I want to explore : History
Over A Century Of Caring
Founded in 1897, the Seattle Humane Society was the first humane organization formed to serve King County. In the early 20th Century, membership dues were only $2.00 annually and committees were devoted to issues such as stock yards, slaughterhouses, and ranches. Emphasis was placed on working animals, especially horses.
Between 1930 - 1972, the Seattle Humane Society carried out animal control duties including picking up lost and/or stray animals. In 1972, the Seattle Humane Society moved to Bellevue and the City of Seattle and King County both established their own animal control divisions.
Numerous community services were added in the early 1980s including the Pet Food Bank and the Visiting Pet Friends program. In 1986, the Seattle Humane Society was honored by the American Humane Association with a 5-Star rating.
Beginning in 1993, the Seattle Humane Society started performing spay/neuter surgeries on all shelter animals over the age of eight weeks. An endowment fund was created in 1995 to ensure that the Seattle Humane Society's life-saving work continues well into the future.
Today we remain true to our original mission to speak out for those who cannot speak for themselves and to bring people and animals together. As a private nonprofit organization, the Seattle Humane Society works closely with municipal animal control departments and other nonprofit organizations to help companion animals in King County. The Seattle Humane Society is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, consisting of local community and business leaders. They set the direction and policies for the organization and strive to make it as effective as possible.