“During the winter season, thousands of dogs are left out in the cold and rain with little or no refuge,” says Animal Shelter Director Don Jordan. “Although we do not advocate leaving dogs to live outside, the reality is some dog owners do not allow their dogs inside their homes. We hope to gather as many doghouses and dog igloos as possible, prevent them from ending up in landfills as part of a homeowner’s fall clean-up, and provide more needy pet owners with protection for their dogs from Seattle’s rain and cold.”

New and used doghouses and dog igloos will be accepted through the winter months. The shelter will not accept any item that is either badly soiled or in a state of disrepair. Doghouses and igloos will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis to anyone in need. The Shelter will also accept airline animal carriers/crates of various sizes, if they are in outstanding condition.

The shelter will also accept monetary donations that can be designated for buying doghouses. Make checks out to the shelter’s “Help the Animals Fund” and be sure to write “doghouse fund” in the memo section. Last year, $1,000 was raised to buy doghouses for those in need.

The shelter is located at 2061 – 15th Ave. W., one mile south of the Ballard Bridge. It is open Tuesday through Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. for adoptions, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for licensing. For more information, call (206)386-PETS (7387) or visit the website at www.seattleanimalshelter.org.

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“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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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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Those who attend an orientation session are under no obligation to foster a dog. The orientation is just the first step in the process.  Each foster parent is provided with a foster-care manual and a “consultant” who provides advice and answers questions. The Seattle Animal Shelter pays for all pre-approved veterinary care for dogs in foster care.

“The foster-care program is a proven life-saving program,” says Seattle Animal Shelter Director Don Jordan. “Last year more than 1,000 dogs and cats were saved because individuals opened their hearts and homes to these animals. The community plays a key role in our efforts to get these animals ready for adoption,” Jordan adds. “We really rely on our volunteers and appreciate their efforts. We couldn’t do it without them.”

Jordan says the foster dog program is quite simple. Foster parents provide food and a temporary home; the Seattle Animal Shelter provides any necessary veterinary care (subsidized by the shelter’s “Help The Animals Fund”). This is another effort by the Seattle Animal Shelter to increase the number of adoptions and reduce the number of animals that are needlessly euthanized each year.

“Volunteers have told us this is a perfect project for the whole family and gives families an opportunity to teach their children about the responsibilities of having an animal without making a long-term commitment,” Jordan says. “The rewards and satisfaction are high.”

For more information, please call (206) 386-PETS (7387) or visit the shelter’s Web site at www.seattleanimalshelter.org

Before choosing to adopt the right dog (or cat for that matter), the Seattle Animal Shelter recommends asking yourself the following questions:

• Am I ready to make a long-term commitment of 10 to 20 years?
• Is the animal right for my household or living environment?
• Who will be the primary caretaker for the animal?
• Can I afford the cost of food, pet supplies, veterinary bills and training?

 
Adopting a dog from the Seattle Animal Shelter saves that animal’s life and reduces unnecessary euthanasia of healthy, adoptable dogs. It is also a tremendous value. A typical dog adoption package costs between $145 and $180, and includes:

• Initial vaccinations
• Deworming
• Free health exam at a local veterinarian’s office
• Spaying or neutering
• Microchip
• Two-year Seattle pet license (if applicable)

Sponsored by the ASPCA and The American Humane Association, “Adopt-A-Shelter Dog Month” is a national campaign to educate citizens about the benefits of adopting a pet from the more than 8,000 animal shelters across the country.

To talk with an adoption counselor, or to preview dogs or cats available for adoption, visit the Animal Shelter at 2061 – 15^th Ave. W., approximately one mile south of the Ballard Bridge. The shelter is open every day from noon to 6 p.m. for adoptions, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for licensing. You may also view adoptable dogs at www.seattleanimalshelter.org

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

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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).

“We want to call attention to the thousands of homeless pets who, for one reason or another, get overlooked,” says Kim Saunders, vice president of Shelter Outreach and Public Relations at Petfinder.com.  “It may be that the pet is simply shy and doesn’t put her best paw forward with potential adopters. Or perhaps he is a senior citizen.  Another less-adopted pet is the pit bull because sometimes the breed as a whole is given a bad rap because of bad behavior of one dog.”

Petfinder.com, the largest online database of homeless pets, has set aside Aug. 12 to focus on their hard-to-place pets.  More than 95 percent of Petfinder members surveyed are finding it especially hard to find homes for adoptable pets they have posted on Petfinder.com. 

“As part of our mission to ‘save one life at a time,’ we are happy to partner with Petfinder to help find loving homes for the many deserving animals we have at our shelter,” says Don Jordan, director of the Seattle Animal Shelter.

The shelter will feature their “less-adoptable-pets” for the whole week of Aug. 12 through Aug. 18.  During this week, all pets with the “less-adoptable-pets” designation will have their adoption and microchip fees waived.  (Please note: Licensing and Spay/Neuter fees will apply.)  These pets have been patiently waiting at the shelter for more than two months for their forever homes. 

One of these pets is “Chatty,” a Siamese-mix cat who is 11 years old.  Chatty was surrendered to the shelter because her owners had to move.  She is a sweet cat who loves to sit on your lap and, true to her name, Chatty also likes to carry on conversations with anyone who will listen. 

The Seattle Animal Shelter is located at 2061 – 15th Ave. W., approximately one mile south of the Ballard Bridge. The shelter is open seven days a week, noon to 6 p.m. for adoptions, and from 9 a.m. for licensing. For more information, please call (206) 386- PETS (7387) or visit www.seattleanimalshelter.org.

“Temperatures are predicted to be in the 90s, so 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. “Pet owners need to be especially mindful if they must leave pets in cars. 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.

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

·         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.

·         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. 

·         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).