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.
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.