“Last year’s ‘Home 4 the Holidays’ was a tremendous success,” says Animal Shelter Director Don Jordan. “More than a million orphaned animals were matched with loving families nationwide, including hundreds here in Seattle. Our goal this year is to find homes for all orphaned animals in our shelter. We’re hoping families in Seattle have room in their hearts and homes for a pet for this holiday season and all of the holidays to come.”

During the gift-giving season, animal lovers can also consider giving Seattle Animal Shelter gift certificates to help subsidize the adoption of a four-legged companion from the shelter.

“If you know somebody who is looking for a pet, a gift certificate makes a lot of sense rather than trying to find the right pet. With a gift certificate from our shelter you can give one of our orphaned animals a second chance in life and the recipient of the certificate can take the time to choose that special pet from an amazing variety of dogs and cats, from mixed breeds to purebreds. Finally, by adopting from a shelter, you directly help reduce the suffering caused by the country’s tremendous pet overpopulation problem,” says Jordan.

Adopting an animal from the Seattle Animal Shelter saves that animal’s life and reduces unnecessary euthanasia of healthy, adoptable animals. It is also a tremendous value. Adoption packages range from $60 to $165, depending on animal and gender and whether or not the animal is licensed in Seattle. The package includes:

· Initial vaccinations

· Deworming

· Free health exam at a local veterinarian’s office

· Spay or neuter

· Microchip

· Seattle Pet License (if applicable)

“Home 4 the Holidays” began in November 1999 when the Helen Woodward Animal Center in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., organized all 14 shelters in San Diego County to work together to find homes for orphaned pets during the holiday season. As a result 2,563 orphaned dogs and cats woke up New Year’s morning in their new homes.

To purchase a gift certificate, make a donation, talk with an adoption counselor or preview animals for adoption, please visit the Animal Shelter at 2061 – 15th Ave. W., approximately one mile south of the Ballard Bridge. The shelter is open Tuesday through Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. for adoptions, and from 9 a.m. for licensing. For more information, please call (206) 386-PETS (7387). Information and photos of animals currently available for adoption are posted on the shelter’s web site at www.seattleanimalshelter.org.

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“By holding monthly adoptathons in neighborhoods throughout Seattle, we are able to spread the word about the joys of adopting shelter pets and saving lives. If you have room in your home and your heart for an orphaned animal, this is a great opportunity to come and see some of the wonderful pets available from our foster-care parents,” says Don Jordan, Seattle Animal Shelter director.

Adoption prices for cats range from $102 to $107 and include:

· Initial vaccinations

· Deworming

· Feline Leukemia testing

· Certificate for free health exam at local veterinarians

· Spay or neuter

· Microchip (About the size of a grain of rice, the microchip is injected under the cat’s skin, providing an identification number associated with that animal. Animal shelters can then “scan” a lost animal and retrieve its records from the microchip.)

· Two-year Seattle Pet License (if applicable)

To help reduce the number of animals euthanized, the Seattle Animal Shelter has a foster-care program to rehabilitate sick and immature dogs and cats. Donations from the city’s “Help the Animals Fund” pay for veterinary care for these animals.

The Seattle Animal Shelter is open Tuesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for licensing, and noon to 6 p.m. for adoptions. It is located at 2061 – 15th Ave. W. The phone number is (206)386-PETS(7387). Animals available for adoption can be viewed online at http://www.seattleanimalshelter.org.

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During this week, the Seattle shelter will distribute free cat and dog food to pet owners in need. With a limit of two bags per household, the food will be distributed at the shelter on a first-come-first-served basis, while supplies last. The food was donated by Whole Foods as part of its community giving program.

“We are proud to provide Seattle with a variety of services and community programs,” says Shelter Director Don Jordan. “We invite anyone interested in animal welfare to visit the shelter during the week of Nov. 1. (Remember we’re closed on Mondays.) Take this opportunity to visit with the animals, meet the staff and volunteers, and learn how you can help the animals. Your involvement will go a long way in saving animals’ lives.”

Jordan noted there are good reasons for adopting from shelters. “First, you give a homeless animal a second chance in life and you can choose from an amazing variety, from mixed breeds to purebreds. Second, if you’re adopting an adult animal, you already know the animal’s size, looks and temperament. Finally, by adopting from a shelter, you help reduce the suffering caused by the country’s tremendous pet overpopulation problem.”

Seattle’s shelter also appreciates its volunteers. “Volunteers perform many important tasks, including fostering cats and dogs, dog walking and training, promoting off-site adoptions, fundraising and marketing the animal shelter,” Jordan says. “Without our tireless volunteers, we would not be able to provide the many services we offer the community. Our volunteers are indispensable.”

The Seattle Animal Shelter provides services for animals and people alike: controlling dogs running at large, rescuing injured animals, returning lost pets to their owners, and adopting animals into new, loving homes. Shelter staff also offers personal guidance with animal-related issues or concerns.

Here are ways Seattleites can help the Seattle Animal Shelter:

· Donate pet supplies, such as new toys, treats, and blankets for animals at the shelter or in foster care.

· Spread the word about the importance of responsible pet ownership, including spaying and neutering.

· Become a part of the shelter’s volunteer program.

· Report animal abuse.

· Choose your next pet from among the many animals being cared for at the Seattle Animal Shelter.

For more information about the Seattle Animal Shelter or to inquire about volunteer opportunities go to www.seattleanimalshelter.org or call (206) 386-PETS (7387). The Shelter is open Tuesday thru Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for licensing, and noon to 6 p.m. for adoptions. It is located at 2061 – 15th Ave. W.

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“Pets are an important part of many households, including mine. By closing for adoptions and licensing one day a week, we can help ease our budget problems and still continue to provide excellent care and service to Seattle pets and pet owners,” said Mayor Greg Nickels.

The shelter’s adoption center will maintain its current hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for licensing and noon to 6 p.m. for adoptions, Tuesday through Sunday. Other shelter services will remain intact, including care for animals in the shelter and field enforcement. The Spay and Neuter Clinic will maintain its current hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“As we tighten our belts, we remain focused on our mission to ‘save one life at a time.’ We appreciate the public’s support and cooperation as we make every effort to maintain the level of excellence we’re accustomed to from our dedicated employees and volunteers,” said Shelter Director Don Jordan.

To talk with an adoption counselor or to preview animals available for adoption, visit the Seattle Animal Shelter at 2061 – 15th Ave. W., approximately one mile south of the Ballard Bridge. You may also view, online, other companion animals available for adoption at www.seattleanimalshelter.org

For more information, call 386-PETS (7387).

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“By holding monthly adoptathons in neighborhoods throughout Seattle, we are able to spread the word about the joys of adopting shelter pets and saving lives. If you have room in your home and your heart for an orphaned animal, this is a great opportunity to come and see some of the wonderful pets available from our foster-care parents,” says Don Jordan, Seattle Animal Shelter director.

Adoption prices for cats range from $102 to $107 and include:

·         Initial vaccinations

·         Deworming

·         Feline Leukemia testing

·         Certificate for free health exam at local veterinarians

·         Spay or neuter

·         Microchip (About the size of a grain of rice, the microchip is injected under the cat’s skin, providing an identification number associated with that animal. Animal shelters can then “scan” a lost animal and retrieve its records from the microchip.)

·         Two-year Seattle Pet License (if applicable)

The Seattle Animal Shelter has an exemplary foster-care program to rehabilitate sick and immature dogs and cats. Donations from the city’s “Help the Animals Fund” pay for veterinary care for these animals.

The Seattle Animal Shelter is open every day, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for licensing, and noon to 6 p.m. for adoptions. It is located at 2061 – 15th Ave. W. The phone number is (206)386-PETS(7387). Animals available for adoption can be viewed online at http://www.seattleanimalshelter.org.

Until Sept. 30, if you adopt two cats or kittens from the shelter, all fees will be waived for the second cat, except for licensing. A two-year cat license in Seattle costs $22. With the special offer, you can adopt two cats or kittens for a maximum of $129.  Normally, the maximum cost of adopting two cats would be $214.

“By holding monthly adoptathons in neighborhoods throughout Seattle, we are able to spread the word about the joys of adopting shelter pets and saving lives. With this special offer, we are also promoting companionship – by adopting two, you ensure your new kitties have a playmate and companion,” says Don Jordan, Seattle Animal Shelter director.

Adoption prices for cats range from $102 to $107 and include:

·         Initial vaccinations

·         Deworming

·         Feline Leukemia testing

·         Certificate for free health exam at local veterinarians

·         Spay or neuter

·         Microchip (About the size of a grain of rice, the microchip is injected under the cat’s skin, providing an identification number associated with that animal. Animal shelters can then “scan” a lost animal and retrieve its records from the microchip.)

·         Two-year Seattle Pet License (if applicable)

The Seattle Animal Shelter is open every day, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for licensing, and noon to 6 p.m. for adoptions. It is located at 2061 – 15th Ave. W. The phone number is (206)386-PETS(7387). Animals available for adoption can be viewed online at http://www.seattleanimalshelter.org.

“We still have a lot of kittens who need loving homes. On Aug. 30 we held a special Sunday adoptathon and within the first hour, 30 out of 39 available kitties were adopted and went home with their new families. This was a great response and our goal is to find loving homes for all of the cats and kittens we have at the shelter and in foster care. With this special offer, we are also promoting companionship – by adopting two, you ensure your new kitties have a playmate and companion,” says Don Jordan, shelter director.

Until Sept. 30, if you adopt two cats or kittens, all fees will be waived for the second cat, except for licensing. A two-year cat license in Seattle costs $22. With the special offer, you can adopt two cats or kittens for a maximum of $129.  Normally, the maximum cost of adopting two cats would be $214.

The adoption price for a cat ranges from $102 to $107 and includes:

·         Initial vaccinations

·         Deworming

·         Feline Leukemia testing

·         Certificate for free health exam at local veterinarians

·         Spay or neuter

·         Microchip (About the size of a grain of rice, the microchip is injected under the cat’s skin, providing an identification number associated with that animal. Animal shelters can then “scan” a lost animal and retrieve its records from the microchip.)

·         Two-year Seattle Pet License (if applicable)

The Seattle Animal Shelter is open every day, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for licensing, and noon to 6 p.m. for adoptions. It is located at 2061 – 15th Ave. W. The phone number is (206)386-PETS(7387). Animals available for adoption can be viewed online at http://www.seattleanimalshelter.org.

From Aug. 30 through Sept. 30, if you adopt two cats or kittens, all fees will be waived for the second cat, except for licensing. A two-year cat license in Seattle costs $22. With the special offer, you can adopt two cats or kittens for a maximum of $129.  Normally, the maximum cost of adopting two cats would be $214.

“Because we have so many kittens in foster care, we are holding this special adoptathon, to reach out to people who are looking for special kitties to add to their families. We also want to promote companionship for cats.  By adopting two, you ensure that your new kittens have playmates and companionship for the rest of their lives,” says Don Jordan, Seattle Animal Shelter director.

The adoption price for a cat ranges from $102 to $107 and includes:

·         Initial vaccinations

·         Deworming

·         Feline Leukemia testing

·         Certificate for free health exam at local veterinarians

·         Spay or neuter

·         Microchip (About the size of a grain of rice, the microchip is injected under the cat’s skin, providing an identification number associated with that animal. Animal shelters can then “scan” a lost animal and retrieve its records from the microchip.)

·         Two-year Seattle Pet License (if applicable)

The Seattle Animal Shelter has an active foster-care program to rehabilitate sick and immature dogs, cats and critters. Donations from the “Help the Animals Fund” pay for veterinary care for these animals.

The Seattle Animal Shelter is open every day, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for licensing, and noon to 6 p.m. for adoptions. It is located at 2061 – 15th Ave. W. The phone number is (206)386-PETS(7387). Animals available for adoption can be viewed online at http://www.seattleanimalshelter.org.

Using its “Animobile,” the shelter will demonstrate the heating effect of enclosed vehicles.  The van will be at the shelter for the remainder of the week. The “Animobile” will be outfitted with a large visible thermometer to demonstrate exactly how hot a vehicle can get.

 “We may sound like a broken record, but after our officers rescued four dogs – one of whom died from heat exhaustion — and one cat from hot cars this weekend, we can’t say it often enough that pets should not be left in cars when temperatures are even in the 70s. And once again the forecast is calling for temperatures reaching 90 this week. We are sending out an urgent message to all pet owners to be especially careful to protect your pets,” says Don Jordan, director of the Seattle Animal Shelter.

In direct sunlight cars turn into lethal ovens, reaching fatal temperatures of 130 degrees or more within just a few minutes. Even dogs left locked in cars in the shade with the windows cracked on hot days are at risk of brain damage or death. Dogs must cool themselves through panting and their systems can’t handle high temperatures.  If you must travel with your pet, Jordan advises carrying water for your pet, and avoiding trips where you have to leave the pet in the car. “It’s not worth the risk,” he says.

Jordan offers the following tips for protecting pets during hot weather:

• Never leave dogs or cats unattended in a closed, locked car. Temperatures can exceed 130 degrees in a matter of minutes. Animals do not perspire like humans;  they cool themselves through their lungs by panting. Hot air can lead to brain damage or death.

·         Also, be aware that vinyl seats in vehicles get hot under animals’ feet and prevent them from perspiring through their paws. Remember, with the movement of the sun, a vehicle originally parked in the shade may soon be in direct sunlight.

·         Never leave your animal chained or penned up directly in sunlight. Provide a shady area where the animal can retreat, such as a dog house, porch or shady tree, and always provide cool water.

·         If you must leave an animal indoors, open the windows, keep a fan running, provide plenty of water, and if possible, leave them in a cool location.

·         Avoid overexerting your animal in hot weather. Exercise is fine when taken in moderation, but obesity, old age, underlying disease and previous bouts of heat stroke can predispose an animal to the condition.

Feathered friends:

·         Take caution and place the bird’s cage away from direct sunlight during the intense heat of the afternoon.

·         Provide water and fruits and vegetables with high moisture content.

Pet owners can be held criminally liable for committing cruelty to animals if a pet dies, or is found suffering from heat prostration. If you see an animal that may be in need of assistance or if you have questions, contact the Seattle Animal Shelter at (206) 386-PETS (7387).