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.
—
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.
Learn more about the Furry 5K and show your support for the animals at the Seattle Animal Shelter.