great energy and is a lot of fun! Mindy loves everyone dogs and people alike! Come and get this cute princess pup! She is the best! #AdoptAShelterDogMonth #adoptable
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10/16 - Adopt a Shelter Dog Month Day 15 - we meet the best lobster boy in town! It's Thunder! Thunder LOVES to play with the hose! He is a water dog at heart! If you've got a hose or a sprinkler, Thunder will be your bestie! Thunder will need to be the solo dog in the house but as long as there is water he'll be happy! Contact the shelter and meet Thunder! #AdoptAShelterDogMonth #adoptable
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10/15 - Brock LOVES to play and to snuggle! This guy was so lucky to get an outing with his favorite volunteer! He was so happy to run in the yard and then to get some snuggles. Brock loves people and he is selective about his canine friends. This big goober dog would love to hang out and play in the yard with you! Got room in your heart and your yard for this big guy?? Email the shelter and set up a meet and greet! Brock is a FUN dog! We can't wait for you to meet him! #adoptable #AdoptAShelterDogMonth
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10/14 - Ralph is ready to make you your morning cup of coffee! He did some barista training this weekend with his friends at @jsecoffee! He was brining the pumpkin and the spice! He promises to get your order right every time! So adopt Ralph because he is just the best! Email the shelter to set up a meet and greet! #adoptable #AdoptAShelterDogMonth
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10/14 - Hey - it's Tinkle! Adopt a Shelter Dog Month Day 14, we head to Jurassic Park to meet the Dino-pup Tinkle! Tinkle is a lovable young guy. He loves to play and have fun. He loves to snuggle. Tinkle gets along with all the other dogs. He is really a great pup, he is about 10 months old and ready to have fun! #adoptable #AdoptAShelterDogMonth
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10/14 - Day 13 of Adopt a Shelter Dog Month - say hello to Tank the Teddy Bear! Tank is a big softie who is pretty shy with new people. He is GREAT on leash and loves getting out to explore! Come and meet this cute teddy bear of a dog, he will melt your heart with is adorable frowny face! #AdoptAShelterDogMonth #adoptable
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10/13 - Day 12 of Adopt A Shelter Dog Month - Dickens! Dickens is a total vibe and he brings the main character energy every day! Dickens is a sweet guy who is very social. He loves people and loves going out on pack walks with the other shelter dogs. Dickens has been at the shelter for almost a year! Can you believe it???? Crazy! Contact the shelter to meet Dickens! #adoptable #AdoptAShelterDogMonth
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10/12 - Mindy toured the Burien Farmers' Market last week. She showed off her excellent behavior and her super sniffing. She got to enjoy lots of snuggles and pets, then a hotdog and a pupcup! She is the BEST! (you should adopt her) Call or email the shelter and make an appointment to meet Mindy! #AdoptAShelterDogMonth #adoptable
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10/12 - June and Johnny are just the cutest pair of pups to ever arrive at the shelter! These shepherd mixes have super interesting marking and incredible eyes! June has got the beautiful blue eyes and Johnny has one brown eye and one that is half brown/half blue! They are very shy at first. They love to snuggle and play together! We think that they are about 7 months old. Though they came in together, they can be adopted separately. They are not yet fully housebroken! But their cuteness makes up for that! Email the shelter and make an appointment to meet Johnny and June! #adoptable #adoptdontshop #AdoptAShelterDogMonth
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10/12 - Doesn't Stud Muffin look dashing in his Bat costume! It's Day 11 of Adopt A Shelter Dog Month! So it's all eyes on the devastatingly handsome Stud Muffin! Stud Muffin is the best guy. He loves to go out for walks and to play! He loves EVERYONE he has met! Contact the shelter and meet this adorable cutie pie!
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