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Joint Animal Services reports year-to-date intake up nearly 29% and highlights staff awards and community events
Summary
Executive Director Sarah Hawk told the commission the shelter expects to exceed 4,000 intakes this year (3,957 reported so far), with dog intake having peaked earlier in the year and now leveling off. Staff also highlighted regional recognition for two employees and community events including a Santa Paws fundraiser.
The commission received its November shelter statistics and a director’s report Dec. 8. Executive Director Sarah Hawk said year-to-date intake stood at 3,957 animals — about a 29% increase over the previous year — and staff project the shelter will exceed 4,000 intakes by year-end.
Hawk said dog intake surged earlier in the year (approaching a roughly 40% increase) and has since leveled to about a 9% increase; cat intake has held around 25–35% over the year and is currently about 26%. Positive outcomes included more than 1,500 adoptions year-to-date and steady return-to-owner rates. Hawk reported field calls have increased overall, with Thurston County accounting for the largest share of calls and Lacey up about 13%.
In the director’s report, staff recognitions were notable: Beckett Krai and another staff leader were elected to officer roles in the Washington Animal Control Association (vice president and secretary, respectively). Staff also completed training including FEMA disaster-response coursework and a commercial-breeding investigations webinar. Community outreach events — including a Santa Paws photo fundraiser that raised about $2,000 and a visit to the Lacey Veterans Hub — were highlighted as examples of community engagement.
The commission thanked staff for their work and moved on to fee and budget items later in the meeting.
