Updated Aug. 7 with new information from OPHS and Clallam County Sheriff’s Office.
The Olympic Peninsula Humane Society is undergoing a significant transition as its leaders are now reconsidering a decision to sell the agency’s Bark House dog shelter at 1743 Old Olympic Highway.
In recent weeks, the dog shelter has seen an uptick in adoptions, and its executive director Jason Stipp resigned from his position July 24.
Marti Oldham, OPHS board president, said there are 10 dogs remaining at the Bark House.
“Each of these dogs has specific needs, and it’s crucial that we match them with the right individuals to ensure their successful placement,” she said in an email.
“These needs range from medical requirements to preferences, such as no children or no other pets.”
The organization will host adoption events from noon-3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 10, and Saturday, Aug. 17, at the Bark House to showcase the dogs.
OPHS’s adoption process includes essential care such as spay or neuter surgery, vaccinations and micro chipping, Oldham noted. In addition, the organization offers reduced adoption fees and enhanced starter packs to help those dogs transition smoothly into their new homes.
According to OPHS’ website, organization leaders look to place all remaining animals by Aug. 30, although that timeline might be extended, Oldham said.
On July 30, she sent an email to supporters that their “goal is to ensure that the majority of the funding goes to help animals in need, and we will be able to do that by consolidating our operations to one location to reduce redundant expenses.”
“After careful consideration, we have decided to retain ownership of the Bark House property and resume operations at a later date,” Oldham said.
“We will have more details in the months ahead of our plans to restructure and evolve our services in Port Angeles.”
OPHS leaders originally announced the decision to close the Bark House on July 10. It opened in May 2016, and Oldham said its closure was due to “unsustainably high operating costs caused by a major uptick in animals needing shelter and care.”
Next steps
Following Stipp’s resignation, OPHS’ board of directors will continue to oversee both the future of Bark House and Kitty City operations.
“The Olympic Peninsula Humane Society team remains steadfast in our work to ensure the highest level of compassion for the animals entrusted to our care,” Oldham said.
In her email she said directors “remain committed to the welfare of the cats at Kitty City (91 S. Boyce Road in Sequim).”
“Generating donations to ensure their ongoing care is a top priority, and we encourage the community to continue their generous support,” she said.
The cat shelter opened in June 2022.
Previously, Oldham said board members planned to move all operations to Kitty City once all dogs were adopted, and then renovations could be made to accommodate dogs, too.
Oldham said OPHS is forming an advisory board to help with strategic decisions for the agency’s long-term future, featuring two donors, a financial advisor, a veterinarian, and a professional dog trainer.
Board members also plan to hire an operations manager and an outreach and development lead, she said.
The board will also actively participate in an animal issues advisory board consisting of Clallam County commissioners, the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office, city police chiefs, and other local rescue groups.
OPHS continues to not accept any dogs at this time or in the foreseeable future, staff previously reported.
The agency is contracted by city and county agencies like Clallam County Sheriff’s Office to house impounded dogs and cats, and handle animal licensing. Other local shelter groups said they remain at capacity too.
Clallam County Sheriff Brian King said in an email on Aug. 6 they are using a resource list of various shelter/rescue organizations that provide shelter services in the community and deputies are “working through those resources to identify what each resource can or willing to do for us on an emergent basis as we continue to work towards a solution.”
“We have taken in some dogs and have worked through that resource list to provide temporary solutions with the closure of OPHS,” he said.
Clallam County Commissioners ratified a resolution on Aug. 6, he said “declaring the animal control situation an emergency which gives us flexibility in covering costs associated with animal control without the need to following contracting policy.”
“This gives us further flexibility in identifying solutions as they arise in situations such as dangerous animals,” King said.
“We are working daily with success in identifying temporary solutions on a case by case basis with wonderful organizations committed to the care of animals in our community.”
He added that applicants are being sought for the Animal Solutions Advisory committee.
Clarifications
Oldham clarified misunderstandings arising from the agency’s nonprofit 990 tax form for 2023.
“The ‘Animal Care’ expenses line on the 990 form is specifically for animal food,” Oldham said. “All other expenses go towards facilitating care for the animals, including administrative costs that support timely, life-saving care and adoption facilitation. Unfortunately, the line item for food was termed animal care and not specifically food.”
The closure of Bark House has prompted a reassessment of OPHS’ financial situation.
“The average cost per animal is $3,000,” Oldham said. “This includes everything from medication, veterinary care, grooming, any necessary training, staff costs for taking care of the animals and working to get them adopted.”
Recent scrutiny also highlighted a significant increase in executive director compensation.
“The total figure for the year ($141,933) includes payment for an executive director hired to replace Luanne Hinkle when she retired,” Oldham said. “They worked in tandem for three weeks while this person was training. Unfortunately, this person wasn’t a good fit and was only with the non-profit for a few weeks.”
The total is the gross amount, which includes taxes paid by OPHS, not the net received by the executive director, Oldham said.
“In 2023, Luanne Hinkle’s compensation included her 2022 bonus, paid in 2023, as well as the board-approved bonus for 2023. The total figure also includes retroactive pay from Jan. 1; increased annual wage to $105,000 in 2023 from $96,000 in 2022.”
Oldham said all donations are meticulously managed and that OPHS adheres to strict accounting standards and regular audits to ensure transparency.
Staff adjustments also are part of the transition as operations at Bark House wind down. Although some are inevitable, Oldham praised the dedicated team for their commitment to animal welfare.
“Our staff are tremendous advocates for animal welfare and skilled animal caretakers,” Oldham said. “We have been so fortunate to have such an amazing team that works with animals in need, every day. This has been one of the most difficult components of the decision about the closure of the Bark House.”
Stipp’s departure, though amicable, was motivated by a desire to reallocate funds previously earmarked for his salary toward animal care and the potential reopening of the Bark House, Oldham said.
Oldham expressed gratitude for Stipp’s dedication and described his decision as a testament to his commitment to the organization’s mission.
“We are deeply grateful for his dedication and selflessness, which exemplify the core values of our organization,” Oldham said.
For updates on the Olympic Peninsula Humane Society, visit ophumanesociety.org.
Reporter Matthew Nash contributed to this report.
