Looking Back at 2024
As we reflect on 2024, we’re filled with gratitude for the unwavering support of our community. The year brought challenges, triumphs, and heartwarming moments that showcased the power of compassion and collaboration. From lifesaving initiatives to innovative fundraisers and many successful adoption events, every story is a testament to the difference we can make together. Here’s a look back at just a few of the momentous highlights that made 2024 unforgettable.
We kicked off the year with our popular Poorly Drawn Pets fundraiser. Our volunteer artists never promise perfection, but it was a doggone great time! With the community’s help, we raised more than $20,000 to support our programs.
To strengthen our commitment to keeping pets with the people who love them most, we relaunched our Spay/Neuter and Wellness Voucher Program, connecting income-qualifying community members with affordable veterinary care. Additionally, we hosted monthly Vaccine and Wellness Clinics, offering no- and low-cost parasite preventatives and microchips to support the health and well-being of community pets.
The community came to our rescue in March, as our Pet Food & Supply Pantry had bare shelves due to increased demand. As the year went on, use of the pantry kept increasing and yet, every time we called for help, the community answered with compassion and kibble.
We were proud to be a part of a national movement open doors to new adopters and volunteers, and to cultivate a more equitable and welcoming environment in animal welfare through the Open Arms Challenge, which ran through April.
In May, the Humane Society of the United States honored our teammates, Miguel Sheets and Julia Bonsell, with the DEI Trailblazer Award. The DEI Trailblazer Award recipients are animal welfare professionals who represent, work alongside, and serve historically marginalized and underserved communities to provide equitable access to animal care support services.
June was the first of multiple capacity crises in 2024, where the influx of pets exceeded the space in our 1951 facility and challenged our resources. We are grateful to the community for adopting 220 pets across four days in June, and for their ongoing care as we faced additional capacity challenges in November and December.
Our team presented at the American Veterinary Medical Association convention (AVMA) in July. Dr. Jennifer Bennett, who served as our Chief Veterinary Officer at the time, and Board Member, Dr. Sarah Mantovani, delivered a comprehensive four-part presentation which explored the importance of partnerships in addressing complexities in animal welfare, as well as common misconceptions and questions among veterinarians.
Also in July, we unveiled our first mural, created by artist Nofo Porter. The mural was a result of an online photo contest and centers on shelter alumna Sasha. The contest was a powerful fundraiser for our animal care programs, and something we hope to replicate in 2025.
Our campaign for a Mobile Veterinary Unit was announced in August. By driving veterinary care directly to communities that need it most, the Mobile Veterinary Unit will help prevent illnesses and reduce the number of animals entering our shelter. We were overwhelmed by the generous response of the community, and are excited for the delivery of this innovative mobile clinic early in 2025.
Donors also turned out to bring a cutting edge Parvo treatment to our shelter in August. Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious and often deadly virus that poses a significant threat to dogs, particularly in shelter environments where close quarters can facilitate its rapid spread. But, Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody (CPMA) treatment tackles this deadly virus by providing dogs with antibodies to minimize and stop the spread of the aggressive infection. Administering CPMA immediately after diagnosis can halt the virus within the dog’s body, offering a recovery rate of up to 100%. 
Our Marketing and Development teams were recognized with the Humane Animal Welfare Award by the Washington State Veterinary Medical Association (WSVMA) in September. To be nationally recognized for identifying areas of need within the shelter, promoting animal stories, developing innovative fundraising methods, and engaging the public in the shelter’s mission was truly an honor.
In October, you stepped up for 130 Cats in Crisis, helping us with a large intake of kitties from a desperate hoarding situation in Federal Way. With your help, by way of fostering, adopting and donating, these amazing felines are recovered and happily in new homes.
Heading in to the paw-lidays, our incredible volunteers helped host Thanksgiving feast for our dogs—complete with turkey, green beans and a pumpkin pup cup for dessert! Even the cats got in on the fun with some purr cups. The heartwarming video took off across social media platforms, even landing a spot on We Rate Dogs’ top dogs list!
December challenged us, it’s true. We had an influx of pets from a cruelty investigation that tested our resources mid-month, and animals just kept coming in. By the time we reached New Year’s Eve, our census was at its highest in nearly a decade. But true to form, you showed up for us and the pets. We are fielding new foster applications, have been processing your incredible year-end donations, and are seeing more and more pet parents celebrate adoptions. Thank you!
Together, we continue to Make Happy Happen and we couldn’t be more grateful for your partnership as we head into 2025.
