Owner-surrendered pets will be referred to partner organizations starting October 19, 2009

King County Animal Care and Control prepares for move out of the flood zone

Changes are coming to the two King County Animal Shelters to prepare to move out of the flood zone in the Green River Valley.

To ensure there is a minimum number of animals in the Kent shelter to move to an alternate location during flood season, the King County Animal Shelter will no longer accept animals surrendered by their owners on October 19, 2009. The Kent shelter location is at increased risk for flooding this fall due to a damaged dam upstream that will not be able to hold back as much water than in previous years. For more information on potential flooding, visit www.kingcounty.gov/floodplans.

In light of the flood risk and our pending move, our partner organizations may be able to accept your pet if you need to surrender it. If you have questions, please contact King County Animal Care and Control by phone (206-296-7387).

Explore other options before surrendering a pet

Are you moving where you can't have a dog? Has your financial situation changed so you can no longer afford to care for all your pets? Is your dog barking too much? Does your cat have litter box issues? Is your pet showing destructive behaviors? We understand there are many reasons or circumstances that could lead a pet owner to consider no longer keeping their pet or pets.

Animal shelters or rescue groups (public or private) may first come to mind, however, we encourage you to try these suggestions and resources:

• If your pet is having issues, consider contacting your veterinarian, websites, or animal trainers/behaviorists first. Perhaps with the right help, you and your pet can learn to work things out and stay together. Veterinarians can also help you rule out any physical or medical reasons for your pet's problems.
• If your landlord or housing situation is limiting the size or kind of pets allowed, visit The Humane Society of the United States regarding rental housing suggestions at www.hsus.org/pet/pet_care/our_pets_for_life_program. The PAWS website, www.paws.org, also has a list of places that allows pets in our area.
• Do not give away your pets for free! No matter the amount you charge, will discourage unethical people from collecting animals or using the animals for illegal activities.
• NEVER abandon an animal. It is against the law and does not result in anything positive for the animal or yourself.

Options for finding a new home for your pet

If you feel you need to find your pet a new home, here are some options in doing so.

Make an Advertisement
Ask family, friends or co-workers if they would be interesting in adopting your pet. Create an "ad" that describes your pet, his/her good habits, health condition, general needs, and behaviors. This could be the pet's resume complete with a photo or two. Do not exaggerate, as it could harm the chances of the new home working out. You can post these ads to the company's bulletin boards, lunch rooms, etc.

Check with your veterinarian - perhaps they have a bulletin board in the lobby to promote animals needing a new home or the clinic staff may know of another client who is ready and willing to take in another animal.

Media Resources
Post your advertisement on the internet or local newspapers. Remember when placing an ad on the Internet, be careful of receiving spam e-mails.

Petfinder.com (www.petfinder.com/classifieds) list lost pets, found pets, pets wanted, and adoptable pets. The posts are available for people who have taken in a stray and wish to find it a home and for people who wish to place their own pets in new homes.

Craigslist (www.craigslist.org) is also another popular website for online advertising.