“I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; I will not refuse to do something I can do.”
                                              – Helen Keller

Animal welfare is the physical and psychological well being of animals. Here at the Kitsap Humane Society, we do our best each and every day to provide positive life-changing solutions to people and companion animals. There are simple things anyone can do to make a difference and become part of the solution.

• Spay and neuter- Help fight pet overpopulation. Every year, millions of cats and dogs of all ages and breeds are euthanized or suffer as strays. These high numbers are the result of unplanned litters that could have been prevented by spaying or neutering.

• Trap, neuter, release – This is an effective means of curbing feral cat overpopulation. Feral cats and strays live on our farms, our parks, our military bases and our neighborhoods. They make homes wherever they can find food. Un-spayed, feral female cats spend most of their lives pregnant and hungry, as will the female kittens that survive. Removing feral cats does not reduce the population. It only provides the space for others to move in and start the breeding process again.

• Microchip – Never underestimate the power of a microchip. As long as owners update information if they move or get a new phone number, pets have a higher chance of returning home. According to a study done by the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the return-to-owner rate for cats was 20 times higher and for dogs 2 ½ times higher for micro-chipped pets than the rates of return for all stray cats and dogs that had entered the shelters.

• Adoption – It’s simple – adopt, don’t shop. With the millions of homeless animals in America, save two lives with every adoption – the life you save of an adopted animal, and the life of an animal taking its place in the shelter.

• Volunteer – Volunteers assist staff in almost every area of the shelter. They clean, feed and help socialize animals. They answer phones, greet customers, do data entry and are a very important part of shelter life.

• Teach your children – Help them become part of the solution now while they are young. It is likely to be understood and absorbed. When you teach a child to be kind to animals, you help pave the way to a brighter future for all living beings.

So now is the time to do something. One person really can make a difference.
                                                    -Heather Kite, KHS Animal Welfare Coordinator