Silverdale, WA – Kitsap Humane Society adopted out over a thousand more animals in 2014 compared to the previous year. The dramatic jump to a total 4,515 adoptions, compared to 3,497 in 2013, is the highlight of an all-around record-breaking year for the organization.

Animal Welfare Director Natalie Smith said, “By expanding our off-site adoption events in the community and increasing promotions to bring more visitors to the shelter, KHS was able to adopt out more animals than ever before. Our staff and volunteers also travelled to overcrowded shelters across the region to rescue at-risk animals and transfer them into our adoption program, truly giving them a second chance at life. ”

All told, more than 5,000 animals were rehomed in 2014. At less than 5 percent, Kitsap Humane Society’s euthanasia rate is one of the lowest among large shelters in the country. “Kitsap Humane Society continues to demonstrate its commitment to saving as many animal lives as possible, and record support in 2014 from volunteers, foster homes, adopters, and contributors enabled us to save far more lives,” said Executive Director Eric Stevens.

Other significant accomplishments in 2014 were:

Kitsap Humane Society surpassed its previous spay/neuter records by performing 4,684 surgeries in 2014.

Because of the spay/neuter program’s success in lowering the local stray rate among dogs, Kitsap Humane Society was able to more than double its transfer program, taking in 1,221 animals from other shelters who might otherwise have been put down.

Kitsap Humane Society’s foster care program placed over 800 animals in temporary homes, about 200 more than the year prior, providing critical care for animals and support for the shelter.