About

A rescue built out of spare bedrooms

Red Waggin' Rescue is a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit dog and cat rescue serving Franklin County and communities throughout Eastern Washington. Founded in 2010, we rescue animals in need, provide the care and support they need to thrive, and help them find loving forever homes.

Red Waggin' Rescue logo: a happy black dog in a red wagon

Our Story

It started with a simple problem: there was nowhere for these animals to go.

Red Waggin' Rescue began in 2010 after learning that the City of Connell was euthanizing stray dogs every other week because there simply weren't enough resources to care for them. Instead of accepting that as the only option, Red Waggin' went to the City Council and worked to create another one.

That led to a partnership with the City of Connell, and eventually with the Connell Police Department, to help dogs, cats, and the people who care about them.

For nearly 16 years, Red Waggin' has also stepped in throughout rural Franklin County, where there is no county-operated animal shelter or facility to hold stray animals. When sheriff's deputies encounter an abandoned, injured, abused, neglected, or otherwise vulnerable animal, Red Waggin' is often there to help.

What started with a few spare bedrooms has grown into a volunteer-run rescue supported by fosters, adopters, donors, volunteers, and community partners. There are no paid staff, and much of the work happens because people are willing to open their homes, give their time, and step in when an animal needs help.

Together, we've helped thousands of dogs and cats find care, safety, and a path to a forever home.

Our approach

How We Care

Rescue, rehabilitate, rehome

We take in abandoned and vulnerable dogs and cats, provide the care they need, and work to find the right forever home for each one.

Healthy pets, informed families

We believe education is part of rescue. We help adopters understand nutrition, veterinary care, preventative care, and the individual needs of their new pet.

Finding the right match

We're committed to finding the right match for every pet and family. We meet you in person, get to know your needs, and continue to support you throughout the adoption process and beyond.

A community effort

Rescue only works because people come together. Fosters, volunteers, adopters, donors, community members, law enforcement, and other partners all play a part in helping animals get a second chance.

Community partnerships

Rescue Takes a Community

Red Waggin' works with community members, law enforcement, fosters, volunteers, and other organizations to help animals who might otherwise have nowhere to go.

Some dogs need more than a safe place to land. Through the Ridge Dog Training Program, incarcerated individuals work with rescue dogs to help them build confidence, learn new skills, and become more prepared for life in a forever home. The program gives dogs an opportunity to grow while giving their handlers a sense of purpose, responsibility, and connection.

A rescue story

Callie's Second Chance

Callie came to us after being abandoned with her mother and siblings. Her journey took her from foster care to the Ridge Dog Training Program and, eventually, to a forever home.

Read Callie's story

The People Behind Red Waggin'

Red Waggin' is powered by a small team of volunteers, fosters, and animal lovers who believe every animal deserves a chance.

Carrie Adams, founder of Red Waggin' Rescue, kneeling beside a rescue dog

Founder spotlight

Carrie Adams

Red Waggin' began with Carrie seeing a problem in her community and deciding there had to be another way. What started with a few spare bedrooms has grown into a rescue that has helped thousands of dogs and cats find care and loving homes.

Kenzie holding a wide-eyed tabby rescue cat

Kenzie

Team Lead

Elena relaxing on the couch with three small rescue dogs

Elena

Admin, Petfinder

Domenica hugging a rescue dog in a wildflower field

Domenica

Admin

Charles hugging a brown rescue dog in a teal harness

Charles

Adoption Coordinator

Jen cuddling a small black rescue dog at a rescue event

Jen

Adoption Coordinator, Grooming

Hanna smiling while cuddling a black and white rescue dog

Hanna

Web Designer

Contact us

We're volunteers with day jobs, so email is the fastest way to reach us.

Email

connellpetrescue@gmail.com

Response time

Please allow 7-10 business days, we're a small rescue run by part-time volunteers.

Mailing address

Red Waggin' Rescue, P.O. Box 81, Kirkland, WA 98083. No public facility, pets live in foster homes.

Be part of the next chapter

Whether you adopt, foster, volunteer, or donate, you help give animals a second chance.