Olympic Peninsula Humane Society

02/14/2025

Breaking News: Pet Microchip Company Closes Unexpectedly 🚨
Texas-based pet microchip provider Save This Life has shut down abruptly, raising concerns among pet owners and veterinary professionals. As a result, AAHA has removed the company from the Microchip Registry Lookup tool, meaning pets registered with Save This Life may no longer have owner information attached to their chip number.
🐾 What should pet owners do?
✔️ Have your pet’s microchip scanned at your veterinary clinic.
✔️ Use AAHA’s Microchip Lookup Tool to check the registration status.
✔️ If your pet’s chip was registered with Save This Life, re-register with a new provider ASAP.

Here at OPHS, we do not use Save This Life microchips. If you have adopted an animal from us or had your animal microchipped with us, we use Homeagain and 24Hour Petwatch microchips. If you would like us scan your pet to verify it's microchip, please give us a call at (360)457-8206 to schedule a time to bring them in.

📖 Read more about the situation and next steps:

The closure of a pet microchip company sparks confusion, but AAHA's microchip registry lookup tool can help.

02/06/2025

First, I hope everyone...including our furry everyones...are safe and warm today!

Last Thursday night, the Olympic Peninsula Humane Society Board took up the challenge of establishing a thoughtful, clear policy governing the public release of internal documents. At the outset of our discussions, all Board members reiterated their strong support for ongoing public transparency about OPHS’ goals, our plans to achieve them, and our progress (or lack thereof) in these efforts. With this renewed commitment, we set to the task of establishing a policy regarding the disposition of documents that may contain confidential information.

We let the discussion follow its own natural course, with a few individual members reconsidering—and even changing—their position at times. The discussion was lengthy, thoughtful, sometimes passionate, always respectful. In the end, the Board voted unanimously to enact a policy to withhold confidential documents (e.g., Board meeting minutes, monthly financial reports, contracts with private vendors, personnel actions) unless under legal obligation to release them.

The considerations that underlie this decision include:
• Washington State law (RCW 24.03.135) does not require the board minutes of nonprofit corporations to be open to the public.
• Federal law governing 501(c)(3) organizations does not require board minutes of nonprofit organizations to be open to the public.
• The existing precedent among the majority of private, nonprofit organizations to keep confidential information private.
Furthermore, this unanimous vote of the Board was strongly influenced by the sentiment that any document that may contain confidential information regarding individuals or businesses should respect the privacy of those entities. Finally, Board members felt that, in order to ensure that all decisions by the OPHS Board are the product of frank and open discussions, members must feel free to express their honest perspective.

In making this decision, we fully realize that this policy will be controversial to some. We did, however, commit to issuing quarterly and annual summaries of our finances, periodic communications to the community through local news media and social media, and occasional public forums. In addition, we will continue to release our annual tax return, which is required of 501(c)(3) organizations under the Internal Revenue Service code.

In summary, we support your right to react negatively to this decision and to express your displeasure. However, moving forward, we ask that you judge us by the quality and consistency of the care we give to the animals in our charge and that you prioritize the needs of these dogs and cats when deciding whether to donate to our efforts.

Come visit us…maybe even take home a dog or cat…then decide.

Paul Stehr-Green
Board Director and acting Executive Director
Olympic Peninsula Humane Society

Meeting minutes, financial statements won’t be shared with public

02/06/2025

🚨 UPDATE 🚨
In just 3 DAYS, we've already had 47 pets sign up for our microchip clinic!!! 🐾💥

Notice our flier only says 100 chips?..… Well, at this rate, we were expecting to run out FAST! BUT here’s the good news: Greywolf Veterinary Hospital has been so impressed with the amazing turnout that they've generously pledged to cover 100% of all microchips for the ENTIRE month! 🎉🎉

We’re beyond grateful for the support and can’t wait to keep this momentum going. Let’s keep those pets safe and secure! 🙌🐶🐱

If you've applied and haven’t received an appointment yet, please double-check the email you provided on your application for scheduling details.

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In light of the recent devastating fires in California and hurricanes down south that have affected communities nationwide, it’s more important than ever to ensure your pets are properly prepared. To help keep our community safe, we’re offering a free, month-long microchip clinic for all pet owners!

Everyone qualifies! Simply follow the link below to submit an application and we’ll schedule you for an appointment!

This event is made possible by a generous microchip donation from Greywolf Veterinary Hospital!

Please note: We are unable to accommodate walk-ins at this time, so make sure to apply online in advance.

We look forward to seeing you!

https://new.shelterluv.com/form/community/OPHS/60416-microchip-clinic-application

01/17/2025

Check out the full article at MSN News: https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/lifestyle-buzz/humane-society-officials-plan-to-reopen-bark-house/ar-AA1xmJyZ?ocid=BingNewsSerp #...

Facility, closed since last July, could be open by Valentine’s Day

01/12/2025

Happy 2025!

I don’t need to tell you that 2024 was a challenging year for the Olympic Peninsula Humane Society (OPHS), but we’ve been working hard to get our organization back on track.

Since September 2024, when we began charting a new direction for OPHS, the following have been accomplished:
• We found homes for just under 80 cats and kittens.
• Core staff participated in an intensive training program to better care for the dogs in Bark House (thanks to Meagan Karnes at Rise Rescue Alliance).
• Animal care specialists and managers completed a course in CPR and emergency first aid for cats and dogs.
• Facing (and overcoming) a seemingly endless stream of unforeseen problems, staff (and at least one Board member) have pitched in to help sanitize, repair, and upgrade the Bark House.
• We began rebuilding the Board of Directors to include members with diverse backgrounds and skillsets, all committed to building a better OPHS.
• We implemented new infectious disease control and operational protocols to ensure the health and safety of our four-legged charges.
• We improved our operations and infrastructure and, in doing so, cut costs so that we have more funds to devote to the care of our animal charges.
• For the first time in a while, we received more in donations than we spent for ongoing operations and renovations in November and December.

So, we find ourselves finally moving in the right direction. But more work is needed so that we can improve the lives of stray and surrendered cats and dogs in Clallam County. In 2025, we’re looking forward to:
• Reopening Bark House (due to the aforementioned “unforeseen problems”, the deadline has slipped a bit, but we’re still aiming to be reopen within the next few weeks);
• Welcoming a veterinarian into the OPHS family;
• Building the Board to full strength;
• Holding our annual fund-raising dinner and our Halloween-for-kids event; and
• Hosting, for the first time in the 78-year history of OPHS, a Benefit Concert featuring the nationally renowned band The Steel Wheels at Field Hall in Port Angeles (details to follow).

Thanks to everyone who has continued to believe in OPHS and our mission and who contributed to that cause in 2024. Thanks to those of you who raised questions about OPHS, helping us to take a hard look at and improve the organization. Finally, thanks to our dedicated staff and volunteers who have been working tirelessly to improve the Bark House and all of OPHS.

With your help, we are determined to make 2025 our best year ever!

Paul Stehr-Green
Board President and Acting Executive Director
Olympic Peninsula Humane Society

12/26/2024

Dear Community,

We are overwhelmed with gratitude for your generous donations this holiday season. Your kindness and support have made a significant impact on our organization, and we cannot thank you enough. The staff, along with all our beloved kitties and future pups, deeply appreciate every contribution that has come through. These donations not only help us provide the best care possible for our furry friends but also ensure a brighter future for them. Thank you for being a vital part of our mission and for sharing in the spirit of giving. Your generosity truly makes a difference!

-OPHS Staff-

12/18/2024

12/15/2024

BIG NEWS!
These last few weeks our team has been diligently working to get prepared for the much anticipated reopening of our Barkhouse campus! Today, we went through CPR and First Aide training to prepare us in case of an emergency!

A huge shout out and THANK YOU to Mary Kniskern and Jessie for taking the day to come train our staff in pet CPR and First aide! The staff and the animals appreciate you!

One step closer!!

12/10/2024

UPDATE: We found and took care of the water leak at Bark House (with the help of Gary's Plumbing)!

Send a message to learn more

12/06/2024

Happy Holidays!

November was a busy month at the Olympic Peninsula Humane Society (OPHS)!

At Kitty City, we found forever-homes for 22 felines AND cleared our backlog of cats waiting for spay/neuter procedures. Many thanks to the great folks at Greywolf Animal Hospital who performed most of these procedures at a reduced fee so that these animals can now be adopted. So, come see us…we now have lots of new cats just waiting to go home with you!

At Bark House, we are continuing to make progress on safety repairs and upgrades to the kennels and facility. We also initiated a series of intensive staff training that will include proper kennel maintenance and safe dog-handling and exercising. We’re still projecting a January 2025 re-opening, but a new challenge has presented itself: In November, vigilant staff at PUD alerted us to a leak in our water system…to the tune of ~168,000 gallons lost in October! Even with the help of five different plumbers, we have not found the leak, but think it is likely to be in the distribution system (i.e., not in any of the buildings). To add to the difficulty, the distribution pipes were not placed as specified in the architect’s plans, nor were the specified shut-off valves installed. We will continue to work on this problem, but if you have any clever suggestions on how to find and fix the leak (or if you have an extra backhoe or dowsing rod), please let us know.

We’ve mentioned this issue previously, but we are in DESPARATE need of hiring a part-time veterinarian. If you know of a veterinarian who has recently retired, is reducing their hours, or simply wants to spend more time just taking care of cats and dogs, please ask them to call our Veterinary Services Manager, Britt, at (360) 457-8602 ext. 314. (And, if you’ve decided to go to veterinary school to help us out, please hurry up!)

We have a new Board member to introduce: Please welcome Karen Willcutt! Karen has had a life-long love affair with dogs and cats, having served as a vet tech, dog-trainer, and owner of a pet shop. She currently has four fur-babies at home (one of whom, Alli, was adopted from OPHS). If you’re interested, we’re still seeking Board members, especially those with specialized skills in accounting, law, and construction.

Thanks to everyone who contributed to OPHS on “ .” And please remember our cats and [soon-to-be] dogs during the upcoming Season of Joy and Giving. Your contributions enable us to keep our doors open and provide the care our furry fellow Clallam County residents need. “Give what you can. Give from your heart!”

Finally, I want to acknowledge the contributions of current OPHS staff who have been working hard to get us through these difficult times, this time of transition, and to ensure a great 2025. If you know any of them or see them on the street, say thanks. They deserve our respect and gratitude.

May we all find Peace and Good Health in 2025.

Humbly (and gratefully) yours.

Paul Stehr-Green
Board President and Acting Executive Director
Olympic Peninsula Humane Society

12/02/2024

PLEASE give generously to OPHS: https://www.op-hs.org/donate

The dogs and cats (and kittens and puppies) THANK YOU!

11/20/2024

Good Afternoon Everyone!
How’s everyone holding up after last night’s windstorm?

In preparation for the storm, our cat team jumped into gear to ensure our cats were warm and snuggly in the event we lost power. They brought our catio cats inside (despite multiple meowy protests), closed all windows to keep the heat in, as well as gave the cats extra blankets and beds to snuggle up in. This morning everyone is happy and warm in their homes with no signs they even noticed the power was out!!

A HUGE thank you to PUD and all the workers that worked hard in the wind and rain to restore power! Our felines are furrever grateful!

Also, did you know we have a cat food and dog food assistance program? Please note we have limited resources so this will be available while supplies last!

11/14/2024

Happy Thursday!

A big “thank you” to everyone who braved the elements last night to join our discussion about plans to reopen the OPHS dog facility, Bark House. We appreciated your input and interpreted your responses to be generally supportive of the plan. We will seriously consider your specific suggestions as we work toward the reopening, projected for shortly after January 1, 2025.

For those who couldn’t attend, we have posted a copy of the PowerPoint presentation, which you can view or download, at:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1POd2obId7I5yc3LRQWDj9AGqsANZYxhN/view?usp=sharing
If you wish to obtain a digital copy of the plan in .pdf format, please send your request to: [email protected] .

If you want to actually view the intended areas of renovation, we’ll be holding open house tours of Bark House on Thursday, November 21 and Friday, November 22, 2024 from 1pm to 3pm. Reservations are not necessary. Just show up.

Finally, we appreciate the interest expressed by some attendees in OPHS’ finances over the past year or so. Since that issue was not the focus of this meeting, we will schedule another meeting in the not-too-distant future to discuss these matters further.

Thanks again for your continued interest and support of our mission to provide healthy, safe, supportive care to stray and surrendered dogs and cats in our community.

Be well!

Paul Stehr-Green
Board President and Acting Executive Director
Olympic Peninsula Humane Society