The Scoop Blog Seattle Animal Shelter

The Scoop

Seattle Animal Shelter news and events

Join us for Virtual Creeptacular 2020: October 25-31

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Hello and Happy Hauntings to my fellow beasties out there! The chill in the air, the fall of the leaves and the rise of the pumpkin patches are all signs that my favorite time of the year is upon us.  Halloween is creeping around the corner, which means that another spell-binding Creeptacular event is upon us at the Seattle Animal Shelter. What is Creeptacular, you ask? Come a little closer and I will tell you. Not to worry, this is a virtual, family- friendly event so I will not bite.

Creeptacular is a ghoulishly fun event that shines the spotlight on some of our less well-known critters that we host at our shelter. Did you know, my fellow ghouls and goblins, that the Seattle Animal Shelter does not just have cats and dogs? We are also home to critters with scales, feathers, and fuzzy furry types, such as mice, guinea pigs and rabbits. Oh, and we even get the occasional eight-legged friend. Yes, folks, we care for all types of animals at the shelter. 

This weeklong virtual event will provide many thrills and chills as we explore the various species of critters we have available for adoption at our shelter. These frightfully fascinating and shockingly amazing critters can make a wonderful addition to any family. However, it can seem chillingly terrifying to take on a more specialized animal with unique needs. No need to worry my little ghosties, our critter experts will concoct a cauldron full of useful facts about the needs and care of these various critters to help you and your fellow werewolf pack determine which wonderful critter would make a most excellent addition to your family.

Do I have you on the edge of your seats yet? You and your family do not want to miss out on this spine-tingling virtual event that will take place Oct. 25-31! We will have heart pounding videos and pictures of some of our current and previous critters that capture their daily activities.  There will be frightfully fun facts about how to prepare for these amazing animals in your home. And, you do not want to miss the shocking twist on the final day of this weeklong event, Halloween of course, where we will announce the winner of a Spooktacular virtual contest. They will receive a terrifyingly terrific prize!  And did I mention that during this week the Seattle Animal Shelter will be promoting this virtual event by offering free adoptions on all their available critters?

Come one and come all! Crawl, creep or ooze your way to a computer or smart phone and join us for our screamingly good, weeklong virtual Creeptacular event hosted by the Seattle Animal Shelter!

– Courtney Bunn, Animal Care Officer

Update on the Seizure of 220 Animals from West Seattle Home

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The following is an update as of 10/16/20 on the animal cruelty investigation currently being conducted by the Seattle Animal Shelter. Media inquiries can be sent to Melissa Mixon at melissa.mixon@seattle.gov. If you suspect an animal is being harmed, please contact the Seattle Animal Shelter at 206-386-7387.

More than 220 animals are now in the care of the Seattle Animal Shelter following the successful execution of a search warrant by the shelter and Seattle Police Department on a property in West Seattle on Thursday, Oct. 15.

The animals, which were discovered in cages inside and outside a home on the property, are currently being treated at the shelter for severe neglect and malnourishment. Three of the animals are being transferred offsite for veterinary care reserved for exotic animals.

The animals retrieved from the property include:

  • 77 rabbits
  • 128 guinea pigs
  • 7 chickens
  • 2 mice
  • 2 chinchillas
  • 3 dogs
  • 3 guinea fowl

In addition, in other buildings on the property, a number of deceased animals were found in cages. Investigators are still working to determine the exact amount but estimate it could be in the hundreds.

“This is the worst case of animal neglect and cruelty I’ve seen in more than 20 years of doing this work, and it’s quite possibly the worst case our shelter has ever handled,” said Seattle Animal Shelter Director Ann Graves.

The resident at the properties has been arrested and is in police custody on animal cruelty charges. First degree animal cruelty is a Class C felony punishable by five years in prison, a $10,000 fine or both.

Also concerning is that the number of severe animal cruelty cases this year has more than doubled when compared to previous years. Each year, the animal shelter forwards misdemeanor cases to the Seattle City Attorney’s Office and felony cases to King County prosecutors that are so egregious they require potential criminal charges. The average numbers of those cases over the past five years is 12. In the past 10 months alone, the shelter has sent 27 cases to either City or county prosecutors. The current case is being handled by the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office because it’s a felony charge.

“The number of cases is not only alarming,” Graves said. “It’s the severe nature of the cases that also causes concern.”

In the 24 hours since the animals were discovered, the shelter has received an outpouring of support from community members, residents and organizations that want to help the animals. At this time, the best way to do that is through direct donations to the shelter’s Help the Animals Fund or via the shelter’s Amazon Wish List [UPDATE: The outpouring of support has been so tremendous that our Amazon Wishlist has been filled a couple times over within the first two days. At this point, those wishing to help may be best to consider our Help the Animals Fund: https://web7.seattle.gov/fas/asd/ ]. Shelter staff have updated the list to reflect the needs for the 220-plus animals while in the shelter’s care. Graves also expressed gratitude for the support of the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation, which is collecting donations for the animals here.

Please note that, due to the ongoing pandemic requirements, the shelter is unable to accept in-person donations.

The shelter’s primary focus at this time is evaluating, treating and caring for the animals. In the coming days or weeks, Graves said it may need the support of its foster community to help care for the animals so as not to strain capacity and resources at the shelter.

“The animals are in a very, very fragile state given the conditions they’ve been in and the stress of being moved to a new location,” Graves said. “But they are doing well in our care and our shelter team has done an incredible job in this all-hands-on-deck situation.”

As in many animal welfare cases, the discovery and seizure of these animals was in part thanks to a vigilant community member who saw something and said something. Graves said it’s a reminder to all of us that animals don’t have a voice and that’s why it’s so important for us all to remain vigilant and help speak for them when something seems wrong. If you suspect an animal is being harmed, please contact the shelter at 206-386-7387.

“The sad reality is that what was occurring on this property had likely gone on for a very long time,” Graves said. “We can’t thank the community member enough who sounded the alarms and, ultimately, helped save the lives of these 222 animals and to the Seattle Police Department for their invaluable assistance on this case.”

Returning to Work: Preparing Your Pets

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Is being home with our pets all the time really a good thing?

By Kimberlee Spicer, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, Fear Free Certified Professional, Seattle Animal Shelter Behaviorist

For many of us, today’s new normal includes working from home with our pets cuddling by our sides; sounds great, doesn’t it? But is it really a good thing for our pets, who were previously accustomed to us being gone 6, 8, sometimes 10 hours a day? Our pets are creatures of routine and, let’s be honest, as much as they might enjoy us being home more, returning to work may be a difficult adjustment.

Whether you already had pets or have made the exciting and rewarding decision to adopt a pet during this time, here are some tips to prepare your pets for when you go back to work:

  • Routine. Slowly start integrating the routine you had prior to working at home. This includes feeding, physical exercise and mental enrichment. If you recently adopted a pet and they haven’t experienced you leaving the home to go to work, began creating a routine that is more realistic for when you start going back into the office.
  • Exercise. Get your walking routine back to normal. If you usually walk your dog (or cat) in the morning before work and in the evening after work, start implementing that again. If you, like me, currently like to use your lunch break as another excuse to get outside and have been taking your pet(s) with you, consider slowly fading that out. For example, if you are currently taking afternoon walks with your pet(s) 5 days a week, bump it down to 3 days a week, then 2 days a week, and so on. The afternoon walks you take without them will also help them get used to you being away from the home.
  • Mealtimes. If you have been feeding your pets at different times now that you are home more, start feeding them closer to the times as if you were working in the office again. Consider feeding your pets out of enrichment toys to help drain some mental energy.

    Rex searching for tasty treats in a snuffle mat.

  • Mental Enrichment. Enrichment can present itself in many forms. Dogs may enjoy a Kong stuffed with peanut butter, while your rabbit may enjoy a foraging activity such as a snuffle mat, and your cat might like a puzzle filled with treats. Be sure to try out the enrichment item when you can supervise the pet first, to ensure the item actually provides mental stimulation, and that they can handle it safely without you. Whatever you choose, leaving your pet(s) with some type of mental enrichment will make the transition easier on everyone.

 

  • Cues. Our pets are very observant and pick up on our cues when we are preparing to leave: grabbing our bag, putting on a specific pair of shoes, picking up our car keys and/or putting on a jacket. These are all hints to our pets that we are leaving the home and we might be doing less of these nowadays, which can make when they do happen much more stressful to our pets. To help break the association, randomly pick up your car keys or bag and walk them into another room and put them down. Repeat a few times a week without leaving the home.
  • Practice departures. Still take time out of your day, even if just 10 minutes, to leave the house. Don’t make a big deal about leaving, and don’t create a big exciting entrance when coming back home, as this could potentially lead to more anxiety when you leave.

    Human Resources has tried talking to Rex about personal space . . .

  • Separation. If your pets are anything like mine, practically on top of me while I’m teleworking, give them time away from you in a separate area of your home with the mental enrichment item that works best for them. Start slowly with short periods of 5 to 10 minutes, increasing to longer periods only when the pet is calm and relaxed the entire time. Avoid starting with longer periods right away, as this could cause additional stress to your pet(s).
  • Daycare, Dog Walkers and Pet Sitters. If your dog is having difficulty adjusting to longer periods once you’re back to work, consider looking into a reputable doggy daycare or a professional dog walker to help break up the day for your dog. For other pets having trouble adjusting, consider hiring a pet sitter to come by for 30 minutes to socialize with your pets while you are away.
  • Consult with a professional. If you have tried the steps above and your pet is still struggling to adjust to the new routine, consult with a certified trainer and/or your veterinarian.

‘Caw’-ling Your Attention: New Parents in the City!

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Next time you get dive-bombed by a crow, just remember it comes from a place of love.

By Kevin Mack, Animal Control Officer and naturalist.

With the arrival of spring, crows have been busy building nests on their breeding territories. Odds are very good that your neighborhood lies within one or more of these territories and you may have even noticed the local crows collecting twigs as they were working on their annual construction projects. Crows are extremely social birds and mated pairs often have “helper birds” that aid in the construction of the nest and raising of the young. These are typically their own offspring from a prior year.

Once construction of the nest is complete, the female of the breeding pair will typically lay 3-5 eggs which she will then incubate for about 18 days until they hatch. After the eggs hatch, the young crows will spend about 30 days in the nest growing quickly, thanks to a steady stream of food being delivered by both parents and any helper birds that are present. Throughout the nesting phase, crows stay relatively quiet. Their eggs and young are extremely vulnerable in the nest and the adults prefer not to draw any attention to them. Once the young enter the fledgling stage and make their first clumsy forays from the nest however, the adult crows become anything but silent.

At the Seattle Animal Shelter, we can always tell when the crows begin to fledge in Seattle. For us the event is not heralded by the cawing of crows but rather by the ringing of phones. We receive call after call from concerned residents who are being cawed at and dive-bombed by crows who have seemingly lost their senses. Many callers (cawlers?) feel like they are caught in a real life version of Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds” and some ask, with complete sincerity, whether or not birds can contract rabies. Fortunately, the crows are neither the villains in a horror movie nor suffering from rabies. They are simply being responsible, hyper-vigilant parents trying to ensure that no harm comes to their babies.

Growing Pains

When fledgling crows first leave the nest they are uncoordinated and inexperienced. They may spend a week or more on the ground making short, clumsy flights as they build up their pectoral muscles and finish growing in their flight feathers. They are roughly the same size as adult birds at this stage, so they are often mistaken for injured adults by people who are unfamiliar with their natural history.

Out of the nest, fledgling crows are conspicuous, naive and extremely vulnerable. Their parents are well aware of this vulnerability and they respond to the slightest hint of danger with an explosion of caws and intimidating dive-bombs. If you are the focus of this frantic defense behavior, it can be unnerving, especially if you don’t understand why it is happening. The crows are not aggressive birds that target you out of spite, they are frantic parents trying desperately to drive off what they perceive as a real threat to the life of their young.

If you find yourself being harried by an upset crow or two, remember that they are simply reacting out of concern for their young just as you would if you felt your child was threatened. As the fledglings mature, the parents will gradually relax, and by midsummer the dive-bombing behavior will subside. In the meantime, keep an eye out for those awkward youngsters in your yard and neighborhood and, if you see them, try to give them space, both for their parents’ peace of mind and for your own.

How Can I Tell If It’s A Fledgling?

Even though they are similar in size, there are several characteristics that distinguish fledgling crows from the adults. First, young crows have a blue iris whereas older birds have a dark brown iris. Second, fledgling crows have fleshy pink protuberances at the base of their beaks known as “gape flanges”. The inside of their beak is also visibly bright pink or red. Older birds lack gape flanges and the inside of their beak is black. Fledglings who are still growing in their flight feathers will also have noticeably shorter tail and wing feathers than adults, although this may not be readily noticeable if you don’t see them sitting next to an adult. The two photos below illustrate the differences in eye color, gape flanges, and tail/wing feather length between fledglings and adults.

Fledgling crow vs adult crow

Fledgling crows look very similar to adults, but it’s easy to spot the difference once you know what to look for.

Meet and greet furry, scaly and feathered critters at Seattle Animal Shelter’s annual Creeptacular!

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Creeptacular returns to the Seattle Animal Shelter on Saturday, October 26, 2019, from 1-5 pm!

For the third year in a row, the shelter dons spooky decorations and invites the public to meet and greet furry, scaly and feathered critters. Visitors to this free, kid- and adult-friendly experience can pet and feed rabbits, come face to face with lizards, and delight in the antics of guinea pigs and small mammals. Visitors are welcome to wear costumes to get in the holiday spirit!

“We’re thrilled to host Creeptacular for a third year to bring attention to adoptable animals beyond cats and dogs,” said Ann Graves, Seattle Animal Shelter Executive Director. “Critters come in all kinds of shapes and sizes, with different personalities and characteristics and requiring specific care. We would love to introduce you to our critters – they may be the perfect animal for your family.”

Shelter staff and volunteers, as well as representatives from the Pacific Northwest Herpetological Society and Washington Ferret Rescue, will be on hand to share information about critter care. There will also be roving photographers if visitors would like photos taken.

The Seattle Animal Shelter, located at 2061 15th Avenue West, is open 1-6 pm Wednesday-Sunday for adoptions and licensing. For more information, call 206-386-PETS (7387) or visit http://www.seattleanimalshelter.org.

Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation Furevermore Annual Fundraising Gala

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Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation's Furevermore Annual Fundraising Gala

The Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation is hosting the ninth annual Furevermore Fundraising Gala on Saturday, October 19, 2019 at The National Nordic Museum in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle.

Join us for a night in honor and celebration of making dreams come true for Seattle’s shelter animals. It’s a fundraiser, but it’s also a party filled with games, silent and live auctions, delicious food, drink and camaraderie with fellow animal lovers.

All funds raised at this event are critical and essential for every animal that comes to the Seattle Animal Shelter. We couldn’t do it without you! Come join the fun and raise your hearts and hands for the animals.

For more information or to get tickets to the event, please visit seattleanimalshelterfoundation.org.

$5000 reward: Seattle Animal Shelter investigating two cases involving three severely malnourished dogs

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The Humane Society of the United States is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for starving three dogs in the Seattle area. Seattle Animal Shelter animal control officers are investigating two separate cases in which the dogs were found severely malnourished.

This dog gained 8 pounds in two and a half weeks — simply from being fed.

The cases: On July 26, an approximately 8-to-10-month-old pit bull-type dog was found at 55th Avenue South and South Cloverdale Street, just outside the Pritchard Beach Park. A good Samaritan immediately brought the dog to a veterinarian, where it was found to be emaciated, dehydrated and covered in urine. The dog was hunched, weak and barely able to walk. Seattle Animal Shelter investigators believe the dog was kept in a crate or other small, confined area where it was unable to move.

In a second case on Aug. 14, two dogs were found together in the South Seattle or Kent area. Both are roughly 1 to 2 years old and were found dehydrated and severely underweight. They are pit bull-type dogs and may be littermates.

Animal cruelty: Violence against animals is a crime that affects entire communities. The connection between animal cruelty and human violence is well documented. Studies show a correlation between animal cruelty and many other crimes, from narcotics and firearms violations to battery and sexual assault. Securing the serious attention and engagement of law enforcement officials, prosecutors and residents in cases involving allegations of cruelty to animals is an essential step in protecting the whole community.

“When found the first dog weighed only 18 pounds. After two and a half weeks, the dog gained 8 pounds — simply from being fed,” said Ann Graves, Seattle Animal Shelter director. “We believe it had been confined, meaning someone did this to the dog. This is inhumane and illegal, and we hope someone in the community who knows something will come forward.”

“Allowing an animal to starve is unconscionable and a clear violation of our state’s animal cruelty statutes,” said Dan Paul, Washington senior state director for the Humane Society of the United States. “We are grateful the Seattle Animal Shelter is able to provide care for these animals while they investigate this crime. We are hopeful this reward will bring forward anyone with information about this heinous act of cruelty.”

The investigators: The Seattle Animal Shelter is asking anyone who may have information about any of these dogs to call Brandi Homeier, field services supervisor, at 206-386-1985, or the main shelter information line at 206-386-PETS (7387). Any information about the people who did this is vital to solving these cases, Graves said.

First degree animal cruelty is a Class C felony punishable by five years in prison, a $10,000 fine or both. The Seattle Animal Shelter enforces both SMC 9.25.081 and RCW 16.52.205, which make it illegal to abuse or neglect an animal. If you suspect an animal is being abused or neglected, the Seattle Animal Shelter suggests the following:

  • Note the date, time and address/location of the animal and caretaker and provide as much detail as possible. (Photos and videos are helpful, if you can safely capture that information.)
  • Unless there are exigent circumstances, the shelter does not recommend intervening, so the appropriate jurisdiction can collect evidence and document the violations.
  • Call your local animal control agency or police department to make a report as soon as possible. In Seattle, the animal control agency is the Seattle Animal Shelter (206-386-7387). For the rest of King County, contact the Regional Animal Services of King County (206-296-7387).

Resources: The Humane Society of the United States’ Animal Cruelty Campaign raises public awareness and educates communities about the connection between animal cruelty and human violence while providing a variety of resources and support to law enforcement agencies, social work professionals, educators, legislators and families. We offer rewards in animal cruelty cases across the country and work to strengthen laws against animal cruelty.

The Humane Society of the United States has doubled its standard cruelty reward from $2,500 to $5,000 thanks to a generous donation from a board member. For information on statistics, trends, laws and animal cruelty categories, visit https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/animal-cruelty-facts-and-stats.

Temperatures are up! Seattle Animal Shelter reminds you to protect your pets

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The Seattle Animal Shelter is once again reminding pet owners to take proper precaution during the hot weather expected this week. With temperatures forecasted to reach the upper 80s, pet owners are encouraged to exercise good judgment and use common sense when it comes to protecting their pets from the heat.

Never leave your animal unattended in a vehicle, said Seattle Animal Shelter Director Ann Graves. Even on a 70-degree day, cars left in the sun can turn into lethal ovens, reaching fatal temperatures of more than 100 degrees within just a few minutes. And with the movement of the sun, cars originally left in the shade can soon be in direct sunlight.

“Even dogs left locked in cars in the shade with the windows cracked on hot days are at risk of brain damage or death,” Graves said. “Our officers receive emergency calls every day about animals locked in cars. If the animal is in distress, officers will use all means possible to rescue the animal.”

The warm weather also creates hazards for cats. As many homes in the Northwest aren’t equipped with air conditioning due to the normally moderate climate, people leave their windows open during warm weather. The fresh air is essential to you and your pets, but be aware of the enticement and danger an open, screenless window can pose for cats.

“Make sure your window screens are secure, especially on second floors and above,” Graves said. “Open, screenless windows are an invitation for curious cats. They may be known for always landing on their feet, but those little paws are no match for the combination of hard ground and gravity when the fall begins six, or even two, stories up.”

Graves offered the following tips for protecting pets during hot weather:

  • Never leave your animal tethered or kenneled in direct sunlight. Provide a shady area for retreat, such as a dog house, porch or shady tree, and always provide access to plenty of cool water.
  • If you leave animals indoors, open the screened windows, keep a fan running, provide plenty of water and, if possible, leave them in a cool location like a basement.
  • Never leave dogs or cats unattended in a closed, locked vehicle.
  • If you must travel with your pet, carry water. If a trip requires you leave your pet in the car at any point, think about saving that for another day. It’s not worth the risk.
  • Avoid overexerting your animal in hot weather. Pavement can get especially hot, and obesity, old age, underlying disease and previous bouts of heat stroke can predispose an animal to the condition. If you are concerned, contact your veterinarian.
  • For birds, 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.
  • For rabbits and other small mammals, be sure to keep them cool. Avoid direct sunlight, and consider adding ice cubes to their water or giving them a frozen water bottle to snuggle up to.

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).

Hop over to Seattle Animal Shelter this weekend to adopt two bunnies or guinea pigs for the price of one

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Have you been thinking about adopting a couple of critters? This weekend is the perfect time to visit the Seattle Animal Shelter and meet the many rabbits and guinea pigs available for adoption. If you find the perfect matches, this weekend only, you can adopt two rabbits or two guinea pigs and pay half the fee!

Our critter room, which is typically full this time of year, is BOUNCING with baby bunnies (about 3 months old). We also have several bonded pairs of adult rabbits and guinea pigs.

“Many people don’t realize we care for many types of animals, beyond dogs and cats,” said Ann Graves, Seattle Animal Shelter director. “Rabbits, guinea pigs and other critters make excellent family pets, and we hope this adoption special will help us place many of them into their forever homes.”

Adoption fees are normally $40 for rabbits and $15 for guinea pigs. Our animal care team will work with you to find the best matches for you and your family. Rabbits and guinea pigs are indoor companions and can require a 10-year or more commitment. If you are ready for this commitment, hop on over this weekend for this special adoption promotion.

This promotion is made possible with funding from the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation. We are so grateful for the foundation’s lifesaving partnership and support. Please visit the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation’s website at https://seattleanimalshelterfoundation.org/ to learn about the organization, how to donate or to get tickets to the foundation’s annual Furevermore gala (happening on Oct. 19).

The Seattle Animal Shelter, located at 2061 15th Ave. W., is open from 1-6 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday for adoptions and licensing. For more information, call 206-386-PETS (7387) or visit http://www.seattleanimalshelter.org.

Seattle Animal Shelter offers tips to owners to protect pets on the Fourth of July

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Lost pets typically increase following fireworks celebrations

As Seattle residents begin planning Fourth of July celebrations, Seattle Animal Shelter reminds pet owners to take proper precautions, as there is often an increase in lost pets following the holiday festivities. Fourth of July celebrations often include fireworks and other commotion, which can be stressful to pets or result in them getting lost. To encourage owners to protect pets, the Seattle Animal Shelter is joining the Humane Society of the United States in recommending the following:

  • Leave pets at home and inside. Fireworks can be terrifying to pets, even pets who are accustomed to being around crowds and commotion.
  • Create a home sanctuary. Leave your pet in an area of your home where it is safe, comfortable and sheltered from any outside noise and lights. An interior room without immediate access to the outside is preferred. Playing a radio with relaxing music may help mask the sound of fireworks.
  • Pet-proof your home. When scared, animals may become destructive, so be sure to remove anything from reach that can become damaged or may harm the pet if eaten or chewed.
  • Identification is essential. Pets may panic, escape and become lost. Updated identification is critical to ensuring lost pets are reunited with their families. Ideal identification includes a tag, pet license and microchip. Make sure your chip is registered on a site such as http://www.petmicrochiplookup.org.
  • Consult a veterinarian for pets with anxiety. Consult your veterinarian before the Fourth of July to seek out remedies to lower your pet’s stress level, if this is a known issue.

“By planning ahead and being prepared, we can keep our pets safe and more comfortable through the fireworks while we celebrate the Fourth of July,” said Ann Graves, Seattle Animal Shelter director.

If your pet does become lost, both the Seattle Animal Shelter and the Humane Society of the United States offer online resources for steps to take to find your pet:

The Seattle Animal Shelter, located at 2061 15th Ave. W., is open from 1-6 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday for adoptions and licensing. For owner pickup/redemptions and stray drop-offs, the shelter is also open from 2-4 p.m. Monday-Tuesday. For more information, call 206-386-PETS (7387) or visit http://www.seattleanimalshelter.org.