As foster parent I love how supportive and knowledgeable and accessible people are. With neonatal kittens there is always a bit of panic and potential for cat-tastrophy but someone is just a text away to help.
I love how healthy they help their kittens to be. Never have I heard a story about kittens going home with upper respiratory or tummy troubles or spayed the day before which just makes their introduction to new home easier.
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I have been volunteering with Purrfect Pals for a few years now, both in the shelter and as a foster cat mom. I have worked with several shelters all over the Northwest and none of them are as dedicated to helping our feline friends as Purrfect Pals. From there feral information and assistance, to their Charm School for spicy kittens, to the comfy and home like environment they create in each of the cat rooms, the staff and volunteers at Purrfect Pals are creating a truly amazing environment for cats. They truly live up to the motto 'every cat matters'.
Not only do they take time to purr-featly match cats with adoptive parents they also have a thriving food bank for feline owners who need a little bit of support getting by.
Three of my foster kittens have gone to people I know and Purrfect Pals made the transition and adoption very easy.
I have adopted 2 cats from this shelter. One was feral and rehabilitated through the prisoners program. She is best friends with the German shepherd! The other was rescued after he needed surgery for a urinary obstruction. This shelter takes amazing care of their kitties with special needs and extra care to make sure they are loved. I recommend it to everyone I know.
I began volunteering at Purrfect Pals at the Issaquah Pet Co in 2015. My daughter needed the hours to finish her volunteer mandate for HS so we both signed up. When she went off to University, I found myself continuing to volunteer. I liked my fellow volunteers and I loved the cats. Six years ago we moved to Skagit County and I loved everything about our new home, except I missed volunteering. I contacted Purrfect Pals and they had an opening at the Arlington facility for cat care. I was back! We jokingly call our house the island of Misfit Toys after the old Christmas claymation special because we are a little different and we fall in love with cats that are a little different. We tend to adopt seniors and cats with challenges. Our first adoption from Purrfect Pals was Kaylee Bug, a tortie, she had neurological issues but never let them slow her down. We've adopted several others over the years. Currently we have a diabetic deaf tabby cat and a mini panther CH kitty. Volunteering at Purrfect Pals has introduced me to wonderful people who care as much as I do about animal welfare and has introduced me to a world of cats and cat behavior I would never otherwise have known. I feel fortunate to be a part of this community and hope to continue volunteering for many more years.
I absolutely love fostering for Purrfect Pals. The first time I fostered was with a different organization and I almost quit after that- until I found Purrfect Pals. They provide so much support, from medical check ups for the babies to supplies to emotional support for the foster family. We had a litter who ended up being born with a serious upper respiratory infection that went septic. The staff at Purrfect Pals was there to support us every step of the way, and made sure we knew we did nothing wrong. I will never foster anywhere else. The staff at Purrfect Pals truly care about the work they do and for the life of every cat who they care for. Purrfect Pals has my heart! ❤️
I'm a regular donor. Years ago I ran into Foster Dad John's kitten cam. His videos led me back to his kitten supplier and I've learned about their activities and philosophy. I live in California, so can't adopt from or volunteer for Purrfect Pals, but as I continue to follow them my respect only grows, and thus I offer the support I can.
I’ve been volunteering off and on for the last few years at Purrfect Pals and I adopted a couple senior boys, Homer & Ozzy 2.5 years ago. I love them so much! I became the Adoption Coordinator back in 9/2024. Hands down, the best job of my life! I love being a part of the PP family. I love working with all the incredible, passionate and hardworking staff, our wonderful volunteers, our compassionate and generous donors, and our magnificent cats, especially Lina, the lobby princess. I’m so proud of Purrfect Pals and our dedication to continue with Kathy Centala’s legacy. We’re changing lives for the better, one cat at a time. Purrfect Pals is my home.
I adopted my two absolutely precious kittens from Purrfect Pals about a year ago. They were 8 weeks old at the time, and came spayed and neutered, with their first set of shots. They were well socialized and friendly! They have grown into such sweet cats in the year I have had them. The staff helping us adopt them was so kind! They walked us through the process and the paperwork. My daughter was with me and they let her pet the office kitty!
Whenever anyone asks for a cat or kitten I always direct them to Purrfect Pals! Those "free" kittens you see generally cost a whole lot more since they aren't fixed or microchipped or anything.
Pictured is my lovely baby Salt
After deciding to adopt a second cat to add to our family, Purrfect Pals immediately came to mind. Adri, the adoption coordinator we worked with, answered every single question we had and found a great match for us. Felix moved in this month after several health setbacks that were beautifully handled by the team at Purrfect Pals. We knew that adopting a medically complex kitty would come with challenges, but these are challenges we don’t even think twice about now. He’s truly the perfect fit for our family, and we couldn’t be more grateful to Adri and the rest of the Purrfect Pals team.
We adopted our beloved Sophie from Purrfect Pals way back in 2006. When Sophie passed last year, we decided to honor her by volunteering to help other cats. We have experienced so much joy and healing during our time at this top-notch shelter. The staff truly does care about all the cats there! They are enthusiastic, caring, loving and dedicated. We are honored to be a small part of the mission!
We have adopted three beautiful kitties from Purrfect Pals over the last 3 years! The organization is so wonderful and love these cats so much that my husband and I decided to give back to them for all the kitty love they've given us by signing up to volunteer at their organization. The cats here are extremely well cared for, and given so much love, compassion, and dignity while in their care. Purrfect Pals is the best cat rescue and we're so proud to be a part of their mission to help.
PurrfectPals is a great and genuinely caring organization! It’s true that for them, all cats matter! The staff and volunteers are dedicated to giving each cat the attention needed whether temporary until they find a forever home or on a permanent basis for those with special needs because they are a no kill shelter. All cats are adoptable and fortunately special people come along that don’t hesitate to give a cat that may not be “perfect” or may be older a loving home which is so greatly appreciated.
Three years ago I adopted two cats from PurrfectPals—a mother and son, one of five kittens in the litter. They are, of course, amazing as any cat parent would say.
I now volunteer with PurrfectPals and enjoy the people and cats.
I highly recommend this organization when adopting your next cat, to volunteer to get your cat fix and/or making a donation to support their remarkable work and cats.
I have volunteered with Purrfect Pals at the Renton PetSmart location for close to 3 years now, and absolutely love it! The entire volunteer team is top notch, in no small part due to the absolutely amazing Volunteer Lead (we love you Trish!) who is unfailingly positive and is always thinking about how we can improve the experience of our resident kitties. The shelter staff are helpful, kind, and responsive to all of our questions.
It's been such an honor to serve this organization and be a part of placing so many lovable cats and kittens with their new families over the past few years. I am proud to be part of our team!
I have been volunteering at Purrfect Pals for over 2 years. When I decided to change careers and leave classroom teaching behind, I felt lost. Purrfect Pals has given me a meaningful and fun way to still give back to my community. Helping these cats be cared for and loved until they find their furrever home is so rewarding!
I first walked into our new neighborhood Renton Petsmart in 2010 and I saw “Volunteers Needed” for their Purrfect Pals shelter cat adoption room. Hook line and sinker I signed up to join the cats and fellow volunteers. With visits to our shelter in Arlington it is always a delight to visit the 40 + cats at the sanctuary and see the care and hard work of the shelter staff. Meanwhile at our Renton Petsmart the team work of volunteers caring for our cats there is amazing. With great communication support from the shelter. Seeing and being a part of this wonderful connection and our Adopters opening their homes to these beautiful cats is precious. “Because Every Cat Matters “
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I have been a Volunteer for Purrfect Pals cat shelter and sanctuary in our Petsmart store cat adoption room for years. The short staffed Shelter is truly amazing with years of experience managing a 40+ cat shelter. Many of the cats have medical ailments and are all well cared for. The busy staff is very kind hearted to all people and animals fulfilling their statement in every way “Every Cat Matters”. www.purrfectpals.org
I've been fostering kittens and volunteering in a variety of roles for nearly 20 years. Purrfect Pals does an amazing job of finding homes for all types of cats and kittens, as well as providing them a safe and loving place to live in the meantime. I recommend checking in with them when you're looking for your next furry family member. They're the best ever!
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I've volunteered with Purrfect Pals for nearly 20 years. They do an amazing job of taking care of all cats, no matter their condition. They keep the shelter pristine, have multiple programs for outreach and stretch their dollars wisely. I've been a foster, fulfilled chore shifts at the shelter and recently started a weekly shift at a local pet store where Purrfect Pals cats are also available.
I volunteered here for about 8-10 months before I adopted my second cat, Gidget, from Purrfect Pals. The adoption process was amazing and easy, and I got to hang out with Gidget for a little bit before I chose to adopt!
The volunteer work is awesome because you get to hang out with all of the cats in the room you’re cleaning, and they are very affectionate most of the time. Then you get to pet them after you’re done, too!
This facility is amazing and handles a ton of cats. Gidget had all of her lab work done and she was spaded before I adopted her. And now she’s the most amazing cat ever!
We have been volunteering and fostering cats for Purrfect Pals in Arlington for three years and it is a wonderful experience. The other volunteers and all of the staff are so caring of the cats who are in their care. We love the kitties and help to keep their rooms clean, they have catios to be outside, they have room to wander, climb and play. When a cat is struggling for whatever reasons, everyone is aware and works to make changes to facilitate a softer landing for these special babies. Purrfect Pals has created a gentle home environment for all of their cats, making sure all feel loved and get the care they need.
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We have volunteered at Purrfect Pals for the last 2 years and really love being part of the cat care at this shelter. We also foster cats that have challenges with other cats. Everyone who works and volunteers at this location is so caring of the cats they are responsible for, the kitties are all well looked after, the housing is clean and healthy and the level of care from everyone is excellent. Everybody knows the cats by name and everybody is aware of the cats with special challenges. Love volunteering here and being a part of this wonderful organization.
I originally became a volunteer for Purrfect Pals back in 2013 and 2014 when I did their annual "Average Joe Cat Show" event and at Petsmart for a few hours in the afternoons. Because of my full time job, though, I wasn't able to do a long term commitment. And due to different circumstances (Pandemic, etc), it took me a long time to rejoin the organization and become a volunteer. But last May I did just that.
I had been looking for work for a while and Purrfect Pals was just the thing I needed. I liked having a shift that I could do a couple of hours a week. It made me feel needed. I was responsible for the laundry and for socializing with the cats. I was able to finally come to the shelter in Arlington that I'd heard so much about and meet all of the staff and the cats. I did this for a few months, but recently I got a job that requires me to be on call, so I have taken a hiatus from doing a regular shift. However, I am looking foreword to volunteering at their annual fundraiser "The Black Cat Ball" next month. Luckily it was moved from the Bellevue Convention Center to the Lynnwood Convention Center, which makes it so much more convenient for me.
I really like this organization and I wish I could do more. They have an amazing amount of cats to take care of and they do it well. They keep volunteers and the public informed of events and news and they care about the well-being of their residents.
I hope to get into doing a regular volunteer shift again soon, but if not, I will do as much as I can.
Purrfect Pals is an amazing resource in the community. Not only does Purrfect Pals take every precaution to make the cats they house feel safe and loved, they work hard to make them have the best life they can. They go above and beyond for each cat they care for. As a teacher for the Transitions Program, I couldn't be more appreciative of Purrfect Pals openly welcoming my students of various disabilities to come and be volunteers. My students' experience volunteering at Purrfect Pals has allowed them to learn valuable job skills they can put on their resume while also getting to experience the joy of helping and being around cats. Purrfect Pals has proven they are the purrfect temporary home for cats looking for their forever home and an accepting and welcoming place for all people that have a heart for cats as well.
We LOVE Purrfect Pals!
My daughter and I have been volunteering with PP for a few years and it’s a blast! The staff are awesome and make sure all kitties have toys, treats, and excellent care.
We get attached to our kitty pals when we see them each week. We always celebrate when they find their forever homes.
Purrfect Pals is a great resource for the community and works very hard “because every cat matters!”
I started volunteering here about a year ago, I’ve loved the environment and being able to help take care of the kitties in the adoption room. Every staff member and volunteer has been super nice and friendly and I’m always excited to come in and see the new kitties for adoption!
My mom and I have been volunteering for Purrfect Pals every weekend for a few months to take care of the kitties. It's been such a wonderful experience! The community here is incredibly helpful and supportive, with volunteers posting daily reports and pictures of the cats which is just lovely to see. Everyone here is so passionate about helping the cats, and we always celebrating together whenever a cat finds a forever home. The cats here are looked after with love and care, staying healthy and happy (especially while playing with the endless selection of toys in their living space!)
I have been a volunteer at Purrfect Pals for three years now. As a car lover, I have full confidence that everyone at Purrfect Pals treat the kitties with the love and compassion that I do.
Hello, I have been volunteering at Purrfect Pals for about 9 months and loved so many aspects of this nonprofit organization. The staff and other volunteers are very welcoming and supportive. The cats are always so sweet and getting to make dinners for the kitties and hangout with them is very therapeutic. The buildings and bathrooms are always clean and they take safety precautions very seriously which I really appreciate. I wish nothing but the best for this organization and will continue to volunteer there as long as possible!
I was a volunteer at a PetSmart site for 9 years, then a foster, and a "cat chef" for the past year. The majority of the adult cats arrive because something has gone wrong in their lives: human friend deceased or no longer able to care for them; found wandering alone; medical conditions that make care difficult; arrivals from other shelters that have run out of space. Some of the cats have a challenging time adjusting to life with other cats or at a store. Many are very shy upon arrival, often due to poor treatment by humans. It is always so rewarding when one week, a cat goes from staying out of the way to being playful and/or outgoing and friendly. Many of the cats will find another cat to bond with. This is all possible because of the efforts of a dedicated professional staff, volunteers who have been trained to do the needed tasks and a caring public.
Four the cats I have adopted came from Purrfect Pals. My 18-year-old snuggle buddy has been with me for nearly 14 of those years. An energetic torbie made it possible to stay awake driving 2,800 miles across country (twice) at night. A recent tabby provided enjoyment for many residents in my apartment building on our nightly hallway walks. The tabby under hospice care was a fun story every day. This was all possible thanks to the Purrfect Pals' founder and organization.
This place takes in mostly senior cats with health problems that have no where else to go. The cats all receive treatments for their health problems and get to free roam around in a room rather than live their lives out in a cage. Some even get outdoor catio enclosures to lie in the sun and watch the birds. I have always tried to find animal rescues to help volunteer, but this one takes rescuing to a whole new level. Truth is most people don't want senior cats with health problems, and its heart breaking when one crosses the rainbow bridge without ever getting their own final forever home. But for the senior cats that are never going to get adopted, this is the place I would want all of them to live out their final days. Where they can actually receive the care they need and the love they deserve.
I adopted my cat Kelley from Purrfect Pals. She was one year old and lived a happy and healthy life until she was eighteen. I work for a special education program. Our students volunteer twice a week at Purrfect Pals. They love being at the shelter and helping to take care of the cats (: I enjoyed it so much that I became a volunteer! The staff and other volunteers are so kind and want only the best for the kitties. They are so loved and cared for. I can’t say enough good things about Purrfect Pals ❤️.
Chris Gant
They have very silly kitties and take great care of them. I’ve been able to get tons of volunteer hours and it’s really nice to see them giving a chance to so many cats who might not have gotten one otherwise! They mostly take in cats with disabilities or special needs, including dietary and sensory needs, and, for cats who need to improve in areas such as proper and non aggressive socialization, they put them through a clicker training program that rewards them positively! They do a good job keeping track of the dietary needs of all the kitties and are also involved in lots of different programs to get them socialized and adopted, such as prison cat programs.
This is a great place to work, volunteer, foster or adopt a kitty. All of the cats have a home here as long as they need it and they receive daily care, special diets and medications to keep them healthy and cozy. The kitties are housed in cage-free rooms with other kitties on the same diet. They have lots of climbing spaces, beds and toys plus outdoor catios to get some fresh air.
Volunteering at Purrfect Pals has been one of the highlights of my last year. So much so, that I added an extra day of volunteering each week. I get so much joy out of visiting and caring for these special kitties at this very special organization. The cats have tons of space to roam around in rooms instead of being cooped up in small, cold metal cages. They have large catios to access most of the year. Their quality of life in a shelter while waiting for their forever home is about as good as it gets. I’m proud to help this organization in any way!
I have been volunteering at Purrfect Pals for a year now, and I absolutely love it! They are a no-kill shelter who don’t turn down the cats with major health issues. They really do believe that every cat matters! It’s the biggest thing I look forward to each week. I love playing with the kitties, cuddling them, and seeing the little baby kittens! The staff are so kind and welcoming; truly the best shelter I’ve ever been to!
I started volunteering at Purrfect Pals a few months ago. They are up the road from my home and when I looked them up I loved their mission. Being an animal lover I knew they were an organization I wanted to support. I ended up adopting Homer and Ozzie and I love all the kitties I help out with. They provide great care for each and every cat. It’s been so much fun and worthwhile.
This sanctuary is wonderful! All of the cats are clearly thriving as best as they can, even if they have medical conditions that would cause some issues. They all seem so happy and the staff are amazing! I look forward to every week that I get to go volunteer and spend time with them. The staff members are also very good at informing you what your responsibilities are and are always willing to help if you need it!
I have adopted two cats (a kitten and a senior) from Purrfect Pals. The shelter always puts the cats first in their priorities and does their very best to make sure they have wonderful lives--even those deemed not adoptable. Cats are given the best of care, including a vet on staff. Most are housed in rooms, rather than cages, except for those requiring quarantine. The best shelter I've ever seen
I volunteered as a cat groomer a couple of months ago and have enjoyed each session I have to groom the kitties who enjoy it.
When I brush one kitty, Tank, he is sitting on his tree really enjoying the attention. So much so when I stop and bend over to brush his good buddy, he walks onto my back and keeps me warm.
It is so much fun to have a kitty letting me know how much he/she appreciates being groomed.
Other kitties have climbed onto me wanting attention and sometimes I find myself surrounded with cats who want and need more attention.
I hope others will come in and give our sweet cats the love and attention they need.
Thank you
Holly
Purrfect Pals is the most amazing shelter to adopt from! All their cats and kittens receive extraordinary medical care! The make sure their animals are healthy, socialized, and ready for new families. Their staff works hard to make the right match for people wanting to adopt cats or kittens! Please support this amazing non-profit and all the great work they do!
I am continually impressed by this organization's dedication to their mission statement that "Every Cat Matters." My heart is touched with every story about an ill or injured kitty that Purrfect Pals is able to nurse back to health when other shelters are unable to help. It's not about cost, it's truly about care for each and every cat, no matter how much support they might need to live a happy life.
I love the work these guys are doing for kitties and those who love them. and I love hearing about all of it in their newsletter. This org truly realizes how much our kitties are parts of our families. Thank you for the work you do!
I moved to rural WA in 2014 & began noticing a young stray cat hunting mice to survive in my field. I started feeding & befriending her, then after asking around to all the neighbors, it became clear that she was abandoned...& pregnant! I helped her raise & wean the kittens, tried my best to find homes for them all, but I needed help with 4 of the kittens! Luckily I found Purrfect Pals & they were able to take in & fix the kittens, find them all loving homes & even helped me get mama spayed for free! Every step of the way they were so helpful & caring, even offering a neuter voucher & trap rental to try & fix the dad. I cannot recommend Purrfect Pals enough!
I am currently serving as Vice President of the Board of Directors for Purrfect Pals, and have been involved with the organization since adopting one of the thousands of cats that have saved, Ripley. She has a Facebook page, Ripley in Redmond, where you can see updates about her and our other cats. We also adopted Plato, who was a feral cat rescued by PP, and placed through the program for socializing cats at the Special Offenders Unit at Monroe Correctional Institute. This program, in which life prisoners get to share their lives with undersocialized cats is one of the programs of which I, as a member of Purrfect Pals, am most proud.
At PP, we realize that for many people a cat is a family member, as our three are for my wife and I. Cats play an incredibly important part in many people's lives, and having Ripley was a great comfort to me as I went through a dark phase of my life a few years ago.
All this adds up to an organization that is leading the way in changing lives for the better for both cats and people.
Because EVERY cat matters.
Review from Guidestar
I came across Purrfect Pals several years ago when I was looking for a no-kill cat-only rescue to support through workplace giving. Then a little over three years ago, after having had a home without cats for some months, I adopted from them. The adoption process was careful but not complicated, and the staff and volunteers who worked with us were very friendly and professional, as well as obviously being dedicated to the well-being of the cats in their care.
One of the cats I adopted had been transferred to Purrfect Pals from a public shelter - at the time of her transfer she was heavily pregnant, and one eye was irreparably damaged - in many places she would not have had any chance to live at all. But Purrfect Pals truly does live up to their motto that every cat matters. She was brought to Purrfect Pals, nurtured with her kittens in a loving foster home, and given the medical care she needed.
My experience adopting from Purrfect Pals inspired me to become more involved and to start volunteering myself. In the almost three years I have been doing so, I have seen them live up to that motto again and again and again. From the kitten who had needed special surgery for an abnormality in his skeletal development, to the senior with bad arthritis, and from the young adult who was partially blind, to the bonded pair of semi-feral cats, painstakingly socialized through the Purrfect Pals Prison Foster Program, each of these cats who has been in my care as a volunteer has shown how truly dedicated Purrfect Pals is to their mission. Each of those cats, as well as so very many others, has been given all the medical help and all the love and nurturing possible to get them ready for and to help them find the perfect home.
And for those still waiting, the shelter doesn't give up either. FIV+? FeLV+? Diabetic?Behavioural issues? No matter - all will know love and care, and a safe environment for as long as it takes. Because every cat really does matter to them!
This organization has changed so much I had to give it only 1 star. They no longer do free spay/neuters for the public and when someone calls with a problem they pass them off to other organizations who have nothing to do with cat behavior issues. They treat some volunteers horribly and several were asked to leave with no real reason given. No matter what their motto says every cat DOESN'T matter.
I brought a problem cat to Purrfect Pals after getting no return call back from all the other shelters I called. The poor cat had been abandoned at a vacant house, and I took it in not realizing it had a problem with urinating everywhere. I tried everything over the course of a year to help her modify her behavior. Finally I called this facility, and made an appointment to get her in within a few days. I toured the facility and I was so impressed with the level of kindness and concern. The cats seemed very well taken care of...cats and kittens no one else would take. Now I donate as often as I can after seeing their wonderful work up close.
Review from Guidestar
This cat sanctuary provides food, shelter, medical care and TLC to all cats - homeless, sick, feral, and FIV positive. They will positively do anything they can to make the lives of cats better. Amazing in every way!
I volunteered her for almost two years. I adopted one of my kitties here. This organization is an amazing shelter with amazing people. The love they have for the cats is amazing. This isn't just another place to find a cat to bring home. The cats who are here have been honestly cared for. No challenge is just given up on. Purrfect Pals has both FELV and FIV positive cats, who would have been put down in a normal shelter. They aren't the cats people adopt. They aren't the ones people drop a hundred dollers on to take home. Yet, Purrfect Pals keeps them, spending money to make them comfortable and happy as long as they are there.
If you're ever in the area, stop by and see. Ask the volunteers who spend their days there about the cats. I bet you that each volunteer has their special favorites in that shelter, and can tell you everything about that cat.
It's love that keeps us volunteering and love that helps those cats find the perfect home.
Review from Guidestar
I first have to tell you that no one asked me to write this review.
My family and I recently relocated to Arlington, WA. I wanted my 10 year old children to experience the joys of long term volunteering so I signed us up to feed shelter cats one day a week. We signed up with Purrfect Pals, the oldest no-kill cat shelter in the area. The more I have gotten to know Purrfect Pals, the more highly I think of them. This organization has been around, thanks to the auspices of one woman, since 1988 and over 27 thousand cats have been adopted. No cat, whether adoptable or not, is unwanted. All all cared for and every adoption is celebrated. What more can I say about an organization that holds a birthday party (with smelly wet cat food birthday cakes) for their leukemia cats each year?
Please support this organization and their hard work. If you can't adopt a cat, please virtually adopt one. Send money in for a cat that can't be adopted and know that you are helping, one animal at a time. If you'd like to learn more, please check out their website at www.purrfectpals.org.
Thanks for reading,
Claire