Seattle Animal Watch just launched our new Data Dashboard, using city open data and public disclosure records to bring transparency to animal services. This is the first step in understanding Seattle’s true animal welfare needs and building a citywide, data-driven plan for meaningful change. Explore the dashboard at seattleanimalwatch.org/data.

Discover why Seattle lacks an advisory committee for animal services. Explore the vital role an advisory committee could play in addressing animal welfare.

Explore the complexities of pet business permits in Seattle, where animal welfare and consumer protection intersect. Learn how pet business permits impact safety.

Join a volunteer's journey at The BIG FIX, the largest free spay/neuter event in WA. Discover how volunteers make a difference in animal advocacy.

Discover how Seattle's first Big Fix event could transform animal welfare by collecting vital animal data and offering essential spay/neuter services.

Seattle Animal Shelter officers handle far more than cruelty cases. From park patrols to wildlife rescues, their work reflects the city’s evolving relationship with animals. Our latest analysis reveals how complaints have shifted from 2018–2024 — including a sharp rise in park patrols tied to media coverage.

Animal cruelty & neglect complaints rose 5.5% in Seattle in 2024—the highest since the pandemic. With abandonment & abuse cases climbing, can the City keep up with growing demands on animal welfare services?

This article dives into the 2025 WA State Animal Welfare Assessment in depth, exploring what it means for Seattle and how it's findings intersect with Seattle Animal Watch's work.

This article recaps the necessary reforms outlined by the WSDA in the 2025 Washington State Animal Welfare Assessment. Some of the recommendations may sound familiar. Despite being touted as one of the most progressive cities in not only WA, but also the nation, SAW has also identified that Seattle needs many of these same reformations.

The Seattle Department of Construction and Land Use would not include animal services in the One Seattle Comprehensive Plan because it was not required by the Washington State Growth Management Act. Learn more about what the WA State Growth Management Act is and how you can take action to change this and ensure animals and animal services are included in our City's future.

Seattle Animal Shelter expenses remain greater than the revenues it generates and the City of Seattle must close the deficit with taxpayer dollars. This article explores more about the direct and indirect costs the shelter incurs and the overall funding picture of the City Shelter.

This post provides an update on spay neuter procedures at the Seattle Animal Shelter in 2024. Procedures for shelter animals and animals owned by members of the public rebounded from 2023, but community cat procedures are at an all time low.

A new law goes into effect on July 27, 2025 which provides broader protections for animals against cruelty. This article explores what this new law means for animals in Seattle.

SAS is implementing a 2 Year Roadmap to improve internal processes and morale. This deep dive covers foster care program improvements.

The City of Seattle is seeking input on the next Director of SAS. Complete the survey by March 14 and share with other advocates.

SAS is in the process of hiring a new director & implementing a 2yr roadmap to improve processes and morale. Here is their progress so far.

Seattle Animal Watch believes that Seattle’s citizens need to speak up during the current One Seattle Comprehensive Plan update. Here's why.

Urge the City of Seattle to include animals in citywide planning efforts. As the human population grows, so will our pet population.

Your guide to advocating and showing support for animal related bills at the State Legislature.

A guide to contacting your Seattle City Council members to drive animal welfare reform in 2025.