Animal Control Exploring collaborative solutions
between animal control and
rescue organizations
Don Jordan
Don Jordan is the executive director of Seattle Animal Control, the only municipal shelter in the state of Washington that provides low-cost spay/neuter services to the general public. Seattle Animal Control is one of the most progressive government-funded agencies in the nation, providing over 20 different programs, managing 600 volunteers and overseeing 250 foster families.
Don has been in the animal control field for over 14 years. Shortly after graduating from Washington State University with a bachelor of science degree in zoology, he was recruited by the City of Seattle in 1990 as a humane law enforcement officer. Don was in charge of field services prior to his promotion to executive director in 1996.
Don serves as a board member on the National Companion Animal Advisory Group with the Humane Society of the United States, is a private consultant with the HSUS' Animal Services Consultation Program, serves on the board of the Washington State Federation of Animal Care and Control Agencies, and is a current board member (and past president) of the Seattle Management Association.
In Seattle, Don has worked tirelessly at building relationships with the community, including animal welfare organizations, grassroots animal rescue groups and animal rights advocates in his area. Operating under a philosophy of creating a community-based organization, Seattle Animal Control has received over $1 million in private donations to support the lifesaving efforts of his program, which has enabled the staff to double the number of animals adopted over the last seven years. The financial support from citizens, private corporations and foundations is a true indicator of the performance of the organization and the vital role it plays in the community.
Don's innovative programs have become a model for other municipal agencies across the country. This year he is embarking on a $2 million capital campaign to build a regional training and education center, which will help to further their efforts toward one day becoming a no-kill community.
A resident of Snohomish, Washington, Don has been happily married to his college sweetheart for 11 years and has three children, two hamsters, one dog and a bird.
