King County Animal Care and Control is waiving adoption fees on all animals at its two shelter locations and for pets in foster care in advance of moving their Kent shelter location out of the Green River valley flood zone.
This means that potential adopters can take an animal home today for just the cost of the pet license.
The main shelter will continue services at its current location in Kent as an agreement is finalized for another facility. KCACC will continue to operate as usual out of both the Kent and Crossroads locations while it continues to work on relocating services outside of the Green River flood plain, which is at increased risk of flooding because of damage at the Howard Hanson Dam.
In preparation for potential flooding, KCACC has signed several memorandums of understanding with national animal organizations that are experienced with assisting regions with pet related resources during disasters and emergencies. These groups include the American Humane Association, Humane Society of the United States, United Animal Nations, and Code 3 Associates. These agreements will help ensure that Green River valley residents will have assistance with holding stray animals during a flooding incident, and help sheltering and caring for animals left homeless or separated from their owners in an emergency.
To ensure there are as few pets as possible in the Kent shelter when it comes time to move, KCACC has already ceased accepting owner-surrendered animals, and now adoption fees have been waived to encourage potential adopters to come find a new furry friend and help King County move one less animal to an alternate location for flood season.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for anyone looking for a new member of their family,” said King County Animal Care and Control Interim Manager, Nancy McKenney. “We have hundreds of adoptable animals in our shelters and in foster care that are waiting for their forever home, and now it’s more affordable than ever to take them home.”
The fee waiver will also apply to animals at the Bellevue Crossroads shelter location and to animals that KCACC has placed into foster care; which usually eventually are transferred to the Kent shelter location if they are not adopted quickly.
Dogs had previously cost $75 to adopt, puppies and kittens were $75, and adult cats were $35. Those costs are now $0.
Pet licenses are required by law, and will be the only fee associated with adopting a pet from KCACC. A license costs $30 for a spayed or neutered pet, and all pets that come from KCACC are spayed or neutered as part of the adoption process. All vaccinations, including rabies, also come free with adoption. Discounts are available for senior citizens. Adopters can also pay $25 at the time of adoption for an optional microchip.
“Our main concern is making sure the animals are taken care of and have a home before the move out of the flood zone” said McKenney. “If you are considering adopting an animal, please come visit the pets in the care of King County Animal Care and Control. By adopting from us, you make it easier for us to care for animals during a future flood incident.”
A list of adoptable pets is available online at www.kingcounty.gov/pets.
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