Seattle Animal Shelter invites animal lovers to register for the June 11 run at Seward Park
Register now for the Seattle Animal Shelter’s 18th annual Furry 5K run/walk happening at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 11, 2017, at Seward Park. Each year, the fun run attracts thousands of two-legged runners accompanied by hundreds of their four-legged furry companions. All proceeds directly support the shelter’s Help the Animals Fund. To register or for more information, visit http://www.furry5k.com.
The Help the Animals Fund was created in 1977 to pay for lifesaving veterinary care for sick, injured and abused animals at the shelter. As the shelter’s veterinary needs grew, volunteers started the Furry 5K in 1999 to raise money for the fund and to raise awareness about responsible pet ownership. Last year, the fund covered nearly $250,000 in veterinary bills.
“The Furry 5K helped our shelter become a lifesaving organization. SAS is an open-admissions shelter and accepts any animal that is surrendered or found within Seattle city limits,” said Ann Graves, Seattle Animal Shelter’s acting director. “Thanks to the generous Furry 5K donors, we are able to also provide them with a range of veterinary services and ensure all adoptable animals are placed into loving homes.”
Shelter staff anticipates this year’s Furry 5K will draw more than 2,000 people and 1,000 canines. In-person registration begins at 10 a.m. The race will be followed by Pet-a-Palooza, featuring entertainment, music, contests, awards and an interactive vendor area. Admission to Pet-a-Palooza is free. The Furry 5K is one of the few races in the Puget Sound area that encourages participants to run or walk with their dogs.
Powered by pet licenses, volunteers and charitable donations, Seattle Animal Shelter saved 3,715 animals from homelessness, neglect and abuse in 2016. Additionally, the shelter’s low-cost Spay and Neuter Clinic performed 2,613 surgeries, preventing thousands of pets from becoming homeless in the future.
The Seattle Animal Shelter, located at 2061 15th Ave. W., is open from noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday for adoptions and licensing. For more information, call 206-386-PETS (7387) or visit http://www.seattleanimalshelter.org.