Shelters provide vital lifesaving work, but the Seattle Animal Shelter (SAS) provides public services that are not captured in the name. This fact sheet is a short summary for Seattle residents about what SAS does. This information is of critical importance as the City of Seattle seeks a new SAS Director.
Shelter Services – As its name indicates, SAS is a place where lost animals are reclaimed by their owners and homeless animals become available for adoption. Adoptable animals may arrive as the result of owner surrender, abandonment, or stray pickup. While in the shelter’s care, the animal receives support from the shelter’s veterinary and behavioral staff to improve their adoption chances, regardless of whether the animal is onsite or located in foster care. If on-site, the animal receives direct care, medications, and feeding from shelter care officers as well as enrichment from volunteers. Staff manage the adoption process and directly interact with potential adopters and other members of the public.
Cruelty Investigations – SAS responds to a range of calls involving allegations of cruelty and neglect, including actual physical harm, lack of food and water, and animals trapped in hot cars. In cases meriting legal action, officers conduct investigations and prepare documentation to submit to the City Attorney’s Office (CAO). If the case is accepted, field officers will work in partnership with the CAO staff to resolve the case. Animals involved in court cases may be in the shelter’s custody while the investigation proceeds.
Park Patrols - SAS field officers are authorized to enforce certain sections of Title 18, Parks. Specifically, field officers patrol parks for off-leash animals, abuse of animals, including wildlife, and removing prohibited animals from zoo premises.
Spay/Neuter Clinic – SAS provides a public spay/neuter clinic for dogs, cats, and rabbits. (Note that there are income requirements for these services and related fees for eligible households.) The clinic also provides spay/neuter services for shelter animals prior to adoption.
Safety and Sanitation Enforcement - Subject to appeals by owners, SAS investigates and determines when an animal is dangerous and a threat to public safety. SAS enforces scoop laws, noise laws, and rabies vaccination requirements. SAS also removes deceased animals upon notification or identification.
Safe Sanctuaries – Under certain circumstances, SAS will provide a temporary haven for animals of domestic violence victims, homeless individuals, and others in crisis. They generally work with Seattle Police and/or the City Attorney’s Office in these cases.
Licensing - SAS administers and collects license fees for dogs, cats, potbelly pigs, miniature goats, guard and attack dogs, and exotic animal permits. Failure to maintain a current license can lead to legal action and/or fines.
Pet Food Bank - SAS offers a pet food bank for cats and dogs the first Saturday of every month from 10 a.m. to noon at the Seattle Animal Shelter.
Wildlife - SAS accepts injured or orphaned wildlife. Field officers can also bring these animals into the shelter upon encounter. It has a partnership with PAWS Wildlife Center and animals are transferred there for rehabilitation if necessary. SAS also disposes of deceased wildlife upon request or identification.