“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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“The Seattle Animal Shelter isn’t just about cats and dogs anymore,” says Director Don Jordan. “Because of our tremendous success in adopting out cats and dogs, we are now entrusted with the lives of all animals when pet owners can no longer care for them. Adopting an animal from the Seattle Animal Shelter is the right thing to do.”

Volunteer small-animal specialists are on hand to help adopters find the right pet for them. They provide information about each animal’s characteristics and needs, demonstrate basic care and handling skills, and answer questions.

All ages are welcome, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Animals may be adopted by adults only. Adopters must be prepared to provide proper housing, food, water, toys and other materials necessary for the good health of the animal. The adoption fee for small animals ranges from $5 to $25.

If you would like more information or directions, please call (206) 386-PETS(7387) or visit the shelter’s website at http://www.seattleanimalshelter.org. The shelter is open every day, noon to 6 p.m. for adoptions and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for licensing.

The Seattle Animal Shelter reserves the right to approve or deny any animal adoptions and limits the number of small animal adoptions to no more than three per household.

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A

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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“The Seattle Animal Shelter isn’t just about cats and dogs anymore,” says Director Don Jordan. “Because of our tremendous success in adopting out cats and dogs, we are now entrusted with the lives of all animals when pet owners can no longer care for them. Adopting an animal from the Seattle Animal Shelter is the right thing to do.”

Volunteer small-animal specialists are on hand to help adopters find the right pet for them. They provide information about each animal’s characteristics and needs, demonstrate basic care and handling skills, and answer questions.

All ages are welcome, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Animals may be adopted by adults only. Adopters must be prepared to provide proper housing, food, water, toys and other materials necessary for the good health of the animal. The adoption fee for small animals ranges from $5 to $25.

If you would like more information or directions, please call (206) 386-PETS(7387) or visit the shelter’s website at http://www.seattleanimalshelter.org. The shelter is open every day, noon to 6 p.m. for adoptions and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for licensing.

The Seattle Animal Shelter reserves the right to approve or deny any animal adoptions and limits the number of small animal adoptions to no more than three per household.

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.

“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.

The Furry 5K is volunteer-driven and is the shelter’s biggest fundraiser of the year. Last year’s event raised $122,000 for the Help the Animals Fund with more than 2,800 runners/walkers, 1,500 dogs and one cat participating.

The fund provides for the veterinary care of the shelter’s sick and injured animals to rehabilitate them for adoption. The shelter takes in more than 6,500 strays and owner-surrendered animals each year. For the last decade the shelter has saved almost every adoptable pet coming through its doors. Last year the shelter’s veterinary costs totaled nearly $100,000. The fund also helps low-income and elderly pet owners pay for spaying and neutering their pets.

Edgar was a shelter dog and was adopted by the Nickels family in 2007.

Time: 8:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
(Run/walk begins promptly at 10 a.m.)

Date: Sunday, June 7, 2009

Place: Seward Park
5900 Lake Washington Blvd. S.
(Start line is inside the park north of the park entrance)

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