Fall News from Friends of JAS

Fall is shaping up to be a busy season for Friends of JAS! In this issue, we’re excited to share an important new addition to the Joint Animal Services veterinary clinic, plans for a free community vaccination clinic, highlights from a busy summer, and news about our upcoming Annual Meeting.

We’ll also introduce you to one of the people who helped make Friends of JAS what it is today—and share the happy story of one very special kitty.

Saving Lives at JAS

New Surgical Monitor Improves Care

Thanks to donations from our supporters, Friends of JAS recently purchased a new surgical vital signs monitor for the Joint Animal Services veterinary clinic.

The sophisticated new equipment helps the veterinary team closely monitor animals during surgery and identify subtle changes more quickly. It is especially valuable during longer, more complicated procedures such as amputations and eye removals.

For animals needing advanced surgical care, better monitoring means an added measure of safety—and the opportunity for JAS to save more lives.

Read how the new monitor is helping animals at JAS →

Free Vaccination Clinic Coming to JAS

Keeping pets healthy can be expensive, and routine preventive care isn't always easy to fit into a family budget. This fall, Joint Animal Services plans to offer a free community vaccination clinic to help local pet owners keep their animals healthy.

Vaccinations will be offered, and dewormer, flea treatment and microchips may also be available. Details are still being finalized, so watch our website for updates as soon as dates, eligibility requirements and appointment information become available.

Friends of JAS also plans to give supporters an opportunity to help fund vaccinations. A donation of $15 or $25 can sponsor a vaccine and help make preventive care available to more pets in our community.

Get the latest clinic information →
Sponsor a vaccine →

Join Us for the Friends of JAS Annual Meeting

Our second annual Friends of JAS membership meeting and board elections will be held Tuesday, October 20, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Lacey City Hall.

Our special guest will be Sarah Hock, Executive Director of Joint Animal Services, who will open the evening with an update on JAS and what lies ahead.

We'll also look back at what Friends of JAS has accomplished during the past year, recognize our donors and volunteers, hold board elections, and share some of what we're planning next. Light refreshments will be served.

Several board positions are up for election, and there are plenty of other ways to become more involved with Friends of JAS through our committees, events and shelter projects.

We hope you'll join us!

Meeting Details →

A Busy Summer For Friends of JAS

Everyone Loves a Parade!

Friends of JAS returned to Olympia's Lakefair Parade on July 18 with a float filled with nearly 100 stuffed animals and messages about adoption, volunteering, donating, spaying and neutering, and supporting our community shelter.

The response from parade spectators was wonderful. As the float traveled the route, people cheered and called out, “I have a shelter animal!” and “This dog came from there!”

Our float even came home with two awards: Best Decorated Truck and the Community Award.

But the best reward was helping more people learn about Joint Animal Services and the important work it does in our community.

Volunteers Beautify the Shelter

The parade wasn't the only place Friends of JAS volunteers were busy this summer.

In August and September, volunteers gathered for several shelter work parties, mowing, weeding, weed-whacking, power washing, spreading bark, and painting the dog adoption room and several outbuildings.

A special thank-you goes to The Bark Store in Olympia for generously donating bark for the project.

The grounds are ready for fall, but we'll be back at it when spring arrives—and there will be plenty of opportunities to help.

See more from our summer projects →

Candy Is a Powerhouse

Friends of JAS wouldn't exist without volunteers willing to see a need and decide to do something about it. Few people embody that spirit better than our president, Candy.

In just a few years, Candy went from volunteering at Joint Animal Services to helping organize the group that became Friends of JAS, recruiting others to join the effort, and leading the organization as it grew into a registered nonprofit.

And she hasn't slowed down since.

There is much more to Candy's story—including the indispensable role played by her husband and frequent project partner, Rob.

Read Candy's story →

Did you know that Friends of JAS was started by Joint Animal Services volunteers?

Friends of JAS became a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit in June 2024 to provide additional resources and support for the animals and staff at Joint Animal Services.

Today, more than 300 people are Friends of JAS members, and you don't have to volunteer or foster at the shelter to join.

With support from individual donors, local businesses and charitable grants, Friends of JAS has helped fund improvements to the veterinary clinic, dog play yards, dog adoption room and shelter grounds.

And we're just getting started.

Learn more about Friends of JAS →

One Hot Kitty

The team at Joint Animal Services rescued a young cat who had been left in a very hot trailer during the height of summer. I was lucky enough to become his foster mom, and I named him Bubby.

Despite all he had been through, Bubby was friendly, mellow and affectionate. Everyone who met him could see what a wonderful cat he was. I was honored to help him take the next steps toward a new home, where he can stay safe, cool and loved.

Thank you to the team at JAS for rescuing Bubby and giving him the chance for a happy new beginning!

Thank you for being a Friend of JAS. Whether you donate, volunteer, attend an event, share our stories, or simply help spread the word about Joint Animal Services, you're helping us make a difference for animals in our community.