Use caution when approaching stray cats and dogs

King County Animal Services is responding to dozens of calls from the public reporting stray and disoriented dogs and cats as a result of yesterday's storm. Today, the shelter's hotline received 23 calls from people in need of help with stray animals the south and northeast King County areas hardest hit by severe winds last night. Animal Control officers continue to respond to these calls and urge the public to use caution when approaching stray dogs and cats.

King County Animal Services is responding to dozens of calls from the public reporting stray and disoriented dogs and cats as a result of yesterday's storm. Today, the shelter's hotline received 23 calls from people in need of help with stray animals the south and northeast King County areas hardest hit by severe winds last night. Animal Control officers continue to respond to these calls and urge the public to use caution when approaching stray dogs and cats.

";We're working hard to rescue these animals quickly and get them to our shelters where they will be safe and warm until we can reunite them with their families," said Sergeant David Morris, Field Operations Supervisor of King County Animal Services. "There are a lot of animals who have become separated from their families, please alert us as soon as possible so we can make sure these animals are safe."

Follow these three steps if you encounter a stray animal:

1. Determine if the dog or cat is safe to approach and never approach aggressive or frightened animals without caution. Dogs can be skittish after a severe wind storm and could become aggressive.
   Livestock can also pose dangers, especially to motor vehicles. If it is possible, confine them to a pasture or paddock and then call 206-296-7387 to speak with a trained animal safety officer for assistance. If the livestock can not be contained and risk to public safety is possible, then call your local police jurisdiction.
   
2. If the animal is safe to approach, confine the animal, preferably in a warm, dry place such as a garage or utility room. Food and water can be offered to the animal.
   
3. Call 206-296-7387 and a trained officer will safely remove the animal and bring it to one of two King County animal shelters where it can receive medical care, food and be reunited with its owners.

If your cat or dog is missing, call 206-296-7387 or stop by the animal shelter closest to your home. This hotline is updated daily and lists every dog and cat picked up today by King County Animal Control and a description of the animal, including the breed, license information and the area where it was found.

"We have more than 225 animals at our two shelters and animals with a microchip or pet license are the easiest to reunite with their families," said Sgt. Morris. "Besides being the law, a pet license can save your pet's life."

Last year with the help of a King County pet license or microchip, Animal Services reunited almost 2,000 lost dogs and cats with their owners. The microchip is permanent and provides excellent back-up identification along with your King County pet license.

Don't wait for the next wind storm before you think about licensing your pet. Pet licenses are available at 129 locations throughout King County, including local animal clinics, city halls, 39 QFC stores, and online at https://payments.metrokc.gov/petlicenses/ .

King County Animal Shelters

Kent Animal Control Shelter
21615 64th Ave. S, Kent, WA 98032
Monday - Wednesday, Friday, Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Thursday:  Noon - 6:00 p.m. 
206-296-7387

Eastside Pet Adoption Center- Bellevue/Crossroads
(CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC Dec. 15, 2006 DUE TO POWER OUTAGE)
821 164th Ave. NE, Bellevue, WA 98008
Tuesday - Friday: 2:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Saturday: Noon - 6:00 p.m.
206-296-3940