At Lilac City Pup Project we strive to better the lives of vulnerable dogs through rescue, foster, and adoption services; educate dog owners and empower them to build successful human/canine relationships; and support the local community by partnering with shelters facing overcrowding and limited resources.

What We Do

Rescue and Rehome At-Risk Dogs: Provide rescue, foster care, and adoption services for vulnerable dogs in local and regional shelters facing overcrowding issues and limited resources. We will collaborate with shelter partners to alleviate overcrowding by offering foster care services and facilitating adoptions.Educate: Develop and share educational resources using best practices for raising healthy, well-behaved dogs, covering topics such as nutrition, spay/neuter practices, behavioral training, and socialization.Support: Provide ongoing resources (education, training, and financial assistance) to fosters, adopters, shelter partners, and members of the community to empower them to build successful human/canine relationships.

Guiding Principles

Compassion: We lead with empathy and kindness in all that we do for the dogs in our care, for the people we serve, and for each other.Community: We believe in the power of local partnerships, shared learning, and building strong, inclusive connections between adopters, fosters, shelters, and businesses.Education: We provide science-backed, accessible resources to empower responsible dog ownership and lifelong bonds between pets and people.Integrity: We commit to transparency, accountability, and ethical decision-making in every aspect of our work.Collaboration: We work hand-in-hand with shelters, volunteers, veterinarians, trainers, and local partners to create positive outcomes
for dogs and the community.
Prevention: We believe early intervention through training, support, and responsible care is the key to reducing euthanasia and improving animal welfare long-term.

Give Your Puppy a Head Start

Reward Good Behavior: Show your puppy what to do instead of what not to do. Use praise, treats, or access to things your puppy wants like going outside or playing tug! Use a marker word like “YES!” to tell your pup exactly what earned them the reward.Set Your Puppy Up for Success: Provide your pup with appropriate outlets for normal dog behaviors like chewing. Set up a doggy-proofed area for your pup to stay when you’re not able to supervise. Keep training sessions short and fun.Be Consistent and Predictable: Make sure everyone is sticking to the same plan. Use the same cues and make sure to mark and reward the right response. Predictable interactions foster trust and safety.Introduce Your Pup to People and Pets: Early introduction to trusted people will help your pup become more confident. Your pup should be allowed to interact at their own pace rather than being forced into unpleasant interactions. Young pups are always learning. Reach out to your vet about socialization and vaccinations.- Grace Linden CPDT-KA

Donate

Donations can be made via VENMO, PAYPAL or CHECK.Lilac City Pup Project is a nonprofit organization recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. We are also registered as a nonprofit corporation in the State of Washington (EIN: 33-4833674).All donations to Lilac City Pup Project are fully tax-deductible as allowed by law. Donors will receive an official receipt for their contributions, which may be used for tax purposes.*Thank you for supporting our mission to rescue vulnerable puppies, educate the community, and build a stronger, more compassionate future for dogs and the people who love them.* Please complete the Donor Form below if you'd like to receive a receipt and/or request our mailing address.

Found a lost dog?

Found a dog and don't know what to do? Here is a simple checklist.✅ Check for a microchip. Most vet offices and animal shelters have universal microchip scanners.✅ Post the lost dog on Petco Love Lost: A national lost and found website. https://petcolove.org/✅ Post on Nextdoor, Facebook groups and other social media pages. 90% strays are within 1 mile of their home.1 in 4 pets get lost in their lifetime. Petco Love Lost is a free and easy way to search 300K+ lost and found pets to help them return home. Register your pet now, before they go missing. It's FREE!

Volunteer

Are you interested in volunteering? We will have a wide range of opportunities as we grow. Complete the application below!

Adopt

Are you ready to adopt?
Please read through our Adoption Process and view our Adoptable Dogs.
If you have any questions about our Adoption Process, reach out to [email protected]

Our Adoption ProcessAt Lilac City Pup Project, our goal is to create the best possible match between dogs and their future families. Every adoption begins with an application and moves through a thoughtful, supportive process designed to ensure a happy, lasting fit for both you and your new pup.1. Submit Your ApplicationOnce we receive your adoption application, a Pup Placement Assistant will review it. During this step, we’ll:- Contact your veterinarian to confirm that your current pets are over one year old, spayed/neutered, and up to date on vaccinations.
- Review your home setup and fencing (if applicable).
- If your application meets our adoption criteria, it will move forward to the next stage.
2. Connect with a Pup Placement SpecialistApproved applications are assigned to a Pup Placement Specialist who will guide you through the rest of the process.Your Specialist will reach out to schedule a short phone call so we can learn more about your home, lifestyle, and what kind of dog you’re looking for.3. The Matching ProcessBased on your interview, your Specialist will work to find the right dog for your family.When a potential match is identified, you’ll be connected in a group text with the dog’s foster family and your Specialist to coordinate a Meet & Greet.If it’s not the right fit, your application can be placed on hold until another match is found.4. Meet & Greet & In-Home TrialIf the Meet & Greet goes well, the next step is an In-Home Trial (IHT): a short trial period to make sure the dog is comfortable and happy in your home.- The foster will bring the dog to your home.
- A brief home inspection will be done at this time.
- The foster will provide a few days’ worth of food and help with introductions to current pets.
- Your specialist will provide an IHT Guide and stay in touch throughout the process.
5. Post-Trial Check-In & Adoption FinalizationYour specialist will check in a few days after the trial begins, typically after 2 days for puppies and 5 days for adult dogs.If everyone agrees it’s a great match, you’ll receive a text with the next steps to finalize your adoption:- Sign the adoption contract
- Submit the adoption fee
- Receive your dog’s microchip info and post-adoption care resources
Once everything is complete, congratulations, you’ve officially adopted your new best friend!6. Post-Adoption SupportWe offer training opportunities for adopters and their families. Our trainers provide guidance on helping your new dog adjust to home life and, if age-appropriate, create a socialization schedule to support healthy development.Our Adoption Counselors stay in touch to provide encouragement, advice, and updates about community events and social gatherings designed to support you and your pup’s journey together.Become part of our online community! Our private Facebook group is a fun way to share photos, ask questions, and get to know other LCPP families.