The Seattle Humane Society set an all-time annual record by adopting 5,562 dogs, cats and small animals in 2011 -- surpassing the adoption of 5,498 pets in 2009.

They say it's the most adoptions in one year since their founding in 1897.

The shelter ran special promotions that brought thousands of animal lovers to the shelter in 2011.

 In December, theyfound loving homes for 699 animals during the holiday season, shattering the previous record of 624 set only two months prior during Seattle Humane's adoption fair "Fall for a Friend," where they found homes for 226 pets in just one weekend.

“This past year has truly been amazing,” says Seattle Humane CEO David Loewe.  “It's rewarding to help save so many animals who were once homeless, abandoned or in need of medical care. ”