Stay up-to-date on all the ways the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County is Making Happy Happen in the shelter and out in the community! | |
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Thanks to our generous network of supporters, we raised $90,221 during our fifth annual Day of Giving, earning the full $90,000 matching gift from our friends at Petco Love!
Your Day of Giving donations will immediately go to work to provide urgent medical treatment, food, and safe shelter for the 600+ dogs, cats, and critters currently under our care. With our resources stretched to the limit as our shelter continues to operate at and beyond capacity to serve the pets who need us most, your support couldn’t have come at a better time.
We truly appreciate and value your support. You are changing the lives of so many animals in need, giving them the chance to live the life they always deserved, with people who love and care for them. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you!
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Topping off our Day of Giving, we are also incredibly proud to share that the Tacoma City Council proclaimed Aug. 22 as the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County Day, recognizing our ongoing commitment to the animals and people of Tacoma and beyond. A heartfelt thank you to Mayor Woodards and the Tacoma City Council for this honor and your continued support! | |
Help Us Clear the Shelter! | |
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Join us for “Clear The Shelters” and help pets find loving homes! From Aug. 16 to Sept. 5, adopt an adult dog for $50, an adult cat for $25, or a small critter for $5.
During the nationwide campaign last year, 146 pets found new families. With your support, we can create even more happily ever afters this year!
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New Limited-Release Merch | |
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Show your love for pets and support them with our adorable merchandise! You will soon see the faces of our top three Star Search Photo Contest winners featured on one of our shelter vans, but before the van hits the road, they’ve also been beautifully illustrated for a special collection of t-shirts, hoodies, crewneck sweatshirts, and sticker sheets.
Get your paws on this adorable limited edition shelter merch before it's gone!
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Mobile Veterinary Unit Update | |
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And the good news keeps rolling in—we did it! Thanks to our community, we reached our Mobile Veterinary Unit fundraiser goal and secured the full $30,000 match from our generous friends at the Puyallup Tribe of Indians.
We are beyond excited to get this revolutionary vehicle on the road and start implementing transformational programs where they’re needed most. We expect the mobile unit to arrive in November and will keep you updated about its official launch date. Stay tuned!
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Welcoming Our Community With "Open Arms" | |
At the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County, we're dedicated to fostering a welcoming space for all—pets and people alike. While animal welfare has made strides toward greater equity, there's still progress to be made. That's why we joined Maddie’s Fund’s Open Arms Challenge, pioneering new and inclusive approaches to connect more pet owners and animal lovers in our community with our services and mission. Learn about the lasting impact of our efforts on our blog. | |
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New Hope for Dogs With Parvovirus:
Cutting-Edge Antibody Treatment in Our Shelter
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Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious and often deadly virus that poses a significant threat to unvaccinated dogs, particularly in shelter environments where close quarters can facilitate its rapid spread. Discover how our shelter is leading the way with Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody (CPMA) treatment, giving dogs like Timber a second chance at life. Visit our blog for Timber’s inspiring recovery story and learn how you can help bring hope to more dogs in need. | |
National Pet Memorial Day | |
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National Pet Memorial Day on September 8 offers a moment to pause and remember the special pets we have loved and lost. It’s also the meaningful time to pay tribute to your pets who have crossed the rainbow bridge. Consider reserving a place for your beloved pet's photo on our "Love Lives Forever" memorial wall or making a charitable gift in their name.
However you choose to honor your pet, we're here to make the process simple and fulfilling. Best of all, your support will help us care for thousands of pets each year, ensuring they find homes with families just as caring as yours.
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Protect What You Love: Make-A-Will Month | |
Express your love during August’s National Make-A-Will Month by creating your estate plan with FreeWill. In about 20 minutes, you can complete an act of care for yourself and your pets, gain peace of mind about the future, and impact our community’s pets in need for generations to come. | |
The shelter's Outreach team always jumps at the chance to connect with the community, sharing our mission and letting people know about our services and how they can help. Swing by our booth at the following upcoming family-friendly events: | |
Thirsty Dog 5K
Saturday, Sept. 7
10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Titlow Park, Tacoma
Do the dog days of summer have you and your pooch feeling tired? Get ready for a paws-itively fun time at the Thirsty Dog 5K. Whether you’re running or walking, this dog friendly race will be fun for all that attend!
K9 Innings
Sunday, Sept. 8
Gates Open: 12 p.m.
Cheney Stadium, Tacoma
Join the Tacoma Rainiers for K9 Innings, a tail-wagging celebration featuring pup prizes, a barking good time, and a ballpark filled with furry fans. It’s a day for the whole family—both two and four-legged—to enjoy an afternoon of Rainiers baseball in a dog-friendly atmosphere.
Creating a Kinder World for Animals - Activity and Adoption Event
Wednesday, Sept. 11
Presentation and Activity: 3-4 p.m.
Adoption Event: 4-6 p.m.
Lakewood Library, Lakewood
Join us for a presentation on how to treat, care for, and better understand animals. Afterward, stay for a special adoption event.
Creating a Kinder World for Animals - Activity and Adoption Event
Sunday, Sept. 29
South Hill Library, South Hill
Presentation: 1-2 p.m.
Activity and Adoption Event: 2-4:30 p.m.
Join us for an informative presentation on treating, caring for, and understanding animals. Afterward, stick around for a fun craft session where we'll create 'pawtraits' of adoptable pets. The afternoon will conclude with a special adoption event.
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Staff Spotlight: Emily Keegans, Chief Operations Officer | |
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Emily Keegans joined the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County as Chief Operations Officer in July 2024, bringing over 25 years of experience in animal sheltering and behavior. Emily has worked in adoptions, admissions, and animal care, and has been a leader in promoting and implementing best practices in shelter animal behavior. She is passionate about supporting staff, improving processes, and advancing the field of animal welfare. Emily is dedicated to helping people understand animals more deeply, enhancing the lives of both animals and the humans who love them.
Emily graduated with honors from the San Francisco SPCA Academy for Dog Trainers and is a Certified Dog Trainer & Behavior Consultant as well as a Certified Animal Welfare Administrator.
Emily lives with her husband and two cats, Marble and Fennel. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, reading, crocheting, and clicker training her cats to perform fun tricks.
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There’s no cocktail quite as classic as the Old Fashioned, and there's nothing classier than supporting shelter pets! Throughout September, our friends at Wooden City Tacoma will donate $1 for each draft Old-Fashioned cocktail sold. It’s an easy, delicious way to support our shelter and the pets in our care! | |
Check out other local businesses that are making a difference for thousands of dogs, cats, and critters in your community and learn how you can Paw It Forward! | |
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Two-year old Tonka is a volunteer favorite! Why? Well, just look at him! With his rich Godiva-chocolatey brown coat and sweetest caramel peepers, he's as delightful as he looks!
Tonka's adoption fee is only $50 during "Clear The Shelters," so now's the perfect time to bring him home!
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Thank you to our Pillar of Hope Sponsor | | | | |
