Snoqualmie local Susan Burk had long dreamed of starting her own nonprofit. With over 40 years of experience in animal rescue—everything from climbing into dumpsters to saving abandoned kittens to rescuing injured wildlife—her life was dedicated to helping animals. For 15 years, she’s made Snoqualmie her home, embracing the small-town feel and its tightly knit community.
Meanwhile, Dorie Ross had been quietly running the Snoqualmie Valley Pet Food Bank for nearly a decade. Having moved to the Snoqualmie Valley 10 years ago, Dorie became deeply embedded in the community. Four years ago, she started her own business and now serves as the President of the Historic Downtown Snoqualmie Merchant’s Association.
Her involvement with the pet food bank began as a simple volunteer shift, but it quickly became a full-time mission. She now distributes over 2,000 pounds of pet food each month, addressing a growing need among limited-income pet owners in the area.
When Susan learned how much Dorie struggled to sustain the food bank after it separated from its parent organization, she knew she had to help. “When I asked her if she felt like she could continue if I formed a nonprofit and handled the business side of things, she was all in,” Susan said. Together, in November 2024, they founded Sno Valley Pet Services (SVPS).
Launching Sno Valley Pet Services required navigating the complexities of starting a nonprofit. The organization officially received its 501(c)(3) designation in November 2024, retroactive to its formation date. Susan explained the process: “Establishing a nonprofit isn’t terribly complicated, but as soon as you finish one round of paperwork, you realize there’s more.”
With their 501(c)(3) status in place, SVPS can now apply for grants, take advantage of employer matching programs, and ensure donations are tax-deductible. Donors are provided with receipts, allowing them to claim contributions for tax purposes.
The mission of Sno Valley Pet Services is simple yet impactful: to assist limited-income pet owners in the Snoqualmie Valley by providing resources that support pets in leading happy, healthy lives. Beyond the pet food bank, SVPS distributes collars, leashes, toys, beds, litter, and other pet accessories. The team hopes to expand its services over time, stepping in wherever there’s a critical need.
“There are other organizations in the valley that provide pet assistance, such as Valley Animal Partners,” Susan said. “However, the need in the Snoqualmie Valley is so great that no single group can address it all.”
For Susan and Dorie, this mission is deeply personal. “In many cases, people’s pets keep them going,” Dorie explained. “They help them physically and mentally. One client told me that his dog motivates him to walk miles every day. Without that dog, he felt like he would’ve had no purpose.”
The nonprofit faced its first big test just weeks after it was formed. Two dogs, Zephyr and Journey, were left homeless when their owner passed away. “I was contacted by people in the community about the dogs, and I reached out to Dorie to see if we should announce the nonprofit early and ask for donations to help,” Susan recalled. Dorie didn’t hesitate. It was an immediate yes.
Zephyr, a six-year-old Australian Shepherd, found a foster home quickly and was adopted by his new family soon after. Now named Jeff, he’s thriving in his forever home. Journey, an 11-year-old Lab/Doberman mix, faced more challenges. Behind on vaccines and overdue for medical care, she had two tumors that required urgent examination.
A thorough checkup revealed that the tumors were benign, but she was diagnosed with pancreatitis and potential kidney issues. Thanks to donations and discounted care from Salish Veterinary Hospital, Journey is now receiving the treatment she needs. She’s thriving in her foster home and ready for adoption.
Sno Valley Pet Services thrives on the generosity of its supporters. Local businesses such as Pet Place Market, Ace Hardware, Love Bug Pet Boutique, and Salish Veterinary Hospital provide discounted products and services.
Volunteers are vital in running the monthly pet food bank distribution, delivering supplies, and assisting with fundraising events. High school students in the community will also have opportunities to fulfill their required volunteer hours while helping the organization’s mission.
Donors are celebrated through the Compassionate Champion Donors program. Individuals who contribute at the Bronze ($250), Silver ($500), or Gold ($1,000) level are honored on the website, with options to dedicate donations in honor or memory of loved ones.
Businesses donating $2,500 or more, including in-kind goods or services, receive logo placement and recognition for a year. SVPS also accepts legacy gifts made through estates or by individuals who include the nonprofit as a beneficiary.
A dedicated board of animal advocates leads the organization. Susan serves as President, bringing decades of experience in animal rescue. Vice President Dorie brings nearly a decade of leadership to the pet food bank. Andrea DeShaw, the Secretary, supports the team’s efforts, and Cathy Allbright, the Treasurer, provides critical financial oversight, drawing on her background in office management and animal fostering. Together, they form a passionate and experienced team.
In addition to ongoing programs, the organization is planning a number of fundraising events. The Bow Wow Easter Egg Hunt on April 19th will offer dogs a special treat-filled egg hunt and photos with the Easter Bunny at Three Forks Dog Park.
Long-standing traditions like the Christmas Stocking Project, which delivers over 300 stockings filled with toys and treats to local pets, continue to bring joy to the community.
Looking ahead, the team has ambitious goals. “In five years, I hope we have a fully funded pet food bank every month,” Dorie said. “No turning people away because we’ve run out of food or don’t have the money to buy more.”
Susan added, “Supporting our pet community is supporting the human community as well. We’ve seen firsthand how much pets mean to people, and we want to make sure no one has to choose between feeding themselves and feeding their pets.”
With compassion, dedication, and a network of generous supporters, Sno Valley Pet Services is making a lasting impact in the Snoqualmie Valley—one pet, one family, and one act of kindness at a time.
[Visit SVPS’s support page to help the ladies achieve their mission of assisting limited-income pet owners in the Snoqualmie Valley by providing services that support their pets’ happy, healthy lives.]
