Category: News

How to Help Protect Your Pets in Extreme Weather

Posted on by Carol Eicher

Recent summers in the Pacific Northwest have brought with it extreme weather that was not necessarily common even just a decade ago. This year alone reached record temperatures, and there is still the possibility of wildfires this summer that threaten our air quality. Scorching temperatures and poor air quality can affect the wellbeing of our pets, so it’s important to be prepared.

Hot temperatures

During July’s heatwave Seattle Animal Control was in action to assess and support in emergencies involving pets affected by the record high temps. In fact, Officer Wieringa was called in when he heard a report of a puppy left in a vehicle. The car was parked in the sunshine without any shade, and the temperature outside the vehicle was almost 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

“According to the National Weather Service, temperatures inside a test car parked in the sun under similar conditions reached 110F in less than an hour, and 123F in only two hours, even in a car cooled via air conditioning before the test” states Officer Wieringa, who we spoke to regarding the incident. “Adult dogs under heat stress will pant excessively and may act agitated. If things progress to heatstroke they can start to act weak and confused, and may vomit or have diarrhea. Puppies in particular lack that ability to cool themselves off by panting, and so will act depressed and lethargic even in the initial stages of heat exhaustion/heat stroke.”

If you’re concerned about your own pet in hot weather, watch out for signs like lethargy, an unusually rapid pulse, vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness. These can all be symptoms of a pet who has spent too much time in the sun. If you’re concerned, make sure to keep your pet inside in a cool area with plenty of clean water. If symptoms worsen, immediately contact your veterinarian.

So how do you know if it’s safe to leave your pet in your car while you’re getting groceries or grabbing takeout? Officer Wieringa advises to always stick to a very conservative mindset when you’re questioning if it’s safe to leave your pet in a car by themselves. “Weather in the Pacific Northwest can change quickly, and cars are like greenhouses in that they can heat up fast even in partial sun or on hazy days. Any animal left in a vehicle for any reason needs to always have clean water available for them to drink and within reach of them.”

Smoky weather

According to reporting by the New York Times, 2020 was the most disastrous year on record for wildfires on the West coast. Unfortunately, over five million acres burned and with it came poor air quality in regions that are seeing a rise in smoke each fire season. In September of 2020 air quality reached an unhealthy rating, and there is always the possibility Seattleites will have to face that again.

With pets involved, this can seem even scarier, but we’re here to help. The most important thing to keep in mind if smoke rolls in is to keep your pets indoors, where they’re able to breathe in clean air as much as possible. That means short potty breaks and walks for dogs, and as much as possible keeping cats and critters inside.

While your furry friend may not like a week without the dog park, the best thing for their health is to keep them inside, cool and hydrated. If you do have to step outside with your pet when the air quality is poor, make sure to keep an eye on them after you return home. If they are having any respiratory issues, make sure to contact your veterinarian.

How to help pets in extreme weather

Fortunately, the pets at the Seattle Animal Shelter are given great care by the staff and volunteers, no matter the weather. As for what you can do if you see a pet in need, Officer Wieringa has a few tips.

“If somebody notices a pet in a vehicle and they’re concerned for its safety, whether because it’s hot out or for any other reason, they can contact Seattle Animal Control at 206.386.7387. If the situation seems like an emergency they can also call 911. We don’t recommend people confront the owners of these animals directly out of concern for the caller’s safety. It’s worth noting that here in Seattle it’s not illegal to have an animal in a car, or even to reside in your car with an animal. If there is a concern for the animal’s health or safety, however, we’ll absolutely get involved.”

Thanks to the team’s quick response, Officer Wieringa was able to get to the puppy in the parked car in time to help. She was taken to an emergency veterinarian, and has recovered.

“She’s been doing fine since then, though, and has already grown bigger and bolder in our care. She’s learned how to chase cats, but hasn’t yet caught one, which will probably change her mind about the wisdom of chasing them in the first place.”

Want to keep up with more pet health news? Subscribe to the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation newsletter, or check out these giving opportunities to help pets meet their forever families.

4 ways the Furry 5K helps pets

Posted on by Tom

By Marissa Villegas

2021’s Furry 5K is a virtual event that runs from June 13-20th and whose proceeds benefit the Seattle Animal Shelter’s commitment to providing love, care and support for animals in the Greater Seattle area. By registering for this event you could be helping those pets too!

Here are four ways the Furry 5K helps pets in need:

1. The money fundraised through this and other events directly supports animals who experience distress and dysfunction. Earlier this year the Seattle Animal Shelter had a hand in rescuing hundreds of animals from a dire hoarding case in West Seattle. Without the aid of funds from events like the Furry 5K, they may not have the resources necessary to deal with such difficult cases.

Mimi the dog loves to smile at the camera

2. Happy endings tend to come from rocky starts. That’s definitely the case for many of the beautiful adoptions that happen every day at the Seattle Animal Shelter. From Mimi, who found a loving home with adopters willing to put in the effort to work with her behavioral challenges, to Azul, who overcame a broken tail and a shy demeanor to find happiness with her owners—there are always success stories for cats and dogs just around the corner thanks to the donations made to SAS.

3. Wagging tails and purrs aren’t the only sign of happiness in adopters from the shelter. In fact, the proceeds of the Furry 5K also go towards helping critters in need. Ziggy, a sociable hedgehog who just wants to cuddle with his dog brothers, was adopted by one of SAS’s volunteers after she just fell in love. In addition, Sugar and Loki are two foster-failure rabbits who couldn’t help but win over the hearts of their adopter. These types of stories are fueled by the resources provided by funding through events like the Furry 5K.

Sugar the rabbit enjoying the sunshine in her yard.

4. Beyond the magic of adoptions, proceeds also benefit additional programs within the shelter. Many may not know, but the Seattle Animal Shelter has many tools that help behind the scene operations. For example, the Behavioral Training and Assessment Program helps pets who may initially have trouble being adopted learn how to fit in with new families. SAS also houses a full in-house veterinary clinic and spay and neutering programs that provide critical care for the animals within its community.

Whether or not you walk, run, hop or skip, the Furry 5K is a great way to help pets in need in Seattle. Registration only takes a few minutes and it’s well worth it for the lives you can help change. Sign up for the Furry 5K today.

Working together for animal well-being

Posted on by Carol Eicher

Seattle Animal Shelter (SAS) is part of a network of animal welfare organizations that are dedicated to the well-being of animals in Washington state. SAS often partners with other organizations to help meet the needs of animals in its care and on special projects.

When an animal has needs that cannot be met by SAS, the shelter looks to peer organizations to transfer an animal to a group that is more equipped to meet the animal’s needs. For example, when there is a behavioral need for a specific breed, such as a German Shepherd, SAS will reach out to an organization like Washington German Shepherd Rescue — which may be better equipped to rehabilitate and responsibly rehome the animal. Similarly, if SAS is at capacity and cannot take on more animals, the shelter will work with partners such as Seattle Humane and Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) to find a place for the animals.

A group of 220 neglected animals was recently brought into SAS, which limited its ability to take on more animals from owner relinquishments. Fortunately, the shelter  s to Seattle Humane and RASKC. SAS has also worked to transfer animals to other organizations both in and out of Washington state.

SAS has also worked closely with organizations to meet fostering needs. With the intake of the 220 neglected animals, SAS was unable to find foster homes for all the animals who needed it. Thankfully, the shelter was able to “borrow” established foster parents from other organizations. By utilizing the foster parent resources from partner organizations, SAS was able to get animals into foster homes quicker than if it relied solely on trying to expand its own foster parent base by training a new set of foster parents.

Another example of cross-organization collaboration is the mobile pet food banks that were held in 2020 by SAS and other groups. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many pet owners have faced economic difficulties and have been unable to provide for pets in their care. SAS, Seattle Humane, RASKC, Auburn Valley Humane Society, and Pasado’s Safe Haven came together to offer pet food and supplies to community members in need through mobile pet food banks. The food banks were staffed with team members and volunteers across different groups within SAS. Pet owners could drive or walk up and grab food and supplies for their pets.

A mobile pet food bank held in 2020. Top photo: SAS participates in “Wings of Rescue” to help alleviate overcrowding at Los Angeles County shelters.
A friendly visitor and beneficiary of a 2020 mobile pet food bank held by SAS and other organizations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SAS is exploring other ways to help pet owners beyond mobile pet food banks, including potentially partnering on Seattle Humane’s a Pets for Life program — which is focused on providing resources to pet owners so they don’t have to give their pet away or surrender them to a shelter. Resources of this program range from providing low or no-cost medical and behavioral support, fixing fences, grooming assistance, providing proper leashes, and even providing financial assistance for a pet deposit in an apartment rental.

To help support SAS’s community efforts, Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation (SASF) has provided funding for distribution of more resources and supplies to the community. For World Rabies Day (September 28), SAS partnered with The Doney Coe Pet Clinc to administer vaccines and provide other supplies to pet owners. Funds from SASF allowed SAS to purchase the vaccines and other supplies needed for this special event.

While the COVID-19 pandemic has made a large impact on many lives and organizations, the dedication, passion and fierce advocacy for animal well-being has not wavered among these groups. Thanks to the collaborative efforts and strong partnerships between SAS, Seattle Humane and more, animals in the region and Washington state continue to receive the care they deserve.

If you’re interested in supporting the work and special projects of Seattle Animal Shelter, consider donating to the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation.

MEET BRANDI HOMEIER – AWARD-WINNING ANIMAL SERVICES OFFICER

Posted on by Carol Eicher

On November 7, 2019, Brandi Homeier was recognized by the Seattle City Attorney’s Office with the Domestic Violence in Policing Award. These awards are given out by the Attorney’s office to recognize individuals who have gone above and beyond and/or performed outstanding service in their work as it relates to domestic violence. Brandi was recognized both as a representative of the Seattle Animal Shelter and as an individual, in recognition of her passion and dedication to her job.

Brandi began her work in animal welfare as a Licensed Veterinary Technician for 8 years before seeing a job posting for an Animal Control Officer at the Seattle Animal Shelter. She quickly jumped on the opportunity, realizing she could get paid to work at a shelter. Brandi worked in the Animal Control Officer position for 8 years before taking on her role as supervisor.

As a Field Services Supervisor, Brandi handles the logistical and administrative tasks such as scheduling, assisting customers and handling complaints for her team. Brandi also audits completed calls to the team, secures and serves search/seizure warrants, works with the Services office prosecution team, and last but not least — lets dogs hang out in her office. In addition, Brandi assists in and oversees in investigations for criminal-level offenses by:

  • Speaking to officers about angles to take and things to ask and look for in their cases
  • Speaking to suspects, explaining processes, and attending appeal meetings (if their animal has been seized)
  • Assisting veterinarians during exams and taking photos/collecting evidence
  • Working with filing prosecutor to ensure that there is enough evidence found to proceed with the case
  • Working with trial prosecutors with regards to evidence and prepping involved agency members before testifying
  • Keeping the animal care team abreast of the status of ‘case hold’ animals

Although there is a lot of work and a lot of steps involved in handling cases, Brandi finds the work extremely rewarding. “The feeling of being able to directly intervene and improve quality of life is amazing,” notes Brandi.

Left to right: Kelly Harris (Chief of Criminal Division of City Attorney’s Office), Catherine Riedo, Brandi Homeier, Alyssa Shaw

Brandi and her team aim to not only protect the well-being of pets, but of humans as well. 52% of defendants in Seattle that have been charged with animal cruelty in the last 5-10 years have been found to have a domestic violence history. Because of this link (and their love of animals), three women within the Domestic Violence unit of the City Attorney’s Office have become the dedicated Animal Cruelty prosecution team for Brandi and her team. Alyssa Shaw, a Victim Advocate in this team, says the link between domestic violence and animal cruelty has been getting more and more attention through research done with survivors of domestic violence. In one study, 71% of women surveyed in a domestic violence shelter reported their partners had actually hurt or threatened their companion animal. It has also been shown that the welfare of animals is a contributing factor for survivors trying to flee their abusive homes. In addition to working with Alyssa, Brandi also works with Victoria VanNocken, who is responsible for filing cases as they come through to this unit through Seattle Animal Shelter and the Seattle Police Department. Catherine Riedo is the third member of the Animal Cruelty team, and is responsible for handling the case once it is filed through negotiations and trial.

Alyssa, Victoria and Catherine were the ones who nominated Brandi for the Domestic Violence in Policing Award. When asked why they submitted the nomination, Alyssa said, “It was because of her absolute dedication to her work as well as her commitment to make sure Seattle is a safe place for humans and animals.”

Alyssa cited one specific case when Brandi helped with a search warrant to allow for a dog to be temporarily taken by Seattle Animal Shelter because of cruelty allegations. Although Brandi was off-duty, she observed something that aided the case and contacted the police to execute the search warrant.

“This is just a small example of the endless list of things that Brandi does for us and her team, and that also shows how invested she is in her cases and to keeping the community safe,” Alyssa says.

The work of Brandi, her team, and the partners in the City Attorney’s Office is important and integral to the animal welfare of the community. We are grateful for the work that they do day in and day out to protect the well-being of animals in Seattle.

If you are able, consider donating to the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation to support this collaborative program between Seattle Animal Shelter and the City Attorney’s office.

Don’t forget to join us for our biggest fundraising event of the year, Furevermore Auction & Gala, for a free, virtual event starting November 9th and continuing with a real time auction on November 14th.

What’s the Difference? How Seattle Animal Shelter and Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation Unite to Help Pets in Need

Posted on by Carol Eicher

In 2010, the Seattle Animal Shelter (SAS) and a committed group of volunteers recognized that there were certain needs above and beyond what the City of Seattle could fund. To better address these needs, the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation (SASF) was formed.

What’s the difference between the Seattle Animal Shelter and the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation?

The Seattle Animal Shelter is responsible for operation of all animal services in the city, and is run by the City of Seattle. Funding for day-to-day operations of SAS is provided by the City of Seattle. The City provides funds to support basic functions such as adoption services, the spay/neuter clinic, pet licensing, and animal control officers.

The Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that raises private funds in order to provide for programs and services at SAS above and beyond those funded by the City. SASF was formed in 2010 by a group of volunteers at SAS who recognized that there were certain needs above and beyond what the City of Seattle could fund. SASF is run by an all-volunteer Board; a full-time development director who was hired in 2020. SAS management and the SASF Board work closely together to identify key initiatives and priorities to help SAS fund its existing programs, behavioral modification program, advanced veterinary care, and help pet communities in need.

How does SASF help raise funds and where does the money go? Who decides how these funds are spent?

SASF conducts traditional fundraising activities including individual solicitations, corporate donations, and online and email campaigns. SASF also hosts two main events throughout the year: the Furry 5K in the spring and the Furevermore Fundraising Gala in the fall. These efforts raise awareness of SASF’s mission and the needs of animals in the community, and also provide a tax-deductible way for the community to improve the lives of Seattle’s animals. Thousands of dogs, cats and critters are helped every year, and this support is made possible through generous donors and committed volunteers.

SASF’s Board of Directors awards funds to the SAS through a grant proposal and review process. Because SASF funds are not restricted to specific initiatives, SAS and SASF can work together to identify the highest priorities and allocate funds accordingly. Please read SASF’s 2019 Annual Report (available on the SASF website) for details on how funds were allocated in prior years.

In December 2018, SASF hit a milestone of officially awarding SAS more than $1,000,000 in funds since its formation.

How is SASF different from the other funds SAS currently supports, like Help the Animals Fund?

Funds from the Help the Animals Fund (HTAF) and the Pet Population Fund (PPF) can be used for a wide variety of SAS initiatives and address a broader range of needs, both immediate and longer-term. The HTAF and PPF funds are more flexible and immediate and are used without SASF involvement.

What is the long-term vision of SAS and SASF?

SASF will be a recognized leader in the animal welfare community. SASF’s vision is driven by the following guiding principles:

  1. We are deeply passionate about animals and making a difference in the Seattle community.
  2. We pride ourselves on being a learning organization.
  3. Our resource engine is driven by building a stronger community – connecting people and animals.

Everything SASF does is in support of SAS, whose mission is to provide a safe, healthy and caring environment where people and animals can co-exist.

Should I donate to SAS or SASF?

If you want to make a tangible donation to pets currently waiting for their forever homes at the animal shelter, a donation to the Seattle Animal Shelter Amazon Wish List will make a big difference. Blankets, food, treats, and toys all go a long way to providing a comfortable and nurturing environment for pets in need. Unfortunately, do to COVID-19 precautions we are unable to accept drop off donations at this time.

SASF donations are earmarked for all of the existing programs and the behavior modification program. These essential programs would not exist without SASF granting 100% of the operating costs. SASF relies on recurring donations, individual donations and corporate donations to fulfill these annual grants, as well as needs that are not in the SAS budget — such as the construction of the onsite vet clinic, an X-ray suite, construction of dog kennels, cat roaming areas, the critter room and so much more.

To make a one-time or reoccurring donation, check out the SASF donation page.

A Letter to Our Forevermore Gala Supporters

Posted on by Carol Eicher

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!
  • Gift cards are always appreciated!

Other Ways to Give:

  • Donate directly to SASF, any amount makes a huge difference!
  • 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,

Emily Rondestvedt
SASF Board Member, Auction Chair
EmilyR@seattleanimalshelterfoundation.org

COVID-19 – Seattle Animal Shelter Updates

Posted on by Carol Eicher

To protect the health and safety of our community by mitigating the impact of COVID-19, the public-facing customer service counters of the Seattle Animal Shelter closed on Monday, March 16. Shelter staff will evaluate a timeline for reopening as the outbreak evolves. You can expect more information to come your way related to potential impacts to SAS and its programs, including lost and found services and adoptions.

Throughout the closure, Seattle Animal Shelter is available to help you over the phone or online during the hours of 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and can be reached in the following ways:

Seattle Animal Shelter staff and volunteers are prioritizing the health and well-being of the animals under their care. As of right now, the CDC reports there is no evidence that companion animals including pets can spread COVID-19. We recommend you follow the CDC or the World Organisation for Animal Health for up-to-date insights on animals and COVID-19.

 

Due to the risks posed by COVID-19, the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation has postponed our Urban Family Brewing fundraising event. We hope to share rescheduled event details in the coming weeks. Follow our Urban Family brewing Facebook event for updates.

We don’t know what the next few weeks or months look like for the Seattle Animal Shelter. But Seattle Animal Shelter has been caring for Seattle’s pets for nearly 50 years, and doesn’t plan on stopping any time soon.

If you’re able, please consider making a donation to the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation. Your gift will support the Seattle Animal Shelter by ensuring the mental and physical needs of all pets are met.

Currently, we still plan to hold the Furry 5K on Sunday, June 14th. All the money raised from this event goes to support the Seattle Animal Shelter.

To provide support in other ways, please follow the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation on Facebook and Instagram, or subscribe to our email newsletter to be alerted about the latest shelter needs. In the coming days, we’ll share requests for donations, volunteers, or foster parents as we learn more about how the shelter will be operating and their most pressing needs.

Caring for Seattle’s animals and mitigating any impacts of this closure are our top priorities right now, and we appreciate your support.

2019: A Year In Review

Posted on by Carol Eicher

Lost pets found their way home. Abused pups were rescued and shown how to trust again. Sick and injured animals were rehabilitated. Children adopted their first pets. This is only a small snapshot of what happened inside the walls of the Seattle Animal Shelter in 2019. Here’s a deeper look at what happened this year and how it will impact the shelter in the new decade to come:

By the numbers

It was an incredible year for Seattle’s homeless animals; in 2019, the Seattle Animal Shelter took in a total of 1,056 cats, 891 dogs, and 358 critters. Of those, 844 dogs, 916 cats, and 349 critters adopted, transferred for adoption elsewhere, or reunited to their owners. The shelter continues to stay well above a 90 percent live release rate (the percentage of live outcomes compared to overall outcomes).

Growing our volunteer community

This year, the shelter welcomed 236 new volunteers! This includes volunteer foster parents, behavior team volunteers, in-shelter volunteers, Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation (SASF) volunteers, and more. Our incredible volunteers work 365 days a year and are extremely dedicated. They save thousands of animal lives each year. Without them, the shelter would not be the success it is today.

New staff members

In 2019, the shelter welcomed a new member to its animal control team, which handles all manner of cases, commonly those of abuse, neglect cruelty, injured and sick animals, and aggressive animals. The shelter also brought on its first full-time animal behaviorist. Kimberlee Spicer is a CPDT-KA and Fear Free Certified trainer. She formerly worked with Homeward Pet Adoption Center, starting as an adoption counselor, then a dog behavior coordinator, and finally as an animal behavior manager.

Since 2016, the shelter’s behavior training program has helped at-risk dogs overcome their fears and start to trust humans again through positive behavior modification techniques. It also helps cats find the right homes through animal profiling, which matches a cat’s personality type to an adopter. Learn more about the behavior program here.  This unique program is entirely funded by SASF donors. With a full-time behaviorist on board, the shelter can now expand its training of volunteers and staff to assure every animal with special needs benefits from the program.

Donations

Our annual Furevermore Fundraising Gala raised $213,000 alone. Our Furry 5K raised more than $114,000. (Get details on our 2020 events here!) While helping supplement shelter essentials such as veterinary care, animal control, food and supplies, staffing, spaying and neutering, and facility upkeep, this funding also supports a range of programs that go beyond what the City of Seattle can finance, including our Behavioral Training, Foster, and Fospice programs.

 

 

 

 

 

Want to get involved? Sign up for our email newsletter to stay up to date on SASF news and events!

Ways to Give to the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation

Posted on by Carol Eicher

Throughout the year, the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation (SASF) offers tons of ways for you to get involved, have a blast, and give back to Seattle’s homeless pets. This season, giving back is both easier and more important than ever.

The reality is that the Seattle Animal Shelter (SAS) and the animals in its care have needs that go far beyond what the City of Seattle can fund. That’s where SASF comes in. By helping raise critical funds, SASF contributes to the health and wellbeing of Seattle’s homeless animals by funding the shelter’s many life-saving programs and services.

Whether you just love animals and want to give back, or if you want to take it a step further and become a volunteer, we have something for you. Here are some ways you can get involved this holiday season and throughout the new year:

  • Shop on AmazonSmile. Did you know that you can give to your favorite charities by simply shopping on Amazon? amazon.com offers the same products, pricing, and shopping features as the Amazon you know, except for one huge bonus: A portion of every dollar you spend on AmazonSmile is donated to an eligible charity of your choice!

Designating SASF as your charity of choice is easy: Sign in to your Amazon account on smile.amazon.com on your desktop or mobile browser. From your desktop, go to “Your Account” from the navigation at the top of any page, and then select the option to “Change your Amazon Smile charity.” Or, from your mobile browser, select “Change your Amazon Smile charity” from the options at the bottom of the page. Search Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation, and select it as your charitable organization to support.

  • Visit our website portal, and consider making your donation recurring to help animals in need all year round. Many of our donors give to the shelter each month in remembrance of a pet or loved one. If you choose to donate through our website, be sure to tell us why SASF is important to you. Here are some remarks from our recurring donors:

“In remembrance of Phoebe, adopted from the Seattle Animal Shelter in 2004, who passed away in 2018.”

“I just recently learned about the wonderful things SASF is doing. Couldn’t think of a better place to gift donation dollars. Thank you!”

“In honor of my sweet pup Remy’s adoption! Thanks for all you do.”

  • Support the shelter by attending a 2020 event. Get involved in our biggest and most popular events throughout the year. SASF hosts two major annual events. Mark your calendar for June 9 for the Furry 5K Fun Run & Walk. Now in its 20th year, the Furry 5K is one of the few races in the Puget Sound area that encourages participants to run or walk with their dogs. The race is followed by Pet-a-Palooza, with entertainment, festive music, awards, and an interactive vendor area.The Furevermore Annual Fundraising Gala is a fundraiser, but it’s also a party filled with games, silent and live auctions, delicious food and drink, and camaraderie with fellow animal lovers. Together, these events provide essential funding for some of the shelter’s most important programs. Learn more about how these events support SAS.
  • Purchase a 2020 SASF calendar. This year, give a gift that gives back. SASF sells a special calendar each year featuring our community’s treasured pets. Proceeds from calendar sales go directly to SAS animals. Our 2020 calendar is produced by local photographer and Seattle Animal Shelter volunteer, Emily Rieman of Best Friend Photography. You can purchase a calendar online or at the shelter.
  • See if your employer has a matching donation program, and consider donating through them. Giving through your workplace is an easy and efficient way to make tax-deductible donations to causes you care about. Many companies will even match charitable donations made by their employees. Companies with corporate giving programs include Microsoft, Google, T-Mobile, Boeing, Starbucks, Alaska Airlines, the Gates Foundation, Apple, Honda, Prudential, Samsung, ADP, Coca-Cola, and Cargill, to name a few. Talk to your HR department today about amplifying your impact, and consider making SASF your charity of choice.
  • Donate as a gift to a friend. Not sure what gifts to give this year? Donating to SASF is the perfect gift for any pet lover. This year, consider donating to the shelter on behalf of a friend or family member through our quick and easy website portal.
  • Become a volunteer! The Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation needs volunteers to help raise funds for the animals. Volunteer to help with marketing, events, or donor relations. If interested, contact us at info@seattleanimalshelterfoundation.org. The Seattle Animal Shelter also offers a wide range of volunteer opportunities, but the greatest need is for foster parents. Consider becoming a foster parent, and save a pet the unnecessary hardship and stress of a shelter stay. Discover more SAS volunteer opportunities and learn how you can get started

Donor-Funded Behavioral Training Saves Lives

Posted on by Carol Eicher

By Taylor Laidley   

Since its inception, the Seattle Animal Shelter’s (SAS) donor-funded Behavioral Training Program has saved 1,329 dogs and 2,243 cats. Thanks to the generous support of the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation (SASF) donors and the tireless work of the shelter’s behaviorists, this groundbreaking program is changing the lives of Seattle’s most at-risk animals. But there is still more work to be done.

Living inside a shelter can be traumatic for any animal—especially those that have been previously neglected, abused, or under-socialized. When animals feel overwhelmed or scared, they can develop adverse behaviors or aggravate existing behaviors that significantly decrease their chances of adoption. Previously, many of these animals were euthanized. But now SAS’s unique program gives them a second chance at life.

“Any dog that couldn’t be walked by our volunteers or easily handled by our staff, that was a dog that would often be euthanized or put down,” said Kara Main-Hester, deputy director of SAS. “When these dogs come into the shelter, I feel like they break just a little bit…It’s overwhelming and exhausting, and because of this, we see a lot of behavior come out, whether it’s literally a dog who sits with their head facing the wall because they’re so overwhelmed, or they become outwardly aggressive. Pretty much what they’re saying is, ‘get away,’ ‘please stop,’ ‘I can’t take it anymore.’”

Developed in 2016 with the help of animal behaviorists from the University of Washington and a grant from the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation (SASF), the shelter’s unique Behavioral Training Program is based on positive reinforcement, love, and patience. The program uses behavior modification techniques to help at-risk dogs overcome their fears and start to trust humans again—all in a matter of months.

Through the program, all volunteers and staff are given the necessary skills to curb those adverse behaviors and make that animal’s shelter stay less stressful. In 2017, all of the shelter’s adopted dogs (472) received SAFER training (Safety Assessment for Evaluating Rehoming), a tool developed by ASPCA to help shelters assess the risk of future aggression in dogs and identify which dogs will require one-on-one behavioral training before they can be adopted. More than 50 dogs received highly specialized behavior training in 2017 for especially challenging behavior issues such as separation anxiety and fear aggression.

Cats also benefit from the program. In 2017, all of the shelter’s adopted cats (764) received the “Feline-ality” assessment. Think of it as a friendship app for cat lovers! Whether the cat is chill and laid-back or extroverted and full of energy, this assessment allows the shelter to match the cat’s personality with an owner who is looking for a pet with those traits.

“This [program] isn’t just some sort of luxury,” said Main-Hester. “This is truly just as important of our veterinary programs here at the shelter.”

Across the country, behavioral training programs are slowly being recognized as a necessary component of care. But unfortunately, not every shelter has the resources to institute a program like this. Of the estimated 6.5 million animals that are surrendered to shelters each year, approximately 1.5 million of them are still euthanized, according to ASPCA. SAS hopes that the success of its Behavior Training Program will lead to it being replicated in shelters across the U.S. so more lives might be saved.

This year, the shelter hopes to bring on a full-time behavior specialist to sustain the program and expand its training of volunteers and staff so that the shelter can continue to serve every animal that comes through its wide-open doors. And you can help make that a reality.

The Behavioral Training Program would not exist without the life-saving generosity of SASF donors. On Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019, join fellow animal lovers for a night of games, silent and live auctions, delicious food and drink, and camaraderie at the 9th annual Furevermore Fundraising Gala.