About CARES

CARES (Community Animal Resource & Education Society) is a non-profit 501 c(3) Corporation.  We are the animal care and control authority for the cities of Burien and Des Moines, Washington, and operate a community animal shelter that houses and cares for strays, and adopts out unclaimed animals to new loving families.  

Our primary concerns are public safety, the health and welfare of Burien and Des Moines domestic animals, and enforcing the relevant laws and ordinances of Burien and Des Moines, King County, and Washington State.

CARES was formed in 2011 by a group of local residents and business owners who wanted to reduce the dangers and nuisances caused by irresponsible pet ownership, and to protect pets from abuse, neglect and homelessness.

As a non-profit, community-based shelter, we rely on the generous material donations of animal lovers and citizens like you, and the dedication of our many volunteers to provide a safe, clean, compassionate environment for the animals that come through our doors.  We work hand-in-hand with residents, businesses, and local organizations to provide a high level of service to the Burien and Des Moines communities.   

We accomplish this through transparency, professionalism, compassion, and dedication. 

At CARES., the welfare of the animals and citizens always comes first.

We offer a variety of animal-related services for the community, including:

• Responsive, well-trained, and local animal control, care and enforcement

• Investigation of animal cruelty complaints and welfare concerns

• Clean shelter for lost and stray animals

• Year-round adoption program to place unclaimed dogs and cats in loving homes

• Coordinate spay and neuter surgeries to prevent more unwanted animals

• Providing education on all aspects of animal welfare and responsible pet ownership

• Robust year-round volunteer program

• Purchase and renewal of city pet licenses

• Community outreach and public education