top of page


Introducing the Seattle Animal Watch Data Dashboard
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.
seattleanimalwatch
Dec 14, 20253 min read


Pet Business Regulation in Seattle: Where Animal Welfare and Consumer Protection Intersect
Explore the complexities of pet business permits in Seattle, where animal welfare and consumer protection intersect. Learn how pet business permits impact safety.
seattleanimalwatch
Nov 9, 20256 min read


Animal Cruelty and Neglect Complaints in Seattle, Part 3: 2024 Seattle Animal Shelter Numbers by Complaint Resolutions
Seattle Animal Shelter data shows 1,008 animal cruelty and neglect complaints in 2024, with most resolved through verbal warnings, cruelty notices, or impoundments. Abuse and abandonment cases stood out, highlighting how officers respond to the city’s most common animal welfare issues.
seattleanimalwatch
Oct 9, 20252 min read


Animal Cruelty and Neglect Complaints in Seattle, Part 2: 2024 Seattle Animal Shelter Numbers by Patrol Area
Explore the latest on animal cruelty patrols in Seattle, with 2024 data revealing key areas for complaints. Seattle's patrols focus on the South and Central parts of the city, where median income is also lowest.
seattleanimalwatch
Sep 28, 20252 min read


Animal Cruelty & Neglect Complaints in Seattle - Part 1: 2024 Seattle Animal Shelter Numbers
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?
seattleanimalwatch
Sep 12, 20254 min read


Why Business Permits Matter for Animal Welfare—and What Seattle Needs to Fix
This article explores the role of business permits in animal welfare, particularly in businesses that provide animal services. But what does the data tell us about how healthy these processes are in Seattle today?
seattleanimalwatch
Jun 17, 20252 min read


Stricter Animal Cruelty Standards Take Effect on July 27, 2025
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.
seattleanimalwatch
Jun 2, 20252 min read


Data Bites - April 2025: Animal Cruelty Complaints
Animal cruelty complaints fielded by Seattle Animal Shelter have risen 15% in the last year. This post digs into why.
seattleanimalwatch
May 7, 20253 min read


Accountability in Commercialized Pet Care
Pet care facility violations, fires, and suspensions spark calls for stronger oversight and transparency in animal welfare licensing.
seattleanimalwatch
Dec 30, 20242 min read


After The SODO Dog Resort Fire - One Year Later
Dog daycare fire in SODO led to lawsuits and proposed safety law. Suits settled; bill failed. Animal daycare regs now added to eCompliance.
seattleanimalwatch
Nov 22, 20242 min read


Why are Animals Surrendered?
There are a variety of reasons that someone may surrender a pet to a shelter. This article explores the reasons behind those surrenders.
seattleanimalwatch
Aug 26, 20243 min read


Animal Cruelty Findings in the 2023 Crime in Washington Report
Animal cruelty crimes and arrests are up year over year. This article explores other animal cruelty findings in WA's 2023 Crime Report.
seattleanimalwatch
Jul 22, 20242 min read


Animal Hoarding: Part 3
Animal hoarding is a serious issues that strains animal shelter resources. This series explores the complexities of hoarding cases.
seattleanimalwatch
May 26, 20242 min read


Animal Hoarding: Part 2
Animal hoarding is a serious issues that strains animal shelter resources. This series explores the complexities of hoarding cases.
seattleanimalwatch
May 23, 20242 min read


Animal Hoarding: Part 1
Animal hoarding is a serious issues that strains animal shelter resources. This series explores the complexities of hoarding cases.
seattleanimalwatch
May 14, 20242 min read


Open Letter to Mayor Harrell re: Lack of Animal Services Planning for Seattle’s Future
Seattle Animal Watch, joined by other local animal welfare groups, sent an open letter to the Mayor regarding lack of animal services plans.
seattleanimalwatch
May 6, 20243 min read


Dogs with Jobs
Many dogs have jobs, and that fact changes their legal protections.
seattleanimalwatch
Apr 7, 20242 min read


Should Veterinarians be Required to Report Suspected Animal Abuse to Police?
The link between domestic violence & animal cruelty is strong. Legislatures can enact mandatory reporting requirements to police by vets.
seattleanimalwatch
Mar 26, 20241 min read


A Call for Comprehensive Animal Welfare Planning in Seattle
Critical gaps in animal services planning will have a growing impact on Seattle as our population explodes.
seattleanimalwatch
Feb 25, 20248 min read


West Seattle’s Animal Cruelty Case - Lessons Learned
A West Seattle case illustrates some of the problems prosecutors face in trying to hold people accountable for animal cruelty.
seattleanimalwatch
Feb 2, 20242 min read
bottom of page
