Summary

Now in its fifth year of operation, Regional Animal Services of King County is saving the lives of nearly nine out of every ten animals that come into care - exceeding the goal set by Executive Constantine as part of his 2010 animal care and control reform plan.

Story

As the year comes to a close, Regional Animal Services of King County is celebrating a remarkable achievement: 88 percent of animals that came through the doors in 2015 were adopted to new families, returned to their owners, or placed with other local animal organizations for placement. This accomplishment not only sets a new record for RASKC, but is also among the best rates for a public open-admission animal care agency nationally.

"The year before I came into office, more than 40 percent of the cats and dogs in our shelter were euthanized," said King County Executive Dow Constantine. "I made a commitment to transform animal services in our region so that more pets made it home to loving families. We've delivered on that pledge, making animal services in King County among the best in the nation."

"Our mission is simple: to get animals out of the shelter, get lost pets returned, and get more adoptable pets into more happy homes," said RASKC manager Gene Mueller. "Setting this new record is a testament to the generous support we receive from animal lovers all over our region."

Through Dec. 28, RASKC adopted 2,128 dogs and cats to new families and returned 722 lost dogs and cats to their owners. RASKC also celebrated its fifth anniversary in 2015 by refreshing its website, www.kingcounty.gov/pets, and launching a new blog at www.TailsFromRASKC.com. The blog features news and information about the agency, as well as highlighting the heartwarming stories of animals that have been helped by RASKC.

Earlier this year, all 25 cities participating in the regional model re-upped their animal care and control agreements with RASKC for two years. The new contracts will run through Dec. 31, 2017.

"Our city partners recognize the value that Regional Animal Services provides to their residents, and we're glad they each chose to continue that relationship," added Mueller.

RASKC operates two pet adoption centers, one at 21615 64th Ave. S. in Kent and an Eastside location at 12040 NE 85th St. in Kirkland inside Petco. In addition, RASKC keeps adoptable pets at Petco stores in Bellevue, Covington, and Tukwila, as well as at Reber Ranch in Kent, The Whole Cat and Kaboodle in Redmond, and Meowtropolitan Cat Café in Seattle's Wallingford neighborhood.

Quotes

The year before I came into office, more than 40 percent of the cats and dogs in our shelter were euthanized. I made a commitment to transform animal services in our region so that more pets made it home to loving families. We've delivered on that pledge, making animal services in King County among the best in the nation.

Our mission is simple: to get animals out of the shelter, get lost pets returned, and get more adoptable pets into more happy homes. Setting this new record is a testament to the generous support we receive from animal lovers all over our region.

For more information

Cameron Satterfield, Department of Executive Services, 206-263-9758
Gene Mueller, Regional Animal Services of King County, 206-296-7387