Pacific Northwest Cars for Pets

Welcome to Pacific Northwest Cars for Pets

Thank you for visiting and supporting our organization and community. 

Pacific Northwest Cars for Pets is 501(c)3 nonprofit headquartered in Seattle, Washington. We are a car donation charity that was established to use vehicle donation as a means to help disadvantaged pets across Washington. All donations are kept local to support needy dogs and cats in your community. 

Our Story

We are Tamara and Kenan, a husband and wife team who discovered our passion for helping animals in 2017 while living in Europe. On one of our early first dates, we came across a litter of abandoned puppies. Unsure what to do, we bought food at a nearby grocery store and then contacted a local rescue. Fortunately, the shelter was able to take them in.

Moved by that experience, we decided to adopt a two-month-old Serbian Tricolor hound puppy a few months later. We named him Relya. Shortly after arriving at our home, however, Relya began to experience genetic health issues that hindered his ability to walk. His condition worsened to where he couldn’t go for walks for more than a couple of minutes at a time without needing to be carried.

Eventually, we found a veterinarian who could help us navigate Relya’s care. Relya had to wear a cast on his right leg for several months. While it was difficult to see him struggle, it was heartwarming to see how determined he was to get better.

Unfortunately, however, Relya’s challenges were not over. In the European city where we were living, stray animals faced significant dangers, including poisoning. On one occasion, Relya ingested food that had been laced with poison. On another, we discovered he’d swallowed screws after helping himself to some food he found in a park. Each time, he required intensive veterinary care, but he persevered. After the third incident, we decided to return to Washington State, bringing Relya with us. Since then, he has enjoyed a healthier and happier life.

In 2021, we wanted Relya to have a companion, so we adopted Sunny, a Tree Walker Coonhound who traveled all the way from Jamestown, North Carolina. That same year, our family grew with the addition of our son, who quickly became the best friend of both Relya and Sunny.

Throughout this journey, we have become increasingly aware of the struggles many pets face. This awareness has led us to keep dog food and water in our car, so that we are always ready to assist strays and other vulnerable animals we might encounter who need our help.

We are deeply grateful to Relya and Sunny for opening our eyes to the plight of pets. Whether they are in shelters because of behavioral issues or living on the streets, all animals deserve our compassion.

Our Connection to Seattle

We have both called the Greater Seattle area home for several years–Kenan grew up in Lynnwood, about 30 minutes north of Seattle, and Tamara moved to the area in 2019. Our community has given us so much over the years and we are committed to doing what we can to return the favor. 

If you are a local nonprofit, pet rescue, or shelter, please reach out. We’d love to connect.

Our Pawsitive Partnerships

We work with a network of fantastic local animal nonprofits, pet rescues, and animal shelters. Together with our partners, we’ve helped provide medical care, food, and shelter to pets in Seattle, across Washington, and the entire Pacific Northwest.

Donate a Vehicle and Fuel a Better Future for Our Furry Friends

Your generous contribution can turn an old car into food, shelter, and medical care for dogs and cats waiting for a loving home. Join us in driving change—every donation counts.

Help give these pets the second chance they deserve. Contact us today to get started.