“Dog bites can cause serious injury to human victims, who are often children or elderly people,” says Shelter Director Don Jordan. “Dogs who bite often lose their homes and sometimes their lives. Every family who accepts the commitment that comes with bringing a dog into the home has a responsibility to neighbors, friends and children to prevent dog bites. And remember; don’t make assumptions about dogs based on their breed. Any size or kind of dog can bite.” 

This is a good opportunity to remind to all dog owners that dogs must be on a leash when not on their property or in a designated off-leash dog park. Leashing your dog is not only the law, it also adds a measure of safety for your pet, other pets, people and wildlife. Off-leash dog fines start at $54 and go up to $168 for the fourth violation.

Shelter staff urge parents to teach their children the following tips for avoiding dog bites:

• Don’t disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating or caring for puppies.
• Stay away from dogs in cars, behind fences or on chains.
• Never pet a dog without the owner’s permission and don’t pet any dog without letting the dog see and smell you first.
• Don’t assume a dog you know is any less likely to bite than a stray or unknown dog. Most dog bites are inflicted by dogs known to the victim.
• If attacked by a dog, don’t run or scream. Stand still with your arms at your sides. Don’t make eye contact or speak to the dog. If you are knocked to the ground, curl into a ball and put your hands over your ears. 

For more information on dog bite prevention, go to the following Humane Society of the United States website: www.nodogbites.org. For more information about Seattle’s dog bite prevention efforts, or to inquire about animal adoptions and volunteer programs at the Seattle Animal Shelter, please call 206-386-7387 (PETS) or visit www.seattleanimalshelter.org.

Please sign up for the orientation by emailing sasfostercatsorientation@gmail.com no later than 5 p.m., Saturday, May 4. Once you have signed up, you will receive an orientation packet to bring with you. Orientation will be cancelled if there are no sign-ups.

The Seattle Animal Shelter relies on volunteers to provide temporary foster care in their homes to rehabilitate and nurture sick, injured and immature cats and kittens or to just give adoptable cats a break from the shelter environment. 

“Volunteers have told us this is a perfect project for the whole family and provides an opportunity for children to learn about the joys and responsibilities of having an animal without making a long-term commitment,” says Shelter Director Don Jordan. “The ultimate beneficiaries are the pets who are nurtured by their foster families, and the families who adopt them.”

Jordan says the foster care program is quite simple. You provide food and a temporary home; the Seattle Animal Shelter will provide any necessary veterinary care. The shelter’s “Help the Animals Fund” subsidizes the costs associated with the foster care program including all pre-approved vet care.

If you attend an orientation session you are under no obligation to foster an animal. The orientations are just the first step in the process. Each prospective foster parent is provided with a foster-care manual and a “case manager” who provides advice and answers questions.

For more information or additional directions call (206) 386-7387 (PETS) or go to www.seattleanimalshelter.org.

Come on down to the shelter on Saturday, April 20, for Cool City Pets, an adoption event highlighting small animals looking for their forever homes. From 1-3 p.m., potential adopters can meet the many small animals available for adoption from the shelter, including: rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, rats, birds, reptiles, ferrets, mice and more.

Volunteer small-animal specialists will be 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. The Seattle Animal Shelter features Cool City Pets the third Saturday of every month.

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 care and good health of the animal. The adoption fee for small animals ranges from $15-$40.

The Seattle Animal Shelter is located at 2061 15^th Ave. W, about a mile south of the Ballard Bridge. If you would like more information or directions, please call (206) 386-7387 (PETS) or visit the shelter’s website at http://www.seattleanimalshelter.org.

The shelter is open Wednesday through Sunday, noon-6 p.m. for adoptions and 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.

“With our monthly neighborhood adoptathons, we hope to continue to spread the word about the joys and value 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 range from $45 to $135 (plus applicable license fees) and include:

• Initial vaccinations
• Deworming
• Feline Leukemia testing
• Certificate for free health exam at local veterinarians
• Spay or neuter
• Microchip

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 while they are being fostered.

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

Please sign up for the orientation by emailing sasfostercatsorientation@gmail.com no later than 5 p.m., Saturday, April 6. Once you have signed up, you will receive an orientation packet to bring with you. Orientation will be cancelled if there are no sign-ups.

The Seattle Animal Shelter relies on volunteers to provide temporary foster care in their homes to rehabilitate and nurture sick, injured and immature cats and kittens or to just give adoptable cats a break from the shelter environment. 

“Volunteers have told us this is a perfect project for the whole family and provides an opportunity for children to learn about the joys and responsibilities of having an animal without making a long-term commitment,” says Shelter Director Don Jordan. “The ultimate beneficiaries are the pets who are nurtured by their foster families, and the families who adopt them.”

Jordan says the foster care program is quite simple. You provide food and a temporary home; the Seattle Animal Shelter will provide any necessary veterinary care. The shelter’s “Help the Animals Fund” subsidizes the costs associated with the foster care program including all pre-approved vet care.

If you attend an orientation session you are under no obligation to foster an animal. The orientations are just the first step in the process. Each prospective foster parent is provided with a foster-care manual and a “case manager” who provides advice and answers questions.

For more information or additional directions call (206) 386-7387 (PETS) or go to www.seattleanimalshelter.org.

“About 25 percent of our pet owners fail to renew their licenses each year,” says Jordan. “While we know this is partially a result of pets either dying, disappearing, moving out of the Puget Sound region, or being given away, many pet owners simply forget to renew their pet licenses. The amnesty program gives people a chance to get caught up without having to pay extra fines that can add up to hundreds of dollars.”

“A pet license is the best insurance policy you can buy for your pet,” says Dr. Mueller. “For instance, if your pet is wearing its license and it shows up at our Pet Adoption Center, we will notify you that your pet is here. Or if we find your licensed pet in the field, we’ll return it to you instead of taking it to the center. What’s more, an injured animal wearing a license is more likely to receive veterinary care if you’re not around,” adds Mueller.

“While a license provides you with peace of mind, should your pet get lost, you’re also helping to provide a safety net for unwanted or neglected animals in our region,” says Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn. “License fees provide essential financial support to help save thousands of animals each year through adoption, foster care, spay and neuter programs, law enforcement and community outreach.”

“Your pet is too precious to lose, and a license costs just a few pennies a day,” says King County Executive Dow Constantine. “By licensing your pet, you increase your chances of being reunited if your pet gets lost. Your license fee also helps us find forever homes for more pets, and helps animals that are victims of cruelty or neglect.”

For Pet Owners in the City of Seattle
Seattle pet owners can purchase or renew their pet licenses online from the convenience of their homes. Late renewal fees and citations are suspended for the month of April. To access this service, go to www.seattleanimalshelter.org. You can also purchase a Seattle pet license at most City of Seattle Neighborhood Service Centers, other community locations, or at the Seattle Animal Shelter, 2061 15^th Ave. W., Wednesday through Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. Please check the “Purchase or Renew a License” section on our website for all payment locations.

Seattle Pet License Rates
One-year license                                              Two-year license
Dog: $47 ($27 if spayed or neutered)            Dog: $69 ($37 if spayed or neutered)
Cat: $30 ($20 if spayed or neutered)             Cat: $45 ($27 if spayed or neutered)
*Miniature Goat: $20                                      Miniature Goat: $30
*Potbellied pig: $120 for first year; $30 annual renewal
*Restrictions apply: Please call 206-386-4262 for details

For Pet Owners in the Regional Animal Services of King County Service Area
Pet owners residing in unincorporated King County or any of the following Regional Partner Cities are required to license with King County: Beaux Arts, Bellevue, Black Diamond, Carnation, Clyde Hill, Covington, Duvall, Enumclaw, Issaquah, Kent, Kenmore, Kirkland, Lake Forest Park, Maple Valley, Mercer Island, Newcastle, North Bend, Redmond, Sammamish, SeaTac, Shoreline, Snoqualmie, Tukwila, Woodinville, Yarrow Point.

King County pet owners can go to www.kingcounty.gov/pets, then click on “License Your Pet” to renew a pet license online. Licenses are also sold at the King County Pet Adoption Center, 21615 64^th Ave. S. in Kent, at 25 Regional Partner City Halls, many QFC stores, vehicle licensing agencies, or at any of the six King County Community Service Centers (CSCs) located throughout King County. For a full list of pet licensing locations, visit www.kingcounty.gov/pets.

King County Pet License Rates
All King County pet licenses, except those for kittens or puppies, expire one year after issuance.
Kitten or puppy (under six months old, license expires six months after issuance): $15
Spayed or neutered dog or cat (over six months old): $30
Unaltered dog or cat (over six months old): $60
Dog or cat license for senior citizen residents: $15
Dog or cat license for disabled residents: $15
License for registered service animals: Free 

For Pet Owners in the City of Bothell
All dogs and cats age eight weeks and older within the city limits of Bothell are required to be licensed. Bothell pet owners can purchase a license in person at Bothell City Hall, 18305 101st Ave. NE. For quick, convenient, 24-hour service, Bothell residents can also purchase pet licenses online at www.petdata.com/cs/bth.

City of Bothell Pet License Rates
All City of Bothell pet licenses, except those for kittens or puppies, expire one year after issuance.
Kitten or puppy (eight weeks to six months old, license expires six months after issuance): $15
Spayed or neutered dog or cat: $30
Unaltered dog or cat: $60
Dog or cat license for senior citizen residents: $15
License for service animals: Free 

For Pet Owners in the City of Federal Way
All cats and dogs over five months old must be licensed in the City of Federal Way. Licensing also requires a current rabies vaccination. To renew a pet license online, Federal Way residents can go to license.cityoffederalway.com/pets. To apply in person, visit the Federal Way Police Department, 33325 Eighth Ave. S., Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

City of Federal Way Pet License Rates
Spayed or neutered cat: $20/1 year, $35/2 years, $50/3 years
Spayed or neutered dog: $25/1 year, $45/2 years, $65/3 years
Unaltered cat: $60/1 year
Unaltered dog: $60/1 year

For more information about pet licensing, call the Seattle Animal Shelter at 206-386-PETS (7387), Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) at 206-296-PETS (7387), the City of Bothell at 1-877-816-7058, or the City of Federal Way at 253-835-PETS (7387).

“Lilies, including the Easter lily, tiger lily, rubrum lily, Japanese show lily and some species of the day lily can cause kidney failure in cats,” says Don Jordan, director of the Seattle Animal Shelter. “Be aware that all parts of the lily plant are considered toxic to cats and consuming even small amounts can be life threatening.”

Within only a few hours of ingesting toxic plant material, a cat may vomit, become lethargic or lose its appetite. These signs continue and worsen as kidney damage progresses. Without prompt and proper treatment by a veterinarian, a cat may develop kidney failure in approximately 36 to 72 hours. Cat owners should remove toxic plants from their cat’s access and are encouraged to consider safer alternatives to Easter lilies such as Easter orchids, Easter lily cactus, Easter daisy or violets.

To help educate cat owners and veterinarians about the dangers of lilies and other plants, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center and Cat Fanciers’ Association have developed online materials including photos of common types of dangerous lilies and a list of non-toxic plants. To download the materials, visit http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/plants/ or http://www.cfa.org/CatCare/HouseholdHazards/ToxicPlants.aspx.

The Seattle Animal Shelter, located at 2061 – 15^th Ave. W., is open for adoptions Tuesday through Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.  Please call 206-386-7387 (PETS) for more information. To view animals available for adoption, visit http://www.seattleanimalshelter.org.

“Spaying and neutering are safe, routine surgeries that prevent animals from breeding,” says Seattle Animal Shelter Director Don Jordan. “This annual effort helps end the suffering of unwanted and homeless animals in our community by preventing unplanned litters.”

These surgeries usually cost between $120-$155 for dogs, $85-$90 for cats and $75 for rabbits. While there is no residency requirement to take advantage of this special offer, pets of Seattle residents must be currently licensed or a license can be purchased on the day of the appointment. For altered animals, a one-year license is $20 for cats/$27 for dogs, or a two-year license is $27 for cats/$37 for dogs. Vaccinations, if necessary, are $10 each.

Dr. Mary Ellen Zoulas, Director of the shelter’s Spay and Neuter Clinic, also recommends having your pet – dog, cat or rabbit – microchipped while it is at the clinic for surgery. The one-time $30 fee is a minor expense for the invaluable peace of mind provided by this permanent means of identification should your pet ever become lost or stolen.

“Spaying and neutering allows your pet to have a longer, healthier, happier life,” adds Dr. Zoulas. “It can reduce the risk of serious health problems, eliminate undesirable behaviors such as fighting and spraying, and reduce inter-dog aggression.”

Dogs and cats can be spayed or neutered at five months of age or older; rabbits can be spayed or neutered at four months of age or older. Clinic staff have been providing spay and neuter services to the rabbits adopted from the shelter for nearly 15 years, but just this year opened up their practice to any rabbit in need of spay or neuter surgery. Dr. Zoulas and her team are really excited to extend their World Spay Day promotion to include rabbits, Seattle’s third most-popular pet.

This year’s special offer of FREE spay/neuter packages is made possible by the city’s “Pet Population Control Fund,” which provides financial assistance year-round to pet owners who cannot afford the cost of spaying and neutering.

“Spay Day” is an international campaign of The Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International. During the month of February, animal shelters and animal welfare agencies throughout the world join forces to promote the spaying and neutering of pets as the most effective and humane way to decrease the euthanasia of homeless animals in shelters throughout the world.

There are several ways you can celebrate Spay Day in February and throughout the year:

• Donate to the “Pet Population Control Fund” at the Seattle Animal Shelter.
• Enter the Spay Day Online Pet Photo Contest. For more information about the contest and about other Spay Day activities, go to the HSUS website: https://spaydayportal.humanesociety.org/.
• Ask friends and family to vote for your pet’s photo at the HSUS site above. You can even add a vote button for your pet on your Facebook page. Each vote costs $1, which can be donated to the Seattle Animal Shelter Spay/Neuter Clinic.
• Turn in a litter. As part of an ongoing Seattle Animal Shelter program, anyone who turns in a litter of puppies or kittens to the shelter, is eligible for a free spay or neuter for the parent animal(s). In return, the shelter guarantees the adoption of these kittens and puppies, if they are adoptable.
• Talk to your friends, neighbors and family about getting their pets spayed or neutered. Year-round the Seattle Animal Shelter’s Spay and Neuter Clinic is able to help those in need with discounted or free spay/neuter surgeries.

To learn about other clinics providing discounted or free services in King, Snohomish, Island and Skagit counties, visit http://www.paws.org/spay-day.html. Not in the area? Visit the Humane Society of the United States’ World Spay Day page at https://spaydayportal.humanesociety.org/.

For more information about Spay Day Seattle, to make a donation to the Pet Population Control Fund, or to learn more about other Seattle Animal Shelter services, call (206) 386- 7387 (PETS), or visit www.seattleanimalshelter.org.

With this special offer, made possible through a grant from the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation, adopters will not pay any fees for a rabbit during the promotion. Regular adoption fees are available online at http://www.seattle.gov/animalshelter/adoption-fees.htm.

“This timely grant from the Foundation allows us to find loving families for our adoption rabbits so that my staff can focus on caring for the other various animals in our shelter,” says Shelter Director Don Jordan.

These discounts apply to rabbits in the shelter and in foster care. To schedule a meet and greet with a rabbit in foster care, please call (206) 684-0685 or email sasfostercritters@gmail.com.

The adoption package includes:

• Certificate for free health exam at local veterinarians
• Spay or neuter
• Microchip

The Seattle Animal Shelter will also highlight the rabbits available for adoption at a Cool City Pets adoption event at the shelter on Saturday, Feb. 16 from 1-3 p.m. Volunteers will be on hand to answer your questions and help you meet the rabbits and all the other critters available for adoption.

Rabbits make excellent pets. They are intelligent, social animals capable of forming lifelong bonds with humans. Whether housed in an apartment or a home, the quiet, well-mannered house rabbit can be a welcome addition to any family.

Before choosing to adopt a rabbit (or any companion animal for that matter), the Seattle Animal Shelter recommends asking yourself the following questions:

• Am I ready to make a long-term commitment of owning a rabbit for up to 10 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 and veterinary bills?

Persons who cannot adopt a rabbit at this time but would like to make a difference can consider making a donation to Help the Animals Fund or contact the shelter to learn more about foster care opportunities for rabbits.

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

“With our monthly neighborhood adoptathons, we hope to continue to spread the word about the joys and value 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 range from $35 to $145 (plus applicable license fees) and include:

• Initial vaccinations
• Deworming
• Feline Leukemia testing
• Certificate for free health exam at local veterinarians
• Spay or neuter
• Microchip

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 while they are being fostered.

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