When an animal arrives at the Seattle Animal Shelter, the path to adoption does not always start with wagging tails or soft purrs. Many arrive carrying fear, stress, or trauma. That is where Anna Sernau, the shelter’s animal behaviorist, steps in. Her work helps animals heal, rediscover trust, and prepare for loving homes. The program is made possible through the Seattle Animal Foundation’s Behavior Program grant.
A Lifelong Calling
Anna’s passion for animal welfare started early in South Bend, Indiana. She was the kid who always stopped to rescue animals, volunteered at her local Humane Society, and even worked with children with disabilities through an equine therapy program. That commitment carried her into higher education: a BS in Animal Behavior from Indiana University and an MSc in Applied Animal Behavior and Animal Welfare from the University of Edinburgh.
A Day in the Life
Each morning, Anna checks in on every animal in the shelter. Dogs are often the first priority, but cats and critters also receive her dedicated care. New arrivals often begin with a behavior needs assessment, which evaluates their physical, behavioral, and emotional well-being. From there, Anna designs individualized plans that may include enrichment activities, stress management, medication, or targeted training.
These plans are created in collaboration with staff, volunteers, foster families, and sometimes even the people who surrendered the animal. The result is a shared roadmap that gives each animal the best chance to succeed.
Creating Calm, Building Trust
The shelter can be overwhelming. As Anna explains, “Training a stressed animal is futile. Stress reduction has to come first.” Her work often focuses on patience and gentle exposure, as well as providing the right enrichment and giving each animal the time they need to feel safe.
Foster care is especially powerful in this process. Even a short stay in a quiet, loving home can make an enormous difference. It allows animals to relax, reveal their true personalities, and practice the behaviors that will help them succeed in adoption.
Mama Rose’s Transformation
One of Anna’s recent success stories is Mama Rose, a Cane Corso who arrived at the shelter completely shut down. She was avoidant, growly, and too fearful to even go on walks; a concerning combination for such a large dog.
With patience, counter-conditioning, and gentle encouragement, Anna and her team slowly helped Mama Rose leave her kennel. She began walking regularly, spent time in Anna’s office, and eventually went on an overnight stay. From there, she blossomed in foster care and soon found her forever family.
For Anna, transformations like these are the most rewarding part of her work. “Often all that is required is a little bit of grace and a little bit of empathy,” she says.
Looking Ahead
If Anna could expand the program tomorrow, she would add more staff to ensure animals receive consistent care even when she is away. Strengthening the Dog Behavior Team would also make a big difference. For community members who want to help, donations of high-value treats such as hot dogs, cheese sticks, or deli meat provide the jackpot rewards that are vital for training.
Why It Matters
Behavior support is not just a “nice to have.” It is lifesaving. Without it, many animals would face barriers to adoption or risk losing their homes. With it, they gain the tools and confidence to thrive in families where they truly belong.
The program also extends to owned animals, with SAF grants supporting behavior planning and training for volunteers and foster families. Thanks to donor generosity, the Seattle Animal Foundation can continue to fund this critical safety net. Every gift makes it possible for animals like Mama Rose to overcome their challenges and find the loving homes they deserve.
To support high-impact programs like the Behavior Grant, see our donation page.