What is your Internal Revenue Service exempt status?
The Spokane Humane Society, federal tax ID 91-0565011, is recognized as exempt from federal income tax under section 501c3 of the internal revenue code of 1986.
Spokane Humane Society Paw Park
Over a year ago, an anonymous donor’s estate gift made it possible for Spokane Humane Society to donate $250,000 toward the creation of a dog park in the heart of Riverfront Park. We are excited to say that the City Parks Board is prioritizing Spokane Humane Society Paw Park as the final project in the redevelopment of Riverfront Park to be completed in 2024, the 50th anniversary of Expo 74.
This gift was through the estate of a generous lifelong animal lover. We are proud to honor the donor’s vision of animal care by providing a pet-friendly “Riverfront Park” space for all to enjoy in the core of our wonderful city. Proper exercise and socialization improve overall health not only for our four-legged friends but also for their humans who love and care for them.
This opportunity promotes the human–animal bond while furthering our vision to enrich the lives of companion animals through Support, Education, Advocacy, and Love (SEAL). We are honored to be a part of this exciting project for our animal–loving community.
– Spokane Humane Society Governing Board of Directors | October 30, 2023
How many employees does your organization have? How many volunteers?
The Spokane Humane Society has 34 employees dedicated to providing care to more than 3,100 needy animals 365 days a year. We have an active core of 500 volunteers who routinely assist with animal care and enrichment. Additionally, we have 689 volunteers who assist with foster care, community outreach, special events and other special projects. Our volunteers log nearly 30,000 hours caring for pets annually.
What is the relationship of the Spokane Humane Society to local animal welfare organizations, government entities, and national groups such as Humane Society of the United States or ASPCA?
The Spokane Humane Society receives no funding from local, state, or federal taxes, or other national groups, nor are we governed by or affiliated with Humane Society of the United States or ASPCA or any other national animal welfare group. We are a local nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to taking care of the animals here in our community. The only way to help local homeless, unwanted, abandoned, and abused pets is by making a donation directly to the Spokane Humane Society or other local animal welfare and rescue organizations.
What is an animal welfare organization?
Animal welfare refers to the relationships people have with animals and the duty they have to assure that the animals under their care are treated humanely and responsibly; the “human–animal bond.” There’s broad agreement among animal professionals and the general public that people should treat their animals humanely, and we at the Spokane Humane Society subscribe to animal welfare best practices. We make sure our animals are free from hunger and thirst, discomfort and distress, and we do everything we can to allow them to exhibit normal behavior and maintain their health.
Is the Spokane Humane Society a government agency?
Nope. The Spokane Humane Society is a public, non-profit organization supported by tax deductible donations. In addition to our advocacy and many services we provide on behalf of animals, we also accomplish our mission through the operation of a low-income spay and neuter clinic.
Is the Spokane Humane Society a “no-kill” organization?
More than a policy and statistical objective, “no-kill” is a principle, an ethic, and once applied the practical consequences begin to fall into place. The principle is that Spokane Humane Society will apply the same criteria for deciding an animal’s fate that a loving pet guardian or conscientious veterinarian would apply. That is, healthy and treatable animals are not killed simply because of a lack of room or resources to care for them.
Spokane Humane Society is committed to helping homeless animals without resorting to euthanasia as a solution to pet overpopulation.
Our “no-kill” ethic is a matter of taking responsibility, instead of excusing the problem or hiding its consequences.
The Spokane Humane Society commitment is that no animal who comes through our doors will be killed out of convenience or a lack of space.
