The Regional Animal Services of King County is one of 24 animal shelters throughout the state that will participate in the Pawsitive Alliance’s third annual Statewide Shelter Open House Event on Oct. 4.

The Kent shelter is at 21615 64th Ave. S.

The Auburn Valley Humane Society, 4910 A St. SE, also is participating.

Hours vary, so check with the participating shelters.

The Pawsitive Alliance website, www.pawsitivealliance.org, has a list of the fun activities and special promotions participating shelters have planned for the open house.

The alliance is working with animal shelters throughout the state to promote their adoptable pets and meet prospective families at the event. The goal is to help the shelters grow their adopter, donor and volunteer bases while raising awareness of the good work they do on a daily basis for animals in need.

Approximately 40,000 to 60,000 kittens, puppies, cats and dogs are euthanized in Washington State each year due to far to many animals and not enough homes. Pawsitive Alliance is working hard to bring awareness of local animal shelters and their homeless animals through the open house. Adoption is key to helping end euthanasia of homeless pets in the state.

In 2013, participating shelters for the open house event saw a 60-percent increase in adoptions during the event and a surge of traffic at their facility during and following the event.

Petco Foundation, Best Friends, Canine Behavior Center, Inc., Darwin’s Natural Pet Products, Denny’s Pet World, Dugan Foundation, Fleabusters and Mudbay are sponsoring the open house.