Owner-surrendered pets will be referred to partner organizations beginning Monday

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

Beginning on Monday, October 19, King County Animal Care and Control will no longer accept animals that are surrendered by their owners. This will allow staff to cut back on the number of pets that will have to be transported from the Kent shelter to an alternate shelter location in time for flood season. Owners are encouraged to take animals to a designated partner agency or make alternate arrangements for pets that need to find a new forever home.

The King County animal shelter in Kent is preparing for a move out of the flood zone in the Green River valley; however alternate shelter arrangements are still being finalized. The goal is to have an alternative or alternatives designated before the first flood, and have the shelter population as low as possible in advance of the closure. The Crossroads shelter location in Bellevue will remain open during flood season because it is not in the affected flood zone; however owner surrendered animals will no longer be accepted at either of the two locations.

In 2008, 3,440 animals were surrendered by their owners over the counter at the two King County shelter locations.

"Even as our alternate shelter location is being finalized, there are plenty of things we can do right now in anticipation of our relocation out of the flood zone," said King County Animal Care and Control Interim Manger, Nancy McKenney. "We are working with our partner groups to make sure that those who feel they need to surrender their animals have a place to go, and that we will still be able to move quickly when the time to relocate comes."

Additionally, shelter staff are also identifying operational documents that can be sent to the county archives or records warehouse for safekeeping during the move, and creating staff plans in advance of the relocation.

Pets that are surrendered by their owners are not considered homeless; however, their owners have reached the conclusion that they no longer want that animal for various reasons.

"We encourage anyone thinking of surrendering their animal for behavioral issues to first consider contacting local professional trainers or consult with their own veterinarian for alternative options such as obedience classes," continued McKenney. "We understand that people may have a host of reasons for wanting to surrender their animals, from behavior, to a change in living conditions, or a change in life circumstances." By discontinuing owner-surrendered animal intake, King County Animal Care and Control will still be able to serve the lost and stray pets that come to the shelter who do not already have an owner or a home.

"Our partner groups will do their best to accommodate those who feel they have exhausted other options, and have no other choice but to surrender their animals," McKenney said. "We understand this will have an impact on our partner organizations, and we hope to limit the inconvenience to those groups by letting the public know that they have other options before it comes to a surrender situation."

Pets that are strays and do not have a home before coming to the shelter will still be accepted over the counter at the Kent Location and at any future location to which county animal services are relocated during flood season. Animal Care and Control accepted 3,758 stray animals brought to the shelter by citizens or found by animal control officers in 2008.

Animal Care and Control will continue to offer field services to its 32 contracting cities and unincorporated areas of King County. Reports of animal cruelty, dog attacks, vicious animals and animal bites will remain high priority calls for KCACC.

"We are preparing our shelter animals for a potential flooding event in the Green River valley, and you should, too" said McKenney. "Be sure your pets are wearing at least two forms of ID at all times, including a pet license, pet ID tag, and a microchip, or any combination thereof."

Regardless of programmatic changes proposed for King County Animal Care and Control in mid 2010, pet licenses are still valid, and required by law. They are also a great way for owners to rest assured that anyone who finds their pet will be able to get their contact information and reconnect with their lost pet.

FEMA has also prepared information on how to prepare your pet for an emergency with a disaster kit that owners can assemble ahead of time, and keep on hand in case it is needed.

A list of partner groups and other re-homing suggestions is available on the King County Animal Care and Control home page: www.kingcounty.gov/pets.

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King County Animal Care and Control's service area includes unincorporated King County and 34 contracting cities. The agency accepts all animals and has been promoting responsible pet ownership and providing animal related services to both people and animals for over 37 years.