King Co. Animal Control Stops Taking Owner-Surrendered Animals

King County Animal Care and Control will no longer accept animals that are surrendered by their owners starting Monday.

Those who wish to surrender their animals should take them to a designated partner agency or make arrangements to find a new permanent home. See the list of agencies here.

The change comes as the King County animal shelter in Kent is preparing to move out of the flood zone in the Green River valley. Officials want to reduce the number of animals to move to the new shelter, according to a press release from Department of Executives Services, Animal Care and Control.

The Crossroads shelter location in Bellevue is still open, but owner surrendered animals will also no longer be accepted there.

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

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.

“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,” said King County Animal Care and Control Interim Manger, Nancy McKenney.

McKenney also reminds pet owners to prepare for potential flooding and be sure their pets are wearing at least two forms of ID -- including a pet license, pet ID tag, or a microchip.

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.