Donations for Humane Society up 31 percent


February 28, 2013 · 2:28 PM

SILVERDALE — Donors showed their continuing support for Kitsap Humane Society (KHS), a non-profit organization, in 2012 by contributing $760,448 — up 31percent over 2011.

The contributions helped KHS start 2013 with a balanced budget, after two years of significant KHS needs to raise about $850,000 in 2013 in order to sustain recent program expansions and innovations in life-saving care for the animals, while also moving KHS toward more long-term

After a year of change, KHS is experiencing a turnaround.

A new management staff is in place, working side by side with a new board of directors. This group has addressed criticisms and recommendations from the community and external auditors and has made significant progress in the governance and KHS rescued, rehabilitated and re-homed more than 4,500 animals in its care in 2012.

KHS maintained a 94 percent lives saved rate, one of the highest in the country among open admission shelters, and its vet services performed over 3,700 spay/neuter surgeries in 2012 (a 27 percent increase over last year).

“We had three main goals in 2012: maintain excellent care for the animals, restore the public’s trust and confidence in KHS and rebuild our eroded finances,” said Eric Stevens, interim executive director. “We made great headway on all three goals, and the significant increase in contributions reflects the community’s confidence in KHS. We thank our donors, volunteers, foster families, and staff for their continuing support. Going forward, we are optimistic, but recognize that we will ensure thewelfare of the animals long-term only with continued strong community support.”

For more information, visit kitsap-humane.org.

 

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