It is VIPP's goal that all VIPP dogs and cats available for adoption are spayed or neutered, given basic vaccinations, treated for worms and fleas and microchipped. Cats are tested for feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus. Dogs are vaccinated for Bordetella, DHPP and Rabies. VIPP commits to provide any veterinary care the animals need up through their adoption. VIPP will do everything possible to ensure the dog or cat is healthy. If there is a known medical issue, VIPP will provide adopter with that information before final adoption.
It is VIPP’s Policy that all adopter(s) fill out and sign an Adoption Application. With dog adoptions, a home visit will be performed by a VIPP volunteer.
New owner must pay the full adoption fee at the time of adoption.
VIPP has a special program for cats and dogs with pre-existing medical conditions. Ask your VIPP volunteer about the program if your fear of the condition is inhibiting your ability to adopt your favorite pet.
The new owner will receive a signed “Adoption Certificate” and medical records. The owner also will fill out microchip paperwork and VIPP will submit that to the microchip company. Adopters will be receive a free wellness visit at Fair Isle Animal Clinic or 4Paws Veterinary Clinic provided that the appointment is made within a week of the adoption.
If you need to talk to VIPP about surrendering a cat, please call (206) 389-1085 or email cats@vipp.org. For dogs, call same number or email surrenderdog@vipp.org
Cats: VIPP will accept all relinquished and found cats from Vashon-Maury Island. VIPP will also accept any off-island cat that is a former VIPP cat.
Dogs: VIPP will accept dogs owned by Vashon/Maury residents, subject to available resources. All dogs will be evaluated for temperament by a professionally trained and credentialed individual, who has been approved by the Board of Directors (BOD), prior to intake into the VIPP system. VIPP is not obligated to accept a dog that has been evaluated and found to have traits that are unmanageable with VIPP’s current resources.
Boarding for up to two weeks may be provided during evaluation if necessary. If the dog is deemed not likely to be trainable, or deemed to be a danger to the community, the dog will be returned to the owner. If the owner refuses to take the dog back, or if the owner has abandoned or was abusive to the dog, VIPP will find an appropriate placement.
If the dog is deemed trainable, VIPP will use resources available in the form of volunteers and training programs to help make the dog adoptable. If a dog is found to be dangerous due to aggression after relinquished to VIPP, the dog will be immediately removed from the foster home and professionally kenneled. At this time, VIPP dog volunteers will have 15 days to assess the situation and make a recommendation to the Board of Directors.
Cats and Dogs: If possible, VIPP needs to have a copy of any previous/existing medical records on the relinquished animal and a description of the animal’s personality and history in order to help us find the best possible home. If your cat was raised around dogs or children, VIPP wants to know that. If your animal has trouble getting along with other animals and wants to be “an only child”, we need that information too.
We appreciate a donation at the time of surrender so that we may continue to provide our full range of services to the Vashon community.
Vashon Island Pet Protectors is not an enforcement agency; we are a volunteer organization and do not have the legal authority to respond directly to suspected neglect and abuse. Our volunteers will not personally confront suspected neglect/abuse situations. These situations are best handled by trained animal control officers from Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC). You can call 206-296-7387 (PETS) or file a complaint online HERE.
Please provide a first-hand account and as much information as you can. If you need help filing a complaint, VIPP can help you. Call 206-389-1085 and choose the option “VIPP other.”
If our volunteers suspect neglect and abuse, VIPP will report the incident directly to RASKC and follow up to see if action was taken.
As a “No Kill” organization, Vashon Island Pet Protectors will accept, care for, and re-home Vashon Island dogs and cats. No animal in our care will be euthanized due to lack of space, age, or treatable medical condition.
Euthanasia is to be considered only after a reasonable and appropriate pursuit of all other viable options. It is never a decision that is made without the utmost consideration for all of the factors, as we know them. It is a decision that will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Animals who are suffering mentally, emotionally or physically may be candidates for euthanasia. Animals with a poor prognosis, protracted painful recovery, incurable debilitating illness, are non-responsive to treatment or if treatment is not reasonably available, are candidates for euthanasia. Euthanasia is only performed when it is the most humane action for the animal in question.
Animals who are deemed to pose an unacceptable danger to other animals, themselves or the public are candidates for euthanasia. The final decision with this type of euthanasia will be made by the VIPP Board Of Directors.
VIPP will accept any Vashon/Maury found cat or dog and hold it in its care until the owner is located. VIPP will use various methods to find owners of found animals, such as our community bulletin board and other social media, posters and support and advice.
If a found dog is not claimed within the first day and the animal can not stay at a temporary foster home the dog may be kenneled at the expense of the owner. If a found cat or dog is not claimed within 10 days, it will be considered to be an abandoned animal by the definition of the Regional Animals Services of King County and will go through the normal intake procedures that VIPP has for cats and dogs.
Vashon Island Pet Protectors (VIPP) does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status,sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all of our volunteers, clients, and vendors.
