The growing Critter Program at SAS is incredibly lucky to have the support of a dedicated and hard-working staff. Each day Animal Care Officers provide the proper habitats and care for a wide variety of animals ranging from rabbits to birds to mice to geckos and, yes, even to tarantulas.
Our program requires tremendous flexibility, creativity, a sense of humor and broad animal care knowledge. Two of our amazing officers serve as the primary Critter Program contacts and we’d like to introduce them to you!
Courtney Bunn has a rich background in animal care. She has worked as an exotic animal trainer, a zoo keeper, a veterinary technician and a dog trainer. Prior to SAS, she worked in the Seattle Humane Society’s dog program.
Courtney has now been at SAS for more than two years. She says, “Knowing that I make a difference in the lives of so many animals is what brings me to work. I also love my coworkers and the volunteers, which makes a huge difference.” But why critters, Courtney? “I have a special love and passion for working with critters. I feel that they are the most misunderstood because people have the least amount of education around critters and their needs. I love expanding people’s knowledge and understanding of them.”
Courtney is also known for her love of Halloween and costuming. In fact, the annual Creeptacular event is her brainchild. Not only did she come up with the concept, she came up with the name!
Sarah Schmidt became an SAS Animal Care Officer in September 2016. She had previously served as a field officer at SAS and, before that, she was an Animal Control Officer with the Wenatchee Valley Humane Society.
Sarah loves being around all the animals and trying to make their stay at the shelter as stress-free as possible. She enjoys walking dogs, petting kitties, and feeding salads to noisy guinea piggies! She loves working with the critters because every single one is different. She enjoys setting up their enclosures, so they are comfortable and fun. Sarah also relishes the chance to be creative with supplies to ensure the best enrichment for the critters. She especially appreciates the knowledgeable Critter Team volunteers who help out when an unfamiliar species shows up at the door. Researching the care of some of the more exotic species (looking at you, Earl the Pacman Frog) is also fun and rewarding.
Sarah is one of our staff artists. Check out her iguana hanging in a place of honor in the Critter Room!
Thanks to Courtney, Sarah, and all the officers for their commitment, leadership, and sense of fun!
Let’s follow SAS alum Chip the Canary’s journey. Little Chip, pictured here, was a field stray brought into the shelter last fall. As with all surrendered and stray birds, he was immediately placed under a 10-day quarantine. He had a comfy cage, toys, perches, appropriate food, and water. Birds easily contract disease from other animals, including other birds. They are also sensitive to stress and temperature variations. The quarantine allows time to assess their health before exposing them to other animals and environments. Once his wellness exams were conducted, Chip was moved into foster care as soon as possible. This little yellow bird became quite the cheerful singer in his foster home and soon found his forever family.
