City of Seattle Gregory J. Nickels, Mayor

NEWS ADVISORY
SUBJECT:   Seattle Animal Shelter celebrates Adopt-A-Shelter Dog Month in October
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:    9/30/2009  1:35:00 PM	FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Don Jordan (206)386-4286 Kara Main-Hester (206)386-4293 Katherine Schubert-Knapp  (206) 684-0909 Kathy Sugiyama  (206) 684-0909

SEATTLE – The Seattle Animal Shelter joins with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) to commemorate October as national “Adopt-A-Shelter Dog Month.” The Shelter is using the occasion to showcase the wonderful companion animals currently available for adoption.

“There are so many good reasons for adopting from shelters. First, you give a homeless animal a second chance in life and you can choose from an amazing variety of dogs, from mixed breeds to purebreds. Also, if you adopt an adult dog, you already know the dog’s size, looks, and temperament. Finally, by adopting from a shelter, you help reduce the suffering caused by the country’s alarming pet overpopulation,” says Seattle Animal Shelter Director Don Jordan.

Before choosing to adopt the right dog (or cat for that matter), the Seattle Animal Shelter recommends asking yourself the following questions:

·         Am I ready to make a long-term commitment of 10 to 20 years?

·         Is the animal right for my household or living environment?

·         Who will be the primary caretaker for the animal?

·         Can I afford the cost of food, pet supplies, veterinary bills and training?

Adopting a dog from the Seattle Animal Shelter saves that animal’s life and reduces unnecessary euthanasia of healthy, adoptable dogs. It is also a tremendous value. A typical dog adoption package costs between $145 and $180, and includes:

·         Initial vaccinations

·         Deworming

·         Free health exam at a local veterinarian’s office

·         Spaying or neutering

·         Microchip

·         Two-year Seattle pet license (if applicable)

Sponsored by the ASPCA and The American Humane Association, “Adopt-A-Shelter Dog Month” is a national campaign to educate citizens about the benefits of adopting a pet from the more than 8,000 animal shelters across the country.

To talk with an adoption counselor, or to preview dogs or cats available for adoption, visit the Animal Shelter at 2061 - 15^th Ave. W., approximately one mile south of the Ballard Bridge. The shelter is open every day from noon to 6 p.m. for adoptions, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for licensing. You may also view adoptable dogs at www.seattleanimalshelter.org

For more information, call 386-PETS (7387).

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