National Volunteer Week

April 21-27 is National Volunteer Week - a time to reflect on the incredible impact that volunteers have for the pets and people in our community. Whether they're walking dogs, caring for cats, doing dishes and laundry, helping in our veterinary clinic, supporting events, answering phones, helping guests meet their perfect new pet, and so much more, volunteers play a vital role in making our community a better and safer place for pets and the people they love. 

In 2023, we served more than 10,000 pets in our community – more than ever in our 120-year history - and that work is only possible thanks to the many volunteers who dedicate their time and talent to supporting pets in need.

Here are just a few of the ways volunteers made an impact last year:

• 1,028 volunteers supported our work
• 352 new volunteers joined our team
• Volunteers contributed 161,400 hours in support of our lifesaving work, an equivalent of more than $5 million in labor costs
• Laundry volunteers washed more than 278,000 pounds of blankets and towels
• Dog volunteers provided nearly 21,000 hours of dog walks and canine enrichment
• Cattery volunteers spent more than 9,000 hours cleaning kennels and providing enrichment for adoptable cats
• More than 3,100 hours were provided by clinic volunteers, assisting with surgery and medical care
• Foster volunteers cared for more than 1,274 pets in their homes
• At our ReTails Thrift Store, more than 106 volunteers provided support in every department

And the impact of volunteers extends far beyond the walls of the shelter. Volunteers also play a crucial role in connecting our community with the services and programs they need including spay/neuter surgeries, wellness care, emergency boarding, financial support for medical care, and more. Their dedication, kindness, and unwavering support make our communities stronger, more vibrant, and more compassionate. They remind us of the importance of giving back and the profound impact that even the smallest act of kindness can have on someone's life.

To all volunteers, thank you for your commitment, your generosity, and your compassion. Your contributions do not go unnoticed or unappreciated. The impact you make on pets in our community truly cannot be measured, and we are incredibly grateful for everything you do.

If you want to make a difference for pets and people in our community as a volunteer, learn more about the many ways you can support our work at hssw.org/volunteer.

Become a Volunteer

Walk/Run Countdown

Walk/Run for the Animals is less than four weeks away and we can’t wait to celebrate with you! More than 800 walkers and runners have already registered to join us, and even more have donated to help us make progress toward reaching our goal of $300,000 for pets in need.

Join us May 4 for the 33rd annual Walk/Run for the Animals!

This year, we will serve more than 10,000 pets and the funds raised at Walk/Run make that possible. And while only a few weeks remain, together we can make a big impact. Here are ways you can help:

• REGISTER – Go to hssw.org/walk24 to register as a walker or runner. You’ll enjoy a scenic path along the Columbia River, taking in some of the finest views our community has to offer. Don’t forget to join a team or start your own – because Walk/Run is always more fun when you’re with your friends.
• FUNDRAISE – Registering is just the beginning. Walk/Run is a critical fundraiser and it relies on the grassroots support of fundraisers like you! When you register, reach out to your friends, family, coworkers, and more and ask them to donate to help pets. And we’re here to help along the way with fundraising tools and guides.
• SHARE – You can support the event and help us reach our goal even if you can’t be there with us on May 4. Register as a fundraiser at hssw.org/walk24 and you can still raise funds and earn prizes even if you can’t join us in person.

Registration, Info, and More

Speaking of prizes, don't miss out on some of the exceptionally cool swag you can snag when you help raise funds for the animals. Of course there's a t-shirt and a bag, but we're going beyond the basics with great gear and fun experiences, too. Click to view the fundraising prizes. 

And new this year: we're expanding our Walk/Run awards to include not only the top-performing teams, we'll also be giving out awards for the best pet trick, team spirit award, best costume, and (for those of you who use the force...) the best Star Wars costume in honor of Star Wars day, which is celebrated every May fourth.

While the event is always a good time, Walk/Run is more than just a fun event. It’s the biggest pet-friendly fundraiser in our community and the impact it makes for pets and people is truly lifesaving. Make a difference today, help us reach our goal and join us for Walk/Run on May 4.

It's Kitten Season Again

The warming spring weather brings more than just blossoming trees and blooming flowers. At HSSW – like many shelters – kitten season has arrived. It’s the time of year when pregnant cats and litters of kittens arrive at our shelter in need of care and support.

Many kittens arrive at our shelter unnecessarily. As we’ve shared in the past, unless they are sick, injured, or in danger, kittens are better off if they can stay with mom. Their chance of survival and overall health outcomes are better than they are even with the expert care of our skilled foster homes. (Want to learn more about when and how to rescue kittens? Click here to learn more.) But for the ones who need us, we’re here to help.

Kittens need more than just us – they need YOU. Here are a few of the ways you can help kittens this season.

• DONATE – Make a gift to help us provide for the tiny kittens who arrive at our door every day. Your generosity helps us provide the medical care, supplies, and TLC they need to thrive until they can be adopted. Support the Kittens
• SHOP OUR WISH LIST – It’s a kitten shower! Looking to pick up a gift for the little babies? Our foster wish list includes the essential items kittens need. You’ll find links to purchase milk replacer and other supplies that help us ensure they’re happy and healthy. Send a gift to the kittens.
• BECOME A FOSTER – Foster placement is critical for kitten season. Young kittens need the support, care, and enrichment that’s only possible in a foster home. You will make an immediate lifesaving impact for kittens in our community. Become a foster.

Many litters of kittens have already arrived at HSSW this season, and they’re being cared for in foster homes until they can return to the shelter to find homes of their own. With your help, we can ensure they’re happy, healthy, and receive the support they need. Please make a gift today to support kittens.

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