Great News: Construction of New Dog Behavior Training Center Underway!
As you know, we opened our new, 9,300-square-foot Pet Adoption Center just three months ago, and we’re still reveling in the joy of seeing shelter animals – and our customers -- relaxed and happy in the new digs!

Now we’re on to Phase 2-A: Construction of a new Behavior Training Center for shelter dogs who need extra individualized care and support. Work is already underway in the old shelter building, where the main dog kennels used to be. Due to construction, there will temporarily be fewer dogs on the adoption floor in the first half of January.
KHS Executive Director Eric Stevens makes an inaugural cut into the wall for a doorway.
Behavior training is an integral part of the services we provide for dogs at KHS.  Many canine friends come through our doors distressed and scared. Our staff and volunteers work hard to provide playtime, training and enrichment activities – such as games and nose work – to help reduce stress and to promote happy, healthy interactions with other people and animals that will ultimately lead to adoption.

The new behavior center will be named in memory of Heidi Harnett Wakefield, a beloved lead dog volunteer who passed away in 2017. Heidi was a passionate advocate for expanding training opportunities for dogs.

It's quick and easy to do! Benefits include:

  • Helping lost pets get home, and faster!
  • Fees directly support Kitsap Humane Society’s lifesaving work.
  • It’s the law – and the right thing to do.
  • Monthly drawings for a chance to win your pet a gift basket!

Kitsap Humane Society is the pet licensing agent for all jurisdictions in Kitsap County. Give your pet a fighting chance to make it back home; license your pet online today!
A severely injured cat who spent more than two years at Kitsap Humane Society --longer than any other shelter pet in our care -- was adopted Dec. 11 by a volunteer veterinarian who helped him finally heal.

Gandalf arrived at KHS in 2017 with his collar embedded under his front armpit, causing a deep, infected wound. Our veterinarians worked tirelessly to treat him, but after several surgeries and antibiotics, the wound wouldn’t completely heal. Our veterinarians were determined to get Gandalf well so he could be adopted into a home of his own and reached out to specialists for assistance.
2019: A Fabulous Year for the Animals!
2019 was such a momentous year for Kitsap Humane Society, the animals in our care, and our community!

Here are some of the highlights:

  • Rescued 246 bunnies from a Poulsbo home.

  • Opened the new Pet Adoption Center on Oct. 4.

  • Achieved a lifesaving rate of 96 percent, one of the highest in the country for five years running!

  • Rehomed 5,879 animals.

  • Spayed and neutered 5,996 animals, including low-cost surgeries for 2,194 pets in low-income households.

  • Provided loving foster homes for 1,156 pets.
Handsome was the first dog adopted out of Kitsap Humane Society's new Pet Adoption Center.
2020 KHS Calendars Available at the Shelter!
Adorable Adoptable
Meet Lewis!
This sweet boy loves to run around and chase after tennis balls and stuffed toys. He'll pounce after the toy and then toss it back up in the air - it's adorable! He'd love an adopter to spend time with him while he runs around and having fun in order to get all his energy out. Lewis already knows how to "sit" and "lay down," and he's ready to learn new tricks and skills with the help of some tasty snacks. He's a smart boy who is very treat motivated!
Volunteer Spotlight
Meet Anna and Jessica Richter
This month, our volunteer spotlight is shining on foster sisters extraordinaire, Anna and Jessica Richter! Anna and Jessica started fostering with KHS back in 2017, and in those two years they have fostered more than 50 pets. Anna and Jessica are devoted foster parents who care for orphaned, "bottle baby" kittens unable to eat on their own. Such kittens require feeding every 2-3 hours around the clock, and Anna and Jessica work together as a team to keep them alive. Their work doesn't stop there, though - they also foster puppies for KHS, and was quick to respond when we needed help finding foster homes for almost 300 bunnies! Their compassion and dedication to all foster animals is outstanding.

"We have been fostering for various rescue groups since we were kids," they shared. "We love KHS for its community and support network. Fostering the most vulnerable can be challenging, but is incredibly rewarding."
KHS thanks Anna and Jessica for their kindness, and their many sleepless nights helping our most fragile kitties!
Employee Spotlight
Sam Zuanich
This month’s staff spotlight is shining on Canine Behavior & Training Coordinator, Sam Zuanich! Sam’s passion for behavior training stems from the tenderness she has for her own shelter pup, Booker. Determined to help Booker become more relaxed and less dog-reactive, Sam became fascinated with dog behavior science, which led to her enrollment in behavior training classes. 

Sam's knowledge and expertise is of great benefit to the animals at KHS as she equips them with skills to be successful in their forever homes. Sam's always eager to learn and take on new challenges, such as teaching Canine 101 and Dog Walking Class. She takes initiative and helps to keep operations in the department flowing.

“Sam has a great attitude, fabulous ideas, and is passionate about behavior and training,” says her former supervisor, Ashley Dalton.

Thank you, Sam, for the amazing work you do to prepare shelter pets for success in their forever homes! 
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Community Spotlight

Kitsap Humane Society extends a big THANK YOU to Olmsted Tree Farms! This family-owned business gives back to KHS year-round, and especially during the holiday season!

Over the years, Olmsted Tree Farms has generously donated their trees for our auctions, Santa Paws events, and our Giving Tree fundraisers. This year, we were delighted to have them as one of our Santa Paws partner locations – bringing in nearly 100 families and raising over $2,000 for the animals!

Olmsted Tree Farms, thank you for your continued generosity and for supporting Kitsap Humane Society’s lifesaving mission.
Many Thanks to Our Grand Shelter Sponsor:
Kitsap Humane Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization; Tax ID: 91-0728353