a haven of care
Kitsap Humane Society continues century-long legacy
Words by Richard Rosenthal
An excited chorus of barking dogs is the first sound to greet you when you arrive at the Kitsap Humane Society (KHS). Compared to the energetic dogs, the cats, rabbits and other small animals on site don’t have quite as much to say, though they seem just as eager to welcome guests.
Tucked into the woods in the hills above Silverdale, KHS isn’t easy to find. Some county residents don’t even know it exists, and those who do probably aren’t aware that it was founded more than a century ago as a local branch of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The shelter went through several iterations and locations before finding its current home in 1988.
In recent years, expansion and modernization have accelerated, with the Pet Adoption Center opening in 2019. Construction is now underway for the Veterinary Lifesaving Center, which will provide state-of-the-art care as well as discounted vet services for low-income families.
KHS does exemplary work. In 2021, the organization’s life saving rate was 96.55%, well above the national average of 83% reported by Best Friends Animal Society. Victoria Gingrey, former KHS marketing director, explained that this phenomenal success is due to the dedication of true animal lovers. “We rely heavily on about 70 staff members and 600 volunteers and fosters,” she said.
Few animals are euthanized—only those with the most severe health problems or behavioral issues. Thankfully, KHS has never had to turn away an animal. “Whenever we’ve gotten close, we reach out to our community on social media,” Gingrey said. “We put out a call for fosters, supplies and adoptions. Our community has always rallied to prevent an issue.”
With the community-service aspect of the new Veterinary Lifesaving Center, people won’t have to choose between putting food on their table and obtaining medical care for their pets. KHS also has a pet-food pantry where people experiencing financial hardship can receive a free one-month supply of food for up to five pets. “We have set up our shelter to keep pets united with their families,” Gingrey noted.
Situated in a rural county, KHS experiences different challenges than shelters in big cities. The KHS website not only shows available adoptions for cats and dogs, but also for rabbits and roosters. Gingrey explained that their animal-control officers have rescued horses, chickens, ducks, fish, ferrets, pigs, snakes and even tortoises. “It can be a little like the Wild West out here,” she laughed.
Perhaps it’s the rural environment—with so many farms, ranches and homes with acreage—that brings people and animals closer together. “There are so many pet lovers in Kitsap County,” she noted. “More than I’ve experienced anywhere else.”
Photos: courtesy of Kitsap Human Society