Tails wags are aplenty this June as the annual Furry 5K wraps up with great success. From walkers and runners, to team captains and adopters, there are plenty of reasons to celebrate now that we’ve come to the finish line. In 2021 the Furry 5K raised $71,686! That money goes directly to supporting pets in need with programs like behavioral training and resources to help rehabilitate injured animals.
Furry 5K participants enjoy their run in support of the Seattle Animal Shelter’s efforts. TOP: With their pups in tow, this family has everything they need to make this run their best one yet.
Through both rain and sunshine, supporters of the Seattle Animal Shelter (SAS) showed up big this year. For the second straight year the Furry 5K went virtual in 2021, meaning people could join from their own neighborhoods—or even their treadmills. More than 535 people joined this virtual run and walk. Every step is appreciated and helps the shelter accomplish its goals.
In addition, this year featured a new way to get involved in the festivities. Supporters had the opportunity to sponsor a dog to walk a 5K alongside one of the amazing SAS volunteers, and it was clear that the only thing better than taking yourself for a walk is sponsoring a shelter pup
With all that walking it’s important that pets fuel up, which is why we’re grateful to official Furry 5K sponsor Mud Bay. Mud Bay donated a pound of food for every mile raced and every dog sponsored, which tallied to more than 1,650 pounds of food donated.
Finally, the most important part of the fun run and walk is the chance to change even a single pet’s life. Throughout the week of the 5K many dogs, cats and critters were given the opportunity to find their forever family. Every mile jogged and every pet sponsored represents a huge accomplishment and a life-changing possibility for these animals. Thank you to the volunteers who made this year’s event come to life, to the sponsors of the 2021 Furry 5K, and to all the participants who contributed to this wonderful event.
The annual Furry 5K, a fun run (or walk!) benefitting the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation, has gone virtual for the second year in a row due to ongoing concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic. If you’re interested in joining in the 2021 Furry 5K but aren’t sure how to participate, here’s some information to help you along.
What is a virtual 5K?
The term virtual 5K may sound confusing, especially as we’re used to virtual gatherings taking place on a screen. In this case, “virtual” really just means “remote.” We won’t be gathered together for a single race event — and because this year’s Furry 5K is taking place June 13-20, you have a full week to join in. Complete your 3.1-mile walk or run wherever and whenever works for you. Maybe that’s in your neighborhood, on a scenic walk with your four-legged friend, or even on a treadmill in your garage.
Three 5K routes in the Seattle area
For many people, it’s more fun to get out of their own neighborhood to complete a 5K. Fortunately, there are plenty of beautiful, fun trails to explore in the Greater Seattle area. Here are three dog-friendly trails that can be used to complete the virtual Furry 5K.
1. Greenlake Loop
A classic trail in the city, one loop around Greenlake is just under five kilometers, or 2.8 miles. Fortunately, Greenlake is known for its beauty and sites, so you can either keep going around the loop for another 0.3 miles to make the full 5K at 3.1 miles or walk to your favorite coffee or ice cream shop around the loop to get yourself a post-race treat.
2. Washington Park Arboretum
There’s not a much more peaceful walk than a stroll through the Washington Park Arboretum. Full of different flora species and plenty of intriguing sniffs for your furry friend, this is a great trail to wander through as you participate in the Furry 5K. While there may not be one consecutive route, you can use a pedometer, your smartphone, or a smart watch to keep track of your mileage.
3. Seward Park
Seward Park in South Seattle is our last recommendation. In fact, it was the site of previous Furry 5K fundraisers in recent years. Take in a gorgeous walk along the western bank of Lake Washington and spend some quality time with your pets on a nice June day in Seattle.
What the Furry 5K means to Seattle Animal Shelter pets
Regardless of where you run or walk this year, the Furry 5K is an active way to support the incredible work of the Seattle Animal Shelter. From the vital work of cruelty and abuse to the everyday success stories of adopted pets, the money that is raised during this event directly benefits the shelter and its ability to care for the homeless pets that need it most. There are plenty of scenic areas to walk and run in the Greater Seattle area — join us June 13-20!
The Seattle Animal Shelter takes in thousands of stray and owner-surrendered animals each year. Many of these animals are in need of a new start, lots of love and often significant veterinary assistance.
Volunteers started the Furry 5K in 1999 to raise funds for the Seattle Animal Shelter’s veterinary needs. Over the past 20 years, the Furry 5K has become an annual fundraiser by the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation that provides homeless pets access to much needed care.
Across Seattle on Aug. 16, you’ll see supporters with their Furry 5k T-shirt going for a run or walk on their favorite 3.1 mile loop to provide happily-ever-afters for pets in need. In honor of their 3.1-mile trek, we’re highlighting the 3.1 major ways that your support of the Furry 5k makes a difference for pets in the Seattle Animal Shelter.
1. Medical care
Through event funding, the Foundation has supported the renewed medical equipment and supplies as well as providing an in-house veterinary clinic. We’re always looking for more ways we could help the shelter keep pets happy and healthy. This year our support has already helped an egg bound snake, a kitten with a badly injured tail and a large, energetic dog with pelvic fractures.
2. Behavioral care
In 2020, SAS expanded the behavioral program to include a full-time animal behaviorist.
The work the behavior team does has saved the lives of hundreds of dogs to date. Dogs that would have been deemed “difficult to adopt” come to SAS with the chance to live full, happy lives. They do not have to worry about being put down due to behavioral issues.
Our behaviorist works with pets to identify behavioral or enrichment needs and create plans to ensure that we are meeting the mental as well as the physical needs of pets in our care. The primary goal is to help pets have successful transitions into a permanent new home.
3. Special services
In addition to the main veterinary and behavioral needs, SAS looks out for pets in other ways.
From providing an onsite dog walking area to remodeling rooms at the shelter to give critters and cats the space they need, SAS is always looking for new ways to help the pets in their care heal and find their forever families.
Sometimes we come across animals who have terminal medical conditions but we are able to keep them comfortable and pain free. These animals may not but suitable for adoption but SAS supports a fospice (foster and hospice) care program to help pets live out their last days with dignity and relaxation. These animals go to homes of experienced foster parents where all of their medication is provided for by the Shelter to ensure that they can enjoy their remaining time in comfort.
3.1 Looking to support communities
The cherry on top of SAS’s work is the assistance they provide to the pet-loving community.
We provide licensing assistance programs for those with lower incomes and our officers are often providing pet supplies to pet owners with need in Seattle. This year they’ve joined a collaboration with other animal organizations in the area to help provide pet food to those pet owners who could really use the extra assistance right now through the pet food bank program.
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The Seattle Animal Shelter has given so much to the people and pets of this community. Now it’s time for our community to give back. Want to help? Just register, create a fundraising team, or donate.
The 2020 Furry 5K is fast approaching on August 16, and our Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation Board and volunteers have been hard at work making sure this year’s first-ever virtual event is a success. Learn more about what this annual FUNdraiser means to them and how YOU can help raise funds for Seattle Animal Shelter animals.
How have you participated in Furry 5K in years past, and what does the event mean to you?
I’ve fostered over a dozen cats in the past 4 years. Fundraising events like the Furry 5K afford my foster cats to get the medical care they needed. Thanks to Furry 5K participants, I know pets in need of help will keep getting the care they need until they find their forever homes.
— Katy Thweatt, Marketing Co-Chair
Emily and her dog, Mila
Running in the Furry 5K has been a family tradition for 5 years! I am excited to participate in a whole new way this year, walking with my 10-year-old lab and newly adopted 10-year-old dachshund mix on the Burke-Gilman Trail. Go #Furry5K!
— Emily Rondestvedt, Auction Co-Chair
I was fairly new to Seattle when a friend invited me to the Furry 5K a few years ago. It was my first introduction to all of the really important work that the Seattle Animal Shelter (SAS) does in the area… Little did I know that SAS and the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation were about to be a huge part of my life over the following years! I loved the idea of being part of an animal-loving community, and started volunteering for the foundation shortly after. I’m now on my second year of the Board.
— Krystle Gomez, Governance Co-Chair
This is my first Furry 5K! With us moving virtual, it’s been an opportunity to think about ways we can get those who are not runners — and even not in Seattle — supporting this important fundraising initiative.
— Sarah Yacoub, Marketing Co-Chair
After learning about SAS and the foundation, I became a volunteer for the Furry 5K in June 2017. Fast forward to October… I saw a volunteer board member position was open for the foundation. I applied, interviewed and now I’m in my third year of my 3-year term as a Board member. It means a lot each year to see people from all walks of life coming out to support animals by walking, running or even riding (strollers, wheel chairs) to the finish line. Everyone having a good time while supporting a cause they believe in is just really awesome to witness.
—Tiffany Daily, Secretary & Governance Co-Chair
I’ve participated in the Furry 5K since 2017, after I first became involved with SAS through a capstone project in grad school. The event is a fun day where you get to be surrounded by hundreds of dogs and their owners who are supporting the shelter through their participation. It’s always wonderful to see the sheer number of people who sign up, because I know we’re all coming together to help save Seattle’s animals.
— Cassie Ballering, Development Committee
I have participated in seven Furry 5K runs: twice as a runner/walker, and five times as an SASF Board member — which means volunteering before, during and after the Furry 5K.
— Sue Boivin, Board President
This is my first year! I’m excited to participate.
— Sarah Coppock, Auction Co-Chair
I’ve volunteered for the last three years — every year since I moved to Seattle. I’ve never been involved in an event that brings such joy to participants, runners and walkers, as well as the incredible causes that the Furry 5K supports. When I first saw the runners, walkers, dogs and cats (!) all having such a great time, I was hooked!
— Richard Todd, Development Committee
Now that the Furry 5K is going virtual this year, how do you plan to participate? Will your pet(s) be joining you?
Richard’s cat, Ellum, participates in the Furry 5K by napping.
I’m going to be walking the 5K with a foster dog from Seattle Animal Shelter! My cat is getting to an advanced age and HATES her harness, so I might chase her in circles at home for 5K… or I might just give her treats. I’m also running a fundraising team at my work.
— Richard
I will take a long hike with my pups and make sure that I have my mask on and practice social distancing. We are thinking of a lake hike so that we can pack a lunch and the dogs can get to cool off. My cat might not be in the mood for a hike, but the dogs will be so happy!
— Sue
I’m finding a neighborhood I don’t regularly walk in and exploring some new sites! I’ve tried putting Mimi, my current foster cat, in a cat leash. It hasn’t gone well so far so she’ll most likely be cheering me on from home.
— Katy
I’m planning on running 5k or more with my dog Daphne (we’ve been training!) and raising money for SASF through my personal fundraising page. I told my friends and family I would running an extra 1k for every $20 donated above $100.
— Sarah C-P.
I will be social distance running with a friend and her dog in our neighborhood during the week of the event.
— Cassie
Steve, my rescue mix and I will walk, probably slowly for 5K; Steve is nine so he’s not much of a runner. I’ll be lucky to get him off the couch for the walk!
— Sarah Y.
Ginger (my adopted pup) and I will enjoy a leisurely 5K around Green Lake! She likes to stop and smell all the spots and we may stop for a puppuccino from Starbucks en route. Ginger may be tiny, but she loves her walks!
— Krystle
Krystle and her dog, Ginger.
Ginger (my adopted pup) and I will enjoy a leisurely 5K around Green Lake! She likes to stop and smell all the spots and we may stop for a puppuccino from Starbucks en route. Ginger may be tiny, but she loves her walks!
— Krystle
What tips do you have for reaching out to networks, friends and family for team fundraising?
Every dollar helps, so when I reach out to friends and family, I let them know that any amount is appreciated. I’ve found most people are happy to give for a great cause!
— Krystle
Share your support for the Furry 5K on social media — and like, comment on and share what SASF is posting on their pages. The more awareness we can bring to the event, the more money we can raise to help dogs, cats and critters.
— Sarah Y.
Provide them with a personal story of why you support SAS/SASF and why it would mean so much for them to contribute funds to your team.
— Cassie
Katy and her SAS foster cat, Barley
I share how the Seattle Animal Shelter has helped my pets personally. One of my foster cats, Barley, needed two radioactive iodine treatments for hyperthyroidism. He was able to get the care he needed without the shelter having to consider cost.
— Katy
Don’t be shy. Know that every dollar raised helps save homeless and abandoned animals in Seattle. There are so many that need our support right now. Let them know that you are part of a community of passionate folks that want to make a difference in the lives of Seattle homeless animals. Together we can give deserving animals a second chance at happiness, love and finding their forever home! Everyone is welcome, and we want everyone to be a part of this life changing work.
— Sue
I like to email family and friends individually, and personalize my outreach to each person based on my relationship with them.
— Sarah C-P.
Reach out! Ask! Show them the work of the Foundation and the shelter. It’s a great event — people will thank you for getting them involved.
— Richard
Why is supporting the Furry 5K so important for SASF?
The Furry 5K is one of our two big fundraisers each year. With all that’s gone on in 2020, we expect the shelter to support more pets and pet owners than ever in upcoming months. With money raised from this event, we ensure that cats, dogs and critters have a safe space to heal and await their forever families.
— Katy
Sarah and her dog, Daphne
Supporting Furry 5K is important because it’s a great opportunity to raise crucial funds for dogs, cats and critters in our community. It’s also an opportunity for more people to learn about SASF and the amazing work the organization does.
— Sarah C-P.
Furry 5K is really all about bringing the community together to help animals in need. This year, I think we can all use a little positivity and (socially distanced) togetherness… and exercise! That’s a win, win, win — all in support of animals who really need our help.
— Krystle
With so much uncertainty and challenges in today’s current environment, this is one way we can demonstrate what remains important to many of us. Non-profit organizations face completely new challenges in 2020, so supporting events like Furry 5K help ensure continuity of service to Seattle’s animals.
— Sarah Y.
This event is important for raising funds to save the lives of animals in Seattle, and also a great way to show your community support. The Furry 5k is an annual event and it not only allows us to share stories about ways that SASF has helped animals in the community, but showcases our sponsors and gives them the opportunity to promote their local businesses.
— Cassie
It raises vital funds for animals in our community who need help. It brings Seattle animal lovers together (virtually or otherwise). It’s an excuse to get outside in the summer and work off that ice cream!
— Richard
Furry 5K is such a beloved community event for such a noble cause. It is one of three major fundraising events that SASF puts on every year to ensure that the Seattle Animal Shelter has enough funds to continue to do their good work — which is to save as many lives as possible. This event ensures every animal that enters SAS is treated as an individual and has everything it needs for a chance at lasting happiness — including medical care, training, a soft place to land, protection from abusive and cruel situations, and of course love, understanding and patience.
— Sue
There’s still time to join other animal lovers in the Seattle area to raise money for the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation. Register your team today for this year’s virtual Furry 5K on August 16.
Friends and supporters of the Seattle Animal Shelter and Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation,
We hope that you are in good health, and good spirits. 2020 has certainly not held back its challenges, but we remain grateful for the resiliency and support this city continues to show.
To start, we want to update you on our animals, all of which are safe and in foster homes with our incredible foster network. SAS adoptions remain open through a temporary appointment-based system.
We would also like to update you on our annual Gala, Furevermore. As many of you know, our annual auction is the paramount event for SASF. It provides an opportunity to show our gratitude for our local donor base and businesses, a chance to bid on exclusive items, and most importantly it represents the single largest opportunity to raise funds for Seattle animals in need.
In 2019, we raised just over $213,000, which supported many of the programs and resources needed to keep the Seattle Animal Shelter operating. Due to the current pandemic, we have made the difficult decision to move our auction to 100% virtual.
We know how much many of you look forward to this live event, but we have decided that the safety and health of our loyal donors and team members should remain our top priority. This year, the auction will be a week-long event, with bidding opening Monday November 9th, ending, Saturday November 14th.
How can you help support SASF Furevermore in 2020?
Donate Auction Items:
Do you have a business or know of one that could benefit from the spotlight this year? Let us brag about it! We are looking for vouchers for unique/curated experiences. These items are highly sought after and give SASF an opportunity to showcase businesses in a meaningful way!
Items that are pet or self-care focused are always spark interest!
Make sure you’re following SASF on Facebook and Instagram. We’d love your support in sharing a post and spreading the word about our organization!
We want to thank you for your understanding and patience with this change in events, and look forward to sharing more details on registration in the coming months.
Please feel free to reach out to me directly with any questions,
If you’ve already registered for the virtual Furry 5K on Sunday, August 16, benefiting the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation, you’ve taken your first step toward helping Seattle’s homeless pets.
Now that we’ve gone virtual, we’re asking you to reach out to your community further extend your impact to help cats, dogs, and critters in need. How? Create or join a fundraising team!
When you create a personal fundraiser or team up with your friends and family, you maximize the opportunity for pets in need getting the care they need.
Donations from the Furry 5K:
Provide top-quality vet care with advanced medical equipment and supplies
Assist with adoption and foster care programs
Support feline fospice care
Create and expand the life-saving behavioral program
Improve the physical and mental needs of thousands of cats, dogs, and critters until they find their forever families
With a few quick, easy steps you can connect with your community and help shelter animals, all while safely at home. Follow these five steps to get the most out of your Furry 5K fundraising team:
Personalize your fundraising page:
The most important thing you can add to your page is why you are fundraising to support Seattle Animal Shelter pets. Let your family and friends know why this matters to you; that’s what they care about most!
Assign your fundraising goal (most teams target $150 per person)
Start with your close contacts: It’s always best to start by emailing your close contacts because they are the most likely to donate. Send personal messages to your inner circle to build up some momentum. See if your employer will match your gift, too. Share with your contacts that every cat, dog, and critter who relies on the care of the Seattle Animal Shelter this year will benefit from their support.
Invite others to join your Furry 5K team
People want to feel connected now more than ever. Reach out to the animal lovers in your life – your friends, your co-workers, your neighbors, your family, your community groups. Asking for even just $10 can provide vaccines for two pets in need.
Share your fundraising page
Share your fundraising page on social media and promote your fundraising goals (be sure to include the link to your page). Use social media to tag and thank people that have already donated while you are asking for new donations. This spreads your message further and lets the people you are asking know that people are already supporting you.
Keep an eye on the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation to see how donations like yours help pets in need. You can keep in touch by following SASF on Facebook, Instagram, or subscribing to our newsletter. And don’t forget to check out all the pets you’re helping by looking at Seattle Animal Shelter’s adoptable pets.
On behalf of all of Seattle’s homeless pets, thank you for taking these extra steps to help give animals in need the care they deserve.
KIRO 7 Traffic Anchor and Emcee Tracy Turner Shares why Seattle Needs the Annual Furevermore Fundraising Gala
published: 2019/10/13
By Taylor Laidley
The Furevermore Fundraising Gala is the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation’s (SASF) most anticipated event of the year. Its proceeds are essential to the survival of some of the shelter’s most important programs, including the Behavioral Training Program, which has helped save more than 3,572 animal lives to date. The Gala, which is expected to sell out this week, will take place on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019, at The National Nordic Museum in Ballard. We sat down with Tracy Turner, traffic anchor for KIRO 7 and emcee of this year’s event, to talk about what Seattle animal lovers can expect from the 9th annual dinner and auction and why it’s so important to the city.
What do you think makes the Furevermore Gala unique compared to other events that you’ve attended? Tracy Turner: What makes this event unique is the people and the passion that goes into it. You can tell in the details—everything from the food that is served, to the placements on the tables, to the atmosphere, to the small talk. Even if I wasn’t a part of it every single year and asked to emcee, I’d still be there. I would still be a part of it because I totally believe in everything that they’re doing right now.
It sounds like an animal lover’s paradise. TT: I think anybody that’s involved with animals—across the board—there’s a special place in this world for them. They have big hearts and big minds and big ideas, and if they could, they would rescue every single animal. The difference between any other shelter [foundation] and the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation is the people that are involved. They not only help with the dinner and the auction and the Gala, but they also go into the shelter and volunteer their time. And you don’t see that a lot with other animal foundations and charities. The people that are involved dedicate a lot of their time to make sure that the animals find their proper homes, get them proper training, the proper rehabilitation…At the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation—they’re just good people. And you feel that when you’re in the room. The electricity, the feeling, it’s just—you can’t describe it.
This is your fourth year as emcee for the Furevermore Gala! Tell me how you got involved with SASF.
TT: So, I am an animal advocate. Ann Graves (Executive Director of SAS) approached me and asked if I would be interested in not only supporting them, but also being their emcee one year, and I never hesitated. I love animals so very much. And if you were to come to our house, you would understand. I am one of those crazy dog ladies. I have two wiener dogs, and we’re officially getting another one in about two weeks.
That’s awesome! Are they all rescue animals? TT: Yeah, so I rescued Lucy a little over eight years ago. And then we rescued Clark just last year. And we just adopted and rescued from the Auburn Humane Society little miss Millie. She will be joining our family here in mid-October. I’m sure you can see the theme. We have human names for all of our pets. My little girl is a “Stranger Things” fan, and she was super pumped when she found that the dog’s name was already Millie. She was like, “Oh my gosh, we don’t have to change her name!”
Why are you excited about this year’s event, and what will you bring to it?
TT: I like to call myself a facilitator of fun. I just kind of keep things moving. Any other dinner and auction can be long and drawn out and whatnot. I think the one thing that makes a difference with the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation dinner and auction is that it’s fun. They have such unique items available for auction. And people know that the money they’re spending toward them is going to help with the animals in the shelter.
Also, they really play into finding homes for their animals at the Gala. They have what they call a “kitten tent.” You can go in, and you can play with all of the kitties. When I get there, I immediately lose my child because she goes straight there, and she’ll be in there until you tell her it’s time to go. And they have people there that are educated on the animals that are up for adoption right now.
You mentioned that they have some really unique items up for auction. Can you tell me more about those items/experiences?
TT: For the last two years, they’ve had an auction item that was a ride-along with a King County Animal Control Officer. They get reports of animals in abusive situations. And you kind of see a day in the life of what they do and the calls that they go out on. I’ve talked to a couple of the animal control officers who have given their time, and some of the stories that come out of the ride-alongs are pretty interesting and pretty funny as well. Another auction item that they have is a ride-along with a King County Sheriff’s Office Canine Unit. There’s a new canine unit that came on board last year. It was unbelievable the amount of support towards it and how many people really wanted to be a part of that.
Why should Seattleites care about this event and the work that this organization is doing? TT: The work that they’re doing is to help our community. If you are an animal lover, or if you have even just a little curiosity about what the city does when it comes to its animal control programs, this is something that you’ll want to check out.
Thank you for all your support at the 2019 Furry 5K. The annual fun run and walk was a huge success! In case you still want to give to help the Help the Animals Fund, we are collecting donations through Sunday, June 30th. If you would like to make a donation, please visit this page for more details.
The Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation (SASF) is currently recruiting new volunteer Board Members and non-Board Member committee volunteers. We are particularly interested in applicants with expertise in the following areas:
Auction and Events, including planning and executing auctions and other large- scale fundraising events, managing and participating in procurement activities, and partnering with local businesses to co-host smaller events or support other fundraising activities.
Development and Fundraising, including individual fundraising efforts such as direct mail and major gift solicitations, creating and implementing strategies for donor acquisition, and knowledge of fundraising cultivation and stewardship practices.
Governance, providing operational, administrative and legal support to the board as well as leading recruiting and grants processes. We are also seeking a Secretary for the 2019 SASF Board that would also serve in the Governance Committee. The ideal candidate has strong human resource, legal, industrial organization, nonprofit and/or “small company” operational skills and is passionate about helping Seattle’s animals.
Recruiting Specialist, who will will be an integral part of our 15-person board and supporting our Vice President. Among duties are: own and present SASF’s annual hiring plan to the Board; recruit volunteers, committee members and board members for SASF; The ideal candidate has 2+ years experience in Recruiting. Experience recruiting unpaid volunteers is preferred but not required.
SASF is a 501(c)(3) organization and our purpose is to enrich and enhance the lives of animals cared for by the Seattle Animal Shelter. Our priority is to raise additional funds to help support the Seattle Animal Shelter (SAS) in its mission to foster caring relationships between people and animals.SASF provides funding to support the many services and programs of SAS. Some examples include:
Dog kennel renovations which allow for a calmer, healthier space for both animals and adopters.
A complete renovation of SAS’s cat and critter areas (completed December 2015), which allows for more flexible space for the cats and critters.
Construction of a new SAS Meet and Greet Room allowing animals to meet potential adopters in a quiet indoor space.
A veterinarian clinic room to allow for onsite veterinary assessments and treatments.
Quality-of-life improvements for all SAS animals including a cutting edge behavioral program to train SAS staff and volunteers to assess and train SAS shelter animals that would previously have been deemed unadoptable.
Adoption underwriting to help animals find their forever homes faster.
Training and supplies for foster homes and in-shelter volunteers.
Spay and neuter assistance for pets in low income families.Through innovative community events, outreach programs, and volunteer opportunities, we help SAS fund creative solutions for immediate needs, pioneer new programs, and build on what the City already provides. We are helping to place the nation’s most pet-friendly city on the leading edge of humane animal advocacy. We hope you will join us!
Board Member Specifics
Responsibilities of Board Members:
Attend all Board meetings (1 per month), and the annual Board meeting and occasional teleconferences
Chair one Board committee or serve as a key contributing member on two committees.
Maintain knowledge of the organization and personal commitment to its goals and objectives.
Attend and support SASF’s major fundraising auction and events.
Current weekly time commitment is approximately 5-10 hours
Contribute $1000 to SASF in funds or in-kind donations (solicited auction donations count towards $1000)
Benefits of Board Membership:
Contribute to a cause you care about in a high-impact way. Serving on the Board of an organization gives you the ability to significantly impact the lives of Seattle’s animals.
Gain important skills. Board Members are expected to actively participate in strategic planning, financial management, and fundraising. Bring your existing expertise and gain new knowledge through your Board experience.
Expand your network. Your fellow Board Members, the staff of our organization, and its funders, donors, and clients will considerably expand your personal and professional network.Board Members serve three-year terms. Board Members may serve two consecutive terms and return to the Board after a one-year absence.The SASF is an all volunteer-run organization, and this is a volunteer opportunity. Board Members will not receive monetary compensation for their board duties other than reimbursement for Board-related expenses.
Volunteer Committee Member Specifics
Responsibilities of volunteers
Contribute time to assist with committee-specific projects and needs. Time commitment for volunteer committee members varies depending on projects, but is generally less than board members.
Attend volunteer orientation and complete volunteer onboarding forms.
Benefits of Volunteer Committee Membership
Join a community of passionate animal advocates to help SAS shelter pets with less time commitment then full SASF Board Member.
Learn more about SASF board membership and explore future board member roles.
Applying to the Board and to be a volunteer Committee Member
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer Board Member or a volunteer Committee Member, please submit a letter of interest and resume to governance@seattleanimalshelterfoundation.org by January 7, 2019 for a January 9, 2019 interview and by January 20, 2019 for a February 13, 2019 interview.
We would also like to invite you to an open SASF Board meeting on January 9, 2019. If you are interested in attending this meeting, please email governance@seattleanimalshelterfoundation.org. The meeting will be from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at WeWork in South Lake Union. We will interview potential new candidates after the open Board meeting on January 9, 2019 at WeWork in South Lake Union.
We also expect to interview potential new candidates on February 13, 2019 at WeWork in South Lake Union. We may be able to accommodate limited interviews at alternate times if January 9, 2019 or February 13, 2019 are not possible.
You knew it as It’s Raining Cats and Dogs in previous years. Beginning in 2018, we’re ushering in a whole new fundraising era. Our 8th annual fundraising gala – Furevermore – brings our donor community to the auction table in honor of Seattle’s shelter animals. Tickets are on sale now!
The Ziva X-Ray Suite is now open and serving the dogs, cats and critters of Seattle. Dedicated to retired Seattle Police Department K9 patrol dog Ziva, Officer Mark Wong and our generous donors celebrated this milestone moment at the Seattle Animal Shelter to dedicate this innovative, high-tech facility to the shelter.
Thank you, Ziva, Officer Wong, our amazing donors and all who attended the event! Special mention to Seattle Barkery, Street Treats and Rachel’s Ginger Beer who gave their time and goods to support this cause.
Beer and dog lovers unite! This summer, Seattle’s craft beer enthusiasts have poured hundreds of pints in the name of shelter dogs. Urban Family Brewery and Floating Bridge Brewery donated proceeds from their fundraising events to the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation. Coming up, we thrilled to partner with Growler Guys for Dog Day Afternoon on August 26. In November, we’re partnering with Reuben’s Brewery to keep the dog love-fest going well into 2018. For details visit SeattleAnimalShelterFoundation.com/events/
Join us for Creeptacular 2018 at the Seattle Animal Shelter on Saturday, October 6, 1-4pm. This special event promotes awareness of critters at the shelter, as well as educating the public about good critter care. We hope to see you there with family and friends!
I have participated in seven Furry 5K runs: twice as a runner/walker, and five times as an SASF Board member — which means volunteering before, during and after the Furry 5K.
Join us for Creeptacular 2018 at the Seattle Animal Shelter on Saturday, October 6, 1-4pm. This special event promotes awareness of critters at the shelter, as well as educating the public about good critter care. We hope to see you there with family and friends!