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Message Annual Report 20241
2Dear Friends,It is my honor to introduce this year’s Annual Report as the new Executive Director of Wenatchee Valley Humane Society. ThoughI have only recently joined this organization, I am deeply inspired by its long history—dating back to 1967—and the profoundimpact it has had on the animals and people who live in this beautiful place.The past few years have not been without challenges. Leadership changes and shifting circumstances have tested us. But becauseof you—our donors, adopters, volunteers, and advocates—we are making meaningful strides in strengthening our programs,reconnecting with our community, and ensuring that every animal receives the care and second chance they deserve. I am excitedto see what we can create together!In 2024, we focused on building a solid foundation for growth, both in the reach of our lifesaving programs and in our ability toprovide essential services, from adoptions to medical care. We have seen incredible moments of hope—animals finding theirforever homes, critical medical cases receiving lifesaving treatment, and our Humane Law Enforcement team working to protectthe most vulnerable. These successes are only possible because of you.As we look ahead, we are committed to building a sustainable future, ensuring that our resources align with our mission, andexpanding our impact in meaningful ways. While we recognize the challenges that come with change, we see them asopportunities to grow stronger, more connected, and more effective in serving the animals and people who rely on us.Thank you for your continued belief in our mission. I look forward to getting to know you and am grateful to walk this pathalongside you.With appreciation,BJ AndersenExecutive Director
Community ServicesThe Free Pet Pantry operates the lastSaturday of every month. Stocked bydonations from the public and localbusinesses, the Free Pet Pantryprovided care for an average of 111dogs and 112 cats each month.Last summer, WVHS’s Animal Care & Control officersteamed up with Wenatchee Rescue Mission and theWenatchee Police Department to provide supplies andinformation to unhoused individuals. Our field officersdistributed water, pet beds and advice on how to bestcare for pets in the summer heat.# Dogs Fed # Cats FedJanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSeptOctNovDec0501001502002503003
pets came into the shelter in 20243,917LIVES IMPACTEDDogs over 6 months1494Cats over 6 months1105Kittens under 6 months947Puppies under 6 months310Critters & barn animals61adoptions, an increase of 7.8% over 20231,946pets returned to owners or returned to home7538%medical and severe behavioral euthanasia, includingowner requested.92%live release rate4
Average length of stay foradoptable cats11 daysNumber of adoptable catswith length of stay > 15days792**includes bottle-fed kittens in foster careRoseLength of StayHow long a pet is in a shelter environment can have an impacton their mental, physical and emotional health. We are workingto reduce length of stay by decreasing time to adoption throughbetter community engagement and marketing of adoptable pets,and increasing foster placements which reduces stress andincreases their chances of finding a new home.Average length of stayfor adoptable dogs14 daysNumber of adoptabledogs with length of stay> 15 days356Number of adoptabledogs with length of stay> 60 days715Blizzard197 days147 days
More than a numberCharmin arrived as a stray with adamaged eye. WVHSveterinarian staff removed theeye.After surgery, Charminwent to a foster home torecover.Once recovered, Charmin wasadopted and now lives in the lapof luxury with a family to love her.6
“Beya has been a wonderful addition to ourfamily! When we first met her, the staff atWVHS and her foster mom shared everythingthey had learned about her, and we knew shewould be a great fit for us. She was so sweet,we were excited to bring her home and giveher a fresh start. Like many dogs, she neededa little time to fully come out of her shell, butwith love and patience, she has blossomedinto a confident, happy dog. We’ve discovered she’s not a picky eater at all— veggies, meats, any kind of dog treats,she’s happy to accept. She loves stuffedanimals, not just to carry them around, butalso to pull the squeakers and stuffing out ofthem. She loves giving kisses, going for walks,and burrowing under blankets, alwayswanting to cuddle and be close. She’s like ashadow, following us around the house andkeeping us company, she’s a great helper.Recently, she underwent TPLO surgery for apartially torn ACL and is recovering great. Bylate spring, she’ll be fully healed, and we can’twait for a fun-filled summer with her, andbeyond!” - Olivia Beya7
Foster ProgramPets recovering from illness or injury andnewborn unweaned kittens who needround-the-clock care require fostering. Weare blessed to have a group of dedicatedfoster parents who care for thesevulnerable pets. When pets arrive at the shelter injured or sick, we placethem with a foster to heal after treatment. Randall came inas a stray. He was in a lot of pain and needed surgery torepair an enormous hernia. Now recovered he is ready tofind his forever home. Meanwhile, he helps his foster momAja with the dishes.pets flourished in fosterhomes in 2024746Dogs Cats & Kittens Other SpeciesJanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSeptOctNovDec0501001502008
For pets that have been at the shelter for a long time, a break in a foster home reduces stress so much that cortisollevels remain lowered for some time after the pet has returned to the shelter. For some pets, the very best situationfor them is a full-time foster until they find a forever home.Warren is scared of loud noises, so theshelter environment was hard on him.He is a sweet boy who loves nothingmore than long walks, destroyingstuffies, and cuddling with you on thebed. We knew this about him becausevolunteers took Warren out onadventures around town and forweekend breaks. When Betty tookWarren home for the weekend, hisplayful and loving nature shonethrough.“He is such a sweet dog,” Betty said.“He just wanted to cuddle and bury hisbone in the couch!” 9
Theresa and Bob got involved in fostering whenthey lost their dear rescue dog Dixie to cancer.Her death had left their other dog, Hoss, out ofsorts, and so were they. A meet and greet with Violet, a10-month oldStaffie mix, went well so Violet went home withher new foster family. “We knew the barking of 50 dogs probablystressed her out,” Theresa said. “So we put herlarge kennel in the living room where it is quietand so she could always be near us.”Violet slept through the first couple of days. Whenshe was done relaxing, she became curious andactive. As Violet was calming down with exerciseand sleep, she was weened off anti-anxietymedications. “Violet soon became a 50 lb. lap dog. It was soadorable. My husband and Violet would fallasleep at the end of a long day,” said Theresa. When friends Steve and Sherry fell in love withViolet, it was the perfect match. They adoptedViolet, who is now living her best life and gets tovisit with Theresa, Bob and Hoss. “Thank you so muchfor the opportunity tofoster Violet. Violetcame to our homewhen we were sadand worried forHoss needing afriend. Violet was ahelp to us all. She isa wonderful girl andSteve and Sherryadore her too.” -Theresa. Violet relaxing in herfoster homeViolet relaxing in herforever home10
VolunteerProgramVolunteers are essential members of theWenatchee Valley Humane Society team. Theywalk dogs, socialize cats, do laundry, table atevents, and help on surgery days at the clinic.Brady grew up a dog person but decided to volunteerin the cat room to become more familiar with thesemysterious creatures. He comes to the shelter twice aweek and spends time with our cats and kittens to helpthem become more socialized.Kira was brought in after being hit by a car. Initiallyshy, she soon warmed up to Brady’s quiet and gentlepresence. “Kira was hiding when I first came in, but she’s goodnow,” Brady said. “ I’ve learned more about cats sinceI’ve been here and I’ve grown more fond of them than Iused to be.”108volunteershours6,458$216,278valued atworth of labor11
total intake2,925cases23,727462cruelty and neglect casesField ServicesStraysRelinquished by OwnerOwner Requested EuthanasiaTransferred InImpound/SeizureOther Intakes05001000150020002500Dogs Cats Other Multiple Species050100150200250300350Horse, goats, cattleCases involving more than one species 12
Not all of the work ACC does has a happy ending. When a concerned citizen called in a stray dog hit by a car, ACC OfficerGraham went out to find the pet. She kept looking until she found the deceased pet hidden in bushes on the roadside. Afterscanning for a microchip, Officer Graham informed the owners. As sad as the news was, the owners were grateful to know whathad happened to a beloved family member. “Being able to give families closure and hopefully help start the healing process of a lost one means a lot to me,” Officer Grahamsaid. “We often feel the weight wishing that we could have done something to save a loved pet from a tragic ending. Our heartsgo out to the families who have lost a loved one to the dangerous roads. We will always do our very best to keep everyone safeand return them home.”During a road trip, Don and his travelingcompanion Max stopped at a scenic lookoutalong the river. Max decided to go for anadventure and got stuck at the bottom of asteep hill. Don went after Max, but when hecouldn’t rescue Max on his own, he calledWVHS’s Animal Care & Control for help.Officer Craig was dispatched to the sceneand was able to pull Don and Max back upthe steep slope to safety. Both were glad tobe back on level ground!13
Veterinary Carespay/neuter procedures2,334special surgeries, including amputations and enucleations73301low-cost public microchips &vaccinations356494low-cost spay/neutersurgeries for the publicincludingCommunity Cat surgeriesDr. Bozarth and Nemo. 14
Nemo came to the shelter with abroken leg. Because he was youngand growing so rapidly, themedical team could not put his legin a cast. Wanting to avoidamputation if possible, Nemo’s legwas put into a splint. He went to afoster to recuperate, and withregular check-ins and lots of love,Nemo’s leg healed.“He was adopted and is veryhappy and receiving royaltreatment in his new home,” saidDr. Bozarth. “It took everyoneworking together to get himthrough this with his leg intact.” 15
Sheltering & Adoptions32.5%Humane Law Enforcement25.2%Veterinary Services22.3%Administration14.5%Fundraising5.6%Financials Expenses 2024*AdministrationVeterinary ServicesSheltering & AdoptionsHumane Law EnforcementFundraising $ 1,100,085 $ 854,092 $ 188,483 $ 490,681 $ 754,240 $ 3,387,58116*Data presented is unaudited at of time of publication.
Revenue 2024*Investment RevenueDonations & FundraisingHumane Law EnforcementProgram Revenue $ 945,967 $ 897,684 $ 350,836 $ 161,844 $ 2,356,331Net Assets as of 12/31/2023 $10,022,864Change in Net Assets 2024Net Assets as of 12/31/2024($1,043,735)$8,979,129Donations & Fundraising40.1%Humane Law Enforcement38.1%Program Revenue14.9%Investment Revenue6.9%17
Physical address:1474 S. Wenatchee Ave.Wenatchee, WA 98801Mailing address:PO Box 55,Wenatchee, WA 98807(509) 662-9577development@wenatcheehumane.orgWant to help?Have a question?Contact18