Washington residents found homes for 417 homeless cats and dogs during Pawsitive Alliance’s Fourth Annual Statewide Shelter Open House last Saturday.

Thirty-two shelters across the State participated from Bellingham to Walla Walla, Spokane to Tacoma and Auburn to Yakima. An estimated 4,000 people visited the shelters during this one day event.

The goal of this event is to help the shelters grow their adopter, donor, and volunteer bases while raising awareness of the good work they do on a daily basis for animals in need.

In Washington State it is clear that pet adoption is quickly becoming the preferred way to find a new dog, puppy, cat or kitten.

“We are thrilled with how much this event has grown each year.  Seven shelters participated during the first Open House in 2011.  This year we had thirty-two shelters participate, including nine new shelter partners.  But most important, 417 animals found their new people and homes, and 1,084 shelter animals were provided additional exposure and opportunity to be adopted” said Yolanda Morris, Board President and Co-Founder.