2018
Report to the Community
A tough job for PAWS’ leaders — cuddling cute kittens!
A Thank You Message from Our Leadership Dear Friends,
Board of Directors Over the past year, your generosity has fueled many life-saving achievements here at PAWS. Together, we delivered exceptional care to 9,086 animals of 151 species, educated more than 8,800 adults and children about a wide variety of animal-related topics, and answered 24,000 inquiries from the public. Out of those thousands of successes, we have chosen a few highlights to share with you in our 2018 Report to the Community. While the numbers summarizing our work are impressive, it is the individual stories and faces behind them that truly reveal PAWS’ impact. You’ll find these special stories woven throughout this report. Sometimes the simple words of a child whose passion for animals was ignited through PAWS’ Kids Who Care program in his classroom illustrates the impact of our work: “My favorite thing I learned was that people can still make a difference.” (Ammar, fourth grader)
interact daily with so many people eager to learn about animal issues, save an injured wild animal, or adopt a homeless cat or dog, that goal seems quite attainable. In addition to our talented staff, our dedicated volunteers help make all this possible. Thanks to them, we are able to care for the thousands of animals who arrive at our doors each year. The successes you will find in the following pages are all a direct result of visionary generosity like yours. Whether it’s the grateful guardians who were reunited with their lost dog, the children who found their best friend in a cat adopted from PAWS, or the veterinary students who gained valuable training in the unique field of wildlife medicine, PAWS touched thousands of lives in countless ways with your help in 2018. Thank you for your continued trust and support. With heartfelt gratitude,
PAWS’ mission of creating a better world for animals and people is ambitious. Yet, as we Batur Oktay President, PAWS Board of Directors Charlie (left) was adopted days after arriving at PAWS from an overwhelmed San Diego shelter. Dr. Strange, who arrived from Oklahoma in the wake of a natural disaster, spent four months in foster care before finding his new family the very day he went up for adoption.
Annette Laico Chief Executive Officer
Batur Oktay, President Leslie Chandler, Vice President Strom Peterson, Secretary Jen Evans, Treasurer Ann-Marie Archer Christy Cheever Jill Jones Damian King Leila Kirske Dora Leung Jaime Puracal Karen Trujillo Jennie Warmouth Annette Laico, Chief Executive Officer
Our Mission PAWS is a champion for animals— rehabilitating injured and orphaned wildlife, sheltering and adopting homeless cats and dogs, and educating people to make a better world for animals and people.
Our Vision PAWS envisions a world where all people recognize the intrinsic value of animals and consistently make choices that demonstrate compassion and respect.
PAWS has been rehabilitating Harbor Seals since 1996 and cares for an average of 12 per year.
You Helped Animals Go Home and Thrive Your support brought care, comfort and second chances to 9,086 cats, dogs and wild animals in need in 2018. Second chances that allowed these animals to go home and thrive —whether home is a comfortable family room couch or the lush trees of a forest. With an incredibly short average stay from intake through adoption of six days for dogs and seven days for cats, PAWS is a place of great hope with a strong reputation in the rescue community for taking in animals who need extra attention to successfully overcome obstacles. A total of 4,977 wild animals of 151 species were treated, and a remarkable success rate was achieved for these fragile patients. PAWS believes all wild animals should remain wild, and this guiding value dictates our care. In all, 1,301 wild animals treated at PAWS were restored to health and released to the wild by year’s end. Some of our larger patients included: 12 Harbor Seals, eight River Otters, six American Black Bear Cubs, and 15 Bald Eagles. We were
This tiny Harbor Seal pup was just days old when brought to PAWS. He was discovered in a hotel bathroom when a misguided beachgoer thought he was orphaned. After 75 days in care for wounds and dehydration, the seal was released on a secluded beach at Ocean Shores.
privileged to care for 26 patients of six species that were either endangered, threatened, sensitive, or candidate species, including Western Pond Turtles. PAWS also welcomed 4,109 cats and dogs in need and achieved a 97.5 percent save rate which puts PAWS in the very top percent of shelters nationwide. This goal was reached by giving every animal as much time as they needed to find their new home. By year’s end, our adoptions experts matched 3,592 cats and dogs with new families and reunited 248 lost animals with their grateful guardians.
Peeking around his transport crate before running home to the wild, this American Black Bear yearling arrived as an orphaned cub and spent over a year in care. The sole bear rehabilitation facility for Washington State, PAWS also takes in bears from Oregon.
Throughout the year, the PAWS Placement Partner Program provided critical aid to 110 other shelters and rescue agencies by transferring in animals when these facilities were out of space. While we always focus on our local partners first, we were able to help animals from South Carolina, Florida, Arkansas, Texas, California, and even South Korea. For our partners in areas affected by devastating natural disasters in Texas, Florida, Louisiana, North Carolina and Puerto Rico, we stepped in to help “clear the shelters” by accepting the homeless animals so shelters could instead be used to temporarily house pets while their families fled to safety.
Tiny Macalester arrived from Merced, California where shelters deal with serious overpopulation of homeless animals. He found his “purrfect” match at PAWS Cat City where visitors can interact with the cats in open colonies to get a better sense of each one’s unique personality.
And when hundreds of dogs were confiscated from an illegal puppy mill in Eastern Washington —in conditions so deplorable rescuers wore hazmat suits—PAWS was trusted to help traumatized dogs like Jack receive the patience
and attention they needed to heal emotionally and physically from an entire life spent in a cage. Today, three-year-old Jack is learning how to walk on a leash, play with toys, and give and receive love from his new family. 3
More than 2,200 cats were adopted from PAWS Companion Animal Shelter and PAWS Cat City in 2018.
PAWS is People Helping Animals and Vice Versa PAWS’ reach goes beyond the animals we serve to include a range of programs designed to educate and support people. More than 8,850 youth and adults were reached through programs and services designed to inspire people to help companion animals and respect wildlife in their daily lives. From delivering community workshops on cat behavior to teaching fourth-grade classrooms about animal emotions, PAWS’ education programs play a vital role in creating a brighter future for animals and people. PAWS works on several fronts to extend our reach in the community and benefit many animals who will never even arrive at our doors. In 2018, we responded to nearly 24,000 inquiries from members of the public seeking help with animal issues—guiding callers concerned about injured wildlife, pet behavior problems, and much more. We donated more than 400 pounds of food through our Pet Pantry Program to local food banks so families who needed assistance could feed their beloved pets.
A cat room volunteer gently scratches Pumpkin in just the right spot. Originally from an overcrowded shelter in Colville, Washington, he was adopted and later returned due to a family member’s severe allergic reaction. One day later, Pumpkin found his forever home.
At the core of nearly everything we do is an ever-growing and ever-amazing force of volunteers. When it comes to saving animals’ lives, no job is too humble for these selfless individuals. Whether cleaning a wild animal enclosure, assembling adoption packets, or quietly comforting a scared dog, volunteers are the backbone of PAWS. An average of 480 people per month volunteered throughout 2018—contributing a staggering 71,774 hours of their time—the equivalent of 35 full-time staff! This total does not even include the contributions of our volunteer foster families, who spend untold hours helping sick and infant animals in their homes. In 2018, our foster volunteers cared for 1,990 vulnerable cats and dogs.
Top: This Coyote pup was found alone in an irrigation pipe. PAWS provided initial care and transferred her to a partner facility with other pups in care. Rehabilitation is more successful when wild babies of a similar age are placed together and PAWS works closely with other local licensed wildlife rehabilitation centers to ensure best outcomes. Left: Employees from Premera Blue Cross and Seattle Works brought big hearts and helping hands to PAWS. The hard-working team planted flowers and shrubs to attract hummingbirds and butterflies in the Wildlife Center courtyard.
Bottom: Glue traps can be deadly for birds. Luckily this Dark-eyed Junco was found early and gently removed from the trap by rehabilitators at PAWS Wildlife Center. After recovering from feather loss, she was released back to the wild.
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The Impact of Your Support Left: The 27th annual PAWSwalk 5k & Run in Seattle attracted close to a thousand animal lovers, and nearly as many dogs. Kids and adults alike enjoyed live entertainment, a dog agility course, food trucks, and an adoptable dog area which resulted in several love matches.
Companion Animal Highlights • 4,109 companion animals in care • 2,577 spay/neuter surgeries performed • 1,990 animals placed in foster homes • 97.5 percent of companion animals saved
Cats Served Strays received
258
Guardian surrender/Partner transfer in
2,238
Adopted/Partner transfer out
2,349
Lost cats returned to guardian
46
Dogs Served Strays received
Above: Sunshine and his siblings were born with deformities to their hind legs. PAWS serves as a safety net for animals who need extra care to get adopted. 6
291
Guardian surrender/Partner transfer in
1,322
Adopted/Partner transfer out
1,423
Lost dogs returned to guardian
202
PAWS does not euthanize healthy, adoptable cats and dogs. In 2018, 84 cats and dogs–whose acute injury, illness or behavior rendered them unadoptable–were humanely euthanized.
Above: A DBV—dog behavior volunteer— gives reassurance to Nick Fury, a three-yearold Terrier mix newly arrived at the shelter. Our dedicated DBV volunteers receive advanced training and are critical to ensuring each dog at PAWS receives lots of love and affection.
Wildlife Highlights • 4,977 animals of 151 species admitted • 48 percent of animals treated and rehabilitated were released • 21 veterinary extern and rehabilitation intern students trained • 2,837 surgical and medical procedures performed
Wild Animals Served Above: Found wandering and vocalizing for his mom, this Black Tailed Deer fawn was orphaned when his mom was hit by a car. His care included bottle-fed formula because he was not yet weaned.
2,568 birds, 2,389 mammals, and 20 reptiles and amphibians
4,977
Animals rehabilitated and released
1,301
Deceased on arrival Died despite care
Education Highlights • 6,389 young people and 2,462 adults enjoyed education programs and outreach experiences delivered by PAWS’ staff in their community. • Frontline staff answered nearly 24,000 calls and emails, assisting with a range of companion animal care and welfare questions, concerns about wild animals in need, and humane solutions to wildlife conflicts.
Left: A resident in his catio (an enclosed cat patio) on Catio Tour Seattle—a tour hosted by PAWS of homes with unique catios to discourage free-roaming outdoor cats.
237 1,223
Animals held over into 2018 for further rehabilitation and release
29
Transferred to other facilities
92
In 2018, PAWS provided release from suffering through humane euthanasia for 2,384 wild animals whose injuries, illnesses or circumstances precluded treatment and release into their native habitat.
Above: This young Bald Eagle fell 80 feet from her nest and landed unharmed. This photo shows our attempt to reunite her with her parents by placing her in an artificial nest nearby. Unfortunately, the parents did not approach despite her begging calls. After another 161 days in care, she was released on the Skagit River where she would learn to forage from a large number of adult eagles.
Right: Our ongoing work to treat Western Pond Turtles for ulcerative shell disease continued in 2018. PAWS collaborates with Woodland Park Zoo, Oregon Zoo, Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife, and Sustainability in Prisons Project to help with the multi-year recovery of this endangered species. 7
This image is not dynamic, nor does it show PAWS in action. PAWS’ education Neither of the ED images programs nurture portray PAWS’ education efforts children’s inherent in a compelling manner. The one empathy for animals. is of Katie in a large classroom too large and too anonymous. 8
Sharing Ideas, Knowledge and Compassion Only by speaking up for animals and educating others can we truly achieve a better world for animals and people. Whether advocating for animal-friendly laws or delivering community workshops, these beliefs guided our work on several fronts in 2018. Throughout the year, 15 rehabilitation interns, three veterinary externs, and three veterinary technician students completed training programs in wildlife medicine, learning skills to benefit wild animals in their own communities. Our companion animal clinic hosted five visiting veterinarians and seven veterinary students, helping advance their surgery skills and gain experience in shelter medicine. PAWS’ staff also collaborated on multiple research publications, presented at national conferences, and served on the 2018 Wildlife Rehabilitation Advisory Committee tasked with updating laws governing wildlife rehabilitation in Washington State. In an effort to inspire and empower the community to take compassionate action for animals, the PAWS Education Programs
Our on-campus children’s programs can result in an impromptu animal experience to the surprise and delight of kids and dogs alike. Simply put, humane education fosters empathy in individuals for all living beings on the earth. At PAWS, we teach children to appreciate, respect and help animals, whether companion, wild or farm.
reached a total of 6,389 youth and 2,462 adults in 2018 through classroom-based programs, hands-on teen workshops, Scout programs, adult education events, advocacy initiatives, and more. Using research-based instructional strategies, PAWS educators engage youth and adults in programs that explore the intersection of companion animal welfare, wildlife conservation, and social issues. In 2018, our propriety Kids Who Care curriculum was taught in a record 23 schools and 79 classrooms throughout Snohomish County and our Scout programs were more popular than ever, reaching 1,220 kids in 140 troops. Encouraging assessment results from these programs show positive impact in attitude and behavior toward animals. Our busy educators represented PAWS at community events such as Puget Sound BirdFest, Kla Ha Ya Days, and the National Wildlife Federation’s Wildlife Festival. PAWS launched “Safe Cats, Healthy Habitats,” a campaign to help keep cats safe and protect local wildlife. The always-popular Catio Tour Seattle, a self-guided tour of homes with creative cat patios (catios), attracted 400 people interested in learning about outdoor enclosures for their cat companions. On the legislative front, PAWS championed key Washington State animal rights legislation, including a law requiring municipalities with dog breed restrictions to provide an exception for dogs who pass a behavioral test.
A weeks-old orphaned Townsend’s Chipmunk is fed formula from a syringe by one of the 15 wildlife rehabilitation interns who received hands-on training at PAWS in 2018.
By engaging students in fun and interactive classroom programs, children learn valuable lessons about appreciating, respecting and helping animals.
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PAWS rehabilitates nine species of owls. In 2018, this badly injured Great Horned Owl arrived at PAWS Wildlife Center.
Providing Professional Care for Animals In 2018, we continued to strengthen our partnerships with surrounding veterinary hospitals, including a local eye specialist who worked with PAWS veterinary and rehabilitation teams to perform complex ophthalmology procedures on animals in care, including two owls. Both owls were rehabilitated and released with identification bands to help track the success of one-eyed owls in the wild. Also in 2018, a local specialist in raptor banding received a federal permit to band all raptors released from PAWS Wildlife Center. Two Cooper’s Hawks who had been banded and released in 2018 came back into care—allowing us to glean information that will guide future treatment of this species As happens every year, derelict fishing gear resulted in a number of aquatic animals coming to PAWS for treatment. For patients who have swallowed a fish hook, our wildlife veterinarians utilize a non-invasive technique of removing the hook with a stiff feeding tube.
Thousands of cats and dogs in our shelter benefited from surgical procedures throughout the year. PAWS’ companion animal medical team performed 2,577 spay and neuter surgeries on shelter animals as well as the pets of low-income community members. Another 478 medical procedures, such as amputations, mass removals, and extensive dental work were completed to ready animals for adoption. Animals such as Brie, a tiny kitten who arrived from California with a massive eye infection that required immediate removal of both of her eyes, and Raggedy Dan, a young cat who had a badly mangled front leg removed. Both these cats are happy and playful and reside with loving families who saw past their differences. In the spring, PAWS’ cat team trained with the world-famous Jackson Galaxy Cat Pawsitive program to learn reward-based clicker training to help sensitive cats adjust to the shelter and show off their best selves to potential adopters. Thirty-three cats benefitted in 2018 and many more are expected to in the future.
Above: This American Black Bear received a thorough intake exam to look for wounds and signs of illness. From the Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife officer who transports, to the wildlife veterinarian who performs a full physical, to the rehabilitator who readies an enclosure, everyone works together to ensure time under anesthesia is kept to a minimum. Below left: Brie, who arrived at PAWS with a lifethreatening infection, had both eyes removed and was adopted by a family experienced with blind cats. Below right: Reena was rescued by law enforcement from a hot car and brought to PAWS when her guardian could not be found. She received specialized care at a local veterinary clinic that provides services to PAWS.
Stuck in a bumper for 275 miles, this Great Horned Owl was treated for a damaged eye and a fractured wing. Over two months, the owl regained wing strength and passed several tests to evaluate hunting ability. He was returned to Walla Walla where he was initially struck. Whenever possible, PAWS returns animals back to where they were found. 11
In safe arms at PAWS—Bell was rescued from an international dog meat farm.
From deplorable conditions in a dog meat factory to the loving arms of a volunteer, Bell required specialized behavioral and medical care when she arrived at PAWS. Soon after, she was adopted by a dog-savvy family who wanted to give her the life she deserves.
2018 Financials OPERATING REVENUE Donations & Grants 32.4%
Animal Related Services & Adoption Fees 11.3%
Special Events 12%
Statements of Financial Position
Statement of Activities
ASSETS
OPERATING REVENUE
Current assets Cash and cash equivalents $3,310,243 Accounts receivable 16,661 Contributions receivable–operating 1,413,867 Inventory 26,464 Prepaid expenses 141,742 Contributions receivable– capital campaign 783,300
Public support Contributions $1,916,762 Bequests 2,503,982 Special events, net 803,078 Grants 260,465 Distributions from perpetual trusts 364,284
Total current assets
Bequests 37.3%
Other Misc. 7%
OPERATING EXPENSES
Other assets Investments 1,672,753 Interest in real estate 295,000 Contributions receivable, net of current 58,293 Property and equipment, net 565,249 Beneficial interests held in trust 6,333,351 Other 2,680 Cash and cash equivalents– restricted for capital campaign 1,236,703 Investments–capital campaign 5,624,823 Contributions receivable, net of current–capital campaign 445,159 Property and equipment, net– capital campaign 6,400,255 Total other assets
Companion Animal Services 41.2%
5,692,277
TOTAL ASSETS
22,634,266 $28,326,543
Current liabilities Accounts payable, accrued expenses Total current liabilities TOTAL LIABILITIES
Education & Outreach 9.7%
Fundraising & Events 17.9%
General & Administrative 4.4%
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
$6,718,907
OPERATING EXPENSES Program services Companion Animal Services Wildlife Center Education, Advocacy and Outreach Total program services Supporting services Fundraising and Events General and Administrative
$1,992,001 1,292,812 468,162 3,752,975 866,994 211,528 $4,831,497
$609,513 609,513 $609,513
Net assets Without donor restrictions Undesignated 4,156,308 Other board designated 8,586,960 Board designated endowment 1,623,718 14,366,986 With donor restrictions Purpose and time 7,016,694 Perpetual in nature 6,333,350 13,350,044 Total net assets
TOTAL OPERATING SUPPORT AND REVENUE
TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
Wildlife Center 26.8%
Revenue Adoptions 461,379 Animal receiving fees 72,502 Animal related services 131,275 Municipal contracts/pet license fees 92,786 Retail sales 62,304 Miscellaneous income 18,600 Investment return 31,490
27,717,030 $28,326,543
Note: PAWS is conducting a multi-year capital campaign to build new facilities to meet growing community need, provide optimal animal care, and establish a destination learning site for people of all ages. Property was purchased in 2014, with 13 construction to begin in 2020.
Above: These real-life teddy bears were found orphaned on the Muckleshoot Reservation in March of 2018 and brought to PAWS. The animal care team immediately examined the twin American Black Bear cubs for injuries and performed a full health assessment. The siblings were offered a warm place to rest and formula to start off their care. To keep the cubs from associating people with food givers, staff members dressed in a bear suit for the bottle feedings. Once weaned, their care included as little human contact as possible. Later, they were introduced to two non-related bears of a similar age and all four shared an enclosure where they could play and learn from each other until their successful release back to the wild. Cover: Deadpool, a handsome seven-year-old mixed breed dog from Merced, California, shows off the superhero eyes that won over his adoptive family. Deadpool came via our Placement Partner Program, a network of 100 shelters and rescue agencies that transferred 3,905 vulnerable animals to PAWS in 2018. All of the animals pictured in this annual report, and thousands of others, were saved because of the support of people like you. Thank you.
PO Box 1037 15305 44th Ave W Lynnwood, WA 98046
425.787.2500 paws.org