Washington § 18.92.270 - Higher education facilities — Dogs and cats used for research — Adoption.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 18.92.270 — Higher education facilities — Dogs and cats used for research — Adoption., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 18.92.270. Higher education facilities — Dogs and cats used for research — Adoption.

(1) A higher education facility that receives public money, including tax exempt status, or a facility that provides research in collaboration with a higher education facility, that utilizes dogs or cats for scientific, educational, or research purposes, upon conclusion of a dog or cat's use for scientific, educational, or research purposes shall:
(a) Have the facility's attending veterinarian or designee assess the health of the dog or cat and determine if the dog or cat is suitable for adoption, consistent with guidelines promulgated by the American veterinary medical association; and
(b) Make reasonable efforts to offer the dog or cat for adoption, when the dog or cat is deemed suitable for adoption, through the facility's own adoption program or through an animal care and control agency or an animal rescue group as defined in RCW 82.04.040. A facility that offers dogs or cats for adoption to an animal care and control agency or an animal rescue group under this section may enter into an agreement to facilitate adoptions.
(2) Nothing in this section shall:
(a) Create a duty upon an animal care and control agency or an animal rescue group to accept a dog or cat offered for adoption by a research facility; or
(b) Prohibit a facility from completing scientific research or educational use prior to making a suitability for adoption determination.
(3) A research facility that provides a dog or cat for adoption pursuant to this section is immune from any civil liability for acts or omissions relating to the adoption of a dog or cat pursuant to subsection (1) of this section, other than acts constituting willful or wanton misconduct.
[ 2019 c 184 s 1.]

Notes

Short title—2019 c 184: "This act may be known and cited as the homes for animal heroes act." [ 2019 c 184 s 2.]

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Related Washington Legal Topics

Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 18.92.270

What does Revised Code of Washington § 18.92.270 cover?

Section 18.92.270 ("Higher education facilities — Dogs and cats used for research — Adoption.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Washington § 18.92.270?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 18.92.270" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

How does Washington § 18.92.270 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Washington.