After more than three decades as a figure skating judge, Karen Raines was ready to nourish a passion that warmed her heart off the ice: animal welfare.
Like the rest of the organization’s leadership team, Karen has always been passionate about pets. She grew up with a cat who was like a dog, Bardahl, and has had dogs ever since. If you’ve hung up a Seattle Humane calendar over the last few years, you’d recognize Karen’s current darling doggy duo, Keira and NeeNee.
Introduced to Seattle Humane by a former colleague, Karen quickly became involved with the organization, eventually joining the board of directors in the summer of 2022. As co-chair of the audit & risk management committee and a member of the strategic planning committee, Karen is dedicated to advancing Seattle Humane’s advocacy efforts. She believes that partnering with animal rescue organizations and leveraging the collective expertise of the animal welfare community is crucial to effecting positive and long-lasting change for pets and their people.
Karen’s background as corporate counsel at Costco, with a focus on regulatory compliance, has equipped her with the tools necessary to effect regulatory change. These efforts require long-term collaborative efforts. She says it’s vital to strengthen community among animal welfare peers in order to enact these changes, and to maximize resources for the greater good of pets in need.
Karen is passionate about utilizing Seattle Humane’s resources to support rescue partners across the nation through the organization’s Lifesaver Rescue program.
“It’s important that we continue extending our adoption and rescue efforts from just the Seattle area or Washington, to support shelters and rescues with the greatest need, especially in times of crisis,” Karen says, adding this allows the disaster-stricken shelters to focus their efforts on owner reunification.
Outside the facility’s walls, Karen recognizes the importance of fostering community in resource deserts across the region – meeting people where they are through Seattle Humane’s Community Medicine program.
“I’m excited to see the positive impact we have across the region, bringing vet care and vaccines into communities that need support the most.”
For Karen, being part of Seattle Humane is a meaningful way to support animal welfare by reaching new audiences and maximizing resources for pets and people in need in Seattle and beyond. With her passion, commitment and expertise, Karen is a tremendous asset to Seattle Humane’s board of directors and the animal welfare movement.
