For this feature, we like to showcase people who do the most important work at Seattle Animal Shelter. We liken them to guardian angels who show up day-in and day-out to protect and ensure that shelter animals are cared for when they’re most vulnerable. This month, we meet Courtney Ann Bunn, an Animal Care Officer at Seattle Animal Shelter (SAS). She’s had a soft spot for animals ever since she was a little girl. Courtney is one of our local heroes. Next time when you see her, say hi or give her a fist bump!
How long have you been with Seattle Animal Shelter and what is your role?
I’ve been with the City and in my current position since March of 2016.
What was your path to the field of animal welfare work and how did you get to the shelter?
Animal welfare has always been my passion. When I was a kid, I would find injured or orphaned animals and make sure they received the care they needed. Because of my passion in animals, I decided to study zoology and have a career involving animal care. I got my degree in Zoology at Washington State University (WSU).
While in school I worked as a vet assistant and a dog trainer. After graduating from college, I worked as an exotic animal trainer and zoo keeper for 7 years at various zoos around the country. It was so much fun working with exotic animals. After my husband and I got married and wanted to start a family, I wanted to shift my career to something a little less physically demanding but still involving animal care. I always wanted to work at SAS and heard wonderful things about the shelter, so I applied for this role. SAS is truly a great place and I feel very fulfilled in my job.
What is a typical day like?
A typical day involves lots of movement, many hats being worn and expecting the unexpected. I love that every day is unique. You never know what’s going to walk through the door animal-wise or client-wise. We wear lots of hats in this position from dealing with all aspects of animal care and welfare with a variety of species, to working with partner organizations to transfer animals in and out, to working along with the public to intake or release animals.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
I love finding the perfect companion for a family and finding the right forever home for an animal.
Are there memorable animals who stick out in your mind?
There are so many special animals who have made a lasting impression on me.
One of them was Ellie who showed up as a stray. But from day one at the shelter, she was such a cool, calm and friendly cat. She tolerated everyone and everything. Ellie was such a perfect cat that I knew I had to take her home. I knew she would blend right in to a household with two dogs and a toddler. She gets along very well with them and she is the sweetest cat ever.
I spend a lot of time working with the shy, scared dogs at Seattle Animal Shelter. I tend to gravitate towards them. Howie is one that came to mind. He came in with a bite history. He was scared, shy and growly when he first came to the shelter. Once he was out of bite quarantine, I started spending a lot of time with him. He finally came out of his shell and became the friendliest dog ever. He had a happy, successful adoption.
Another one was Rockwell. He was not shy but a rambunctious pit bull who was in our care for quite some time. He was left tethered outside and got out and nipped a biker’s leg. Rockwell came to us on bite quarantine and we tried to help him settle in. He was a handful at first, but I fell in love with him right away. We gradually formed a connection and began to work well together. Instead of dragging me down the street like he did at first, Rockwell started listening to my commands. When I went in in his kennel, he would just sit in my lap. Rockwell eventually let his guard down and became a friendly dog. I was so happy that he was able to find his forever home.
The shy, scared, growly ones are my favorites because I love to see them transform and come out of their shells. We have one currently in foster named Noodle, who was snappy and scared when she first came in. She also had lots of body handling issues. Our behavior team and I found a way to work with her and she is now this energetic and confident girl in foster care waiting for her forever home. How amazing!
Who are your pets at home
I’ve got three critters at home! I have a rescue border collie mix named Joey who is 15 years old. I have a 12-year-old Jack Russel Terrier appropriately named Napoleon and a cat who I adopted from the Seattle Animal Shelter a year ago named Ellie.
What are your favorite activities outside of SAS?
I love to go on adventures with my husband and son. We go for hikes, camping trips, kayaking, paddle boarding, to name a few. We also like exploring different community events in the Puget Sound area. When I get down time for myself, I love to read, write and play board games.
Anything else you’d like to include or talk about in article?
My favorite species to work with have been: tortoises, bears, elephants, dogs and baboons.