July 18, 2025

Seattle Animal Shelter

Harrington

The city of Seattle has selected Ashley Harrington to serve as the new executive director of the Seattle Animal Shelter (SAS) following a comprehensive and competitive national search. Her first day will be July 30. Harrington brings nearly 10 years of animal welfare experience to the role and most recently served as director of Metro Nashville Animal Care and Control. While there, Harrington led a multifaceted team across shelter operations, customer service, veterinary services and field services. Harrington was instrumental in developing programs to improve adoption outcomes, expand community outreach, and ensure regulatory compliance. She previously held positions with MAB Community Services in Massachusetts and the Davidson County Sheriff's Office in Tennessee. Harrington also brings a strong foundation in public communication, having served as a spokesperson for media and public inquiries. She studied sociology at the University of Massachusetts - Lowell. SAS is the city's only open-admission shelter, meaning it cares for every animal, every time, regardless of age, species, behavior, or medical condition. Each year, SAS supports over 6,500 animals through its adoption and foster programs. It also operates spay/neuter services, free and low-cost vaccination and exams, crisis surgery, foodbank services, shelter options for unhoused pet guardians, pet training and behavior management, and other critical services.