Record-setting year for N.O.A.H.

Their goal is simple: Stop the euthanasia of healthy adoptable animals in Northwest Washington.

The impact is growing.

Last year, Northwest Organization for Animal Help (N.O.A.H.) in Stanwood set facility records for adoptions, spay and neuter surgeries and volunteer hours.

Nearly 1,600 dogs and cats — a 21 percent increase from the previous year — were adopted to residents from 87 cities in 15 counties in Washington state, as well as residents of California, Oregon and British Columbia, Canada.

Animals were transferred in from 10 different shelters in seven counties, the majority of them from local partner shelters: Everett Animal Shelter and King County Animal Control.

When a local puppy mill was discovered in early 2009, the nonprofit stepped in to rescue 74 dogs.

N.O.A.H.’s success has allowed them to reach beyond the Pacific Northwest to alleviate pressure placed on various animal welfare groups working with limited facilities, reductions in staff and shrinking budgets.

“We’re expanding our borders,” said Austin Gates, executive director.

Recently, teams have rescued more than 50 small dogs from a shelter near Bakersfield in Kern County, Calif. struggling with an influx of 500 animals a week, said Gates.

In less than a week, N.O.A.H. found new homes for 26 of the dogs and expects to see the rest leave soon.

Their fate could have been dramatically different.

Kim Bowen, board president and membership coordinator, said the organization’s no-kill concept is spreading.

Last month, with N.O.A.H.’s help, the state’s largest shelter, the Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County recorded no cats “euthanized for space” for the first time in their existence.

In April of last year, the shelter had to put down 80 healthy cats.

Knowing the cats are spared makes such a difference for the staff from both organizations, said Bowen.

“There is a big emotional toll for folks invested in animal welfare,” said Gates.

Gates and Bowen hope to share similar relief with shelters in Moses Lake, Wenatchee, Port Angeles and the Tri-Cities, all scheduled for visits from N.O.A.H. transport teams.

Shelters all over the state are forced to kill cats to continue operation, said Gates.

“We go out to help them,” added Bowen.

Not only does the center seek out shelters in need, they also offer low-cost spay and neuter surgeries. Since opening in 2003, more than 30,000 operations have been conducted on dogs and cats at the facility.

Approximately 6,900 alteration surgeries were performed in 2009, a 34 percent increase from the previous year.

Organizations across the nation are focusing on the overpopulation of cats, naming 2010 the “year of the cats,” said Gates.

N.O.A.H. offers a twofor one alteration special for cats and performs the surgery for free on feral felines brought in by the public. Traps and expert knowledge of safely handling feral cats are also available at no cost, said Bowen.

Adoption rates have been cut by half and, starting this month, the center established a foster program to care for kittens dropped off at partnering shelters.

Kittens require special attention that many shelters cannot provide, said Gates. As a result, the newborns are euthanized.

Once NOAH rescues the kittens, they are matched with volunteers who oversee feeding by the mother or bottle feed an orphaned animal.

“There are different levels of fostering depending on the volunteers level of commitment,” said Bowen. “It can be a very rewarding experience.”

Despite all the efforts to minimize the affect of overpopulation and unethical, or uncontrolled breeding, “the problem is not solved,” said Gates. “But, we’ve hit a new benchmark.”

Bowen credits the foresight of board members to secure land directly off Interstate 5 to attract the potential attention of 54,000 commuters on a daily basis.

The spacious facility, complete with indoor and outdoor living areas for the animals, a working clinic and store, is surrounded by storage areas for donated pet food, a laundry facility and an off-leash exercise area.

Fourteen full-time and 14 part-time employees work with about 370 volunteers to keep N.O.A.H. running seven days a week.

The volunteer hours, estimated at 49,000 in 2009, and donations from individuals, businesses and foundations, allow the center to focus on saving the lives of dogs and cats while providing the opportunity for bonding experiences between animal and human companions through training classes and educational resources.

“The response from the community has been fantastic,” said Gates, “we’re glad to show them results.”

N.O.A.H. Animal Adoption & Spay/NeuterCenter is located at 31300 Brandstrom Road. For more information or to learn about volunteer opportunities, call 629-7055 or visit www.thenoahcenter. org.