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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
2 days ago2 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 22 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 73 min read


Revenues and Expenses: Deciphering the Seattle Animal Shelter’s Funding
This article explores what SAW learned from public disclosure requests for Seattle Animal Shelter revenue and expenditures from 2018-2023.
seattleanimalwatch
Mar 283 min read


Managing Animal Services in Seattle: Are There Better Options?
This article explores the reporting structure of animal services depts in other jurisdictions. Is FAS the right place for SAS to report?
seattleanimalwatch
Mar 202 min read


The Seattle Animal Shelter’s Two-Year Road Map: The Foster Care Program
SAS is implementing a 2 Year Roadmap to improve internal processes and morale. This deep dive covers foster care program improvements.
seattleanimalwatch
Mar 133 min read


The Seattle Animal Shelter’s Two-Year Road Map: Shelter Animals
Seattle Animal Shelter’s 2-Year Roadmap focuses heavily on dogs while cat & critter programs are neglected.
seattleanimalwatch
Mar 102 min read
ACTION ALERT: Complete SAS Director Hire Survey by March 14
The City of Seattle is seeking input on the next Director of SAS. Complete the survey by March 14 and share with other advocates.
seattleanimalwatch
Mar 72 min read


The Seattle Animal Shelter’s Two-Year Road Map: Questions and Answers
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.
seattleanimalwatch
Feb 262 min read


Why Care About the One Seattle Comprehensive Plan?
Seattle Animal Watch believes that Seattle’s citizens need to speak up during the current One Seattle Comprehensive Plan update. Here's why.
seattleanimalwatch
Feb 243 min read


ACTION ALERT: Urge the City of Seattle to Include Animals in Citywide Plans
Urge the City of Seattle to include animals in citywide planning efforts. As the human population grows, so will our pet population.
seattleanimalwatch
Feb 14 min read


Advocacy at the State Legislature - How to Speak up for Animals
Your guide to advocating and showing support for animal related bills at the State Legislature.
seattleanimalwatch
Jan 112 min read


Advocacy 101 - Talk to Your City Council Representative
A guide to contacting your Seattle City Council members to drive animal welfare reform in 2025.
seattleanimalwatch
Jan 72 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


Action Steps for Advocates in 2025
Seattle is planning on its first major update to animal welfare laws since '85! Your involvement and actions will be important in 2025!
seattleanimalwatch
Dec 7, 20242 min read


Why Does Seattle Need a Ban on Cat Declawing?
Tacoma banned cat declawing, but Seattle, despite its animal-friendly reputation, hasn’t followed suit. Why is Seattle lagging behind?
seattleanimalwatch
Nov 27, 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


Mayor Bruce Harrell’s Proposed 2025-2026 Budget - Part 2: SAS Budget Trend
Adopted budget data from the City of Seattle shows an increasing trend in support of the Seattle Animal Shelter (SAS) from 2011 to 2024.
seattleanimalwatch
Oct 30, 20243 min read


Seattle Animal Shelter Returns: Curious Increases in 2023
A follow up on a previous article showing a sharp increase in animal returns post adoption from SAS in 2023.
seattleanimalwatch
Sep 29, 20243 min read


Mayor Bruce Harrell’s Proposed 2025-2026 Budget - Part 1: Impacts on Animal Welfare & Seattle Animal Shelter
A first look into the proposed 2025 operating and capital budgets for the Seattle Animal Shelter.
seattleanimalwatch
Sep 25, 20242 min read
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