Dear Animal shelter and rescue partners,

I’m writing to let you know the latest regarding our relocation and flood response plans.  November 1 is the official beginning of flood season in Western Washington , and the county has been planning for months to have a plan in place for each of its owned buildings in the flood zone (five), and it’s dozens of leased locations. I am happy to report that as of November 1, the Facilities Management Division will be very close to finalizing our flood plans.

A plan will be in place well before the first real flood threat to the shelter, and until further notice we will continue to operate as usual out of both Kent and Crossroads.  Therefore we are not closing on Monday!

Beginning November 1 we will waive the adoption fees on all our animals, including those in our foster homes. This will further help us reduce the number of animals in our Kent shelter that need to be moved before a flood.  Adopters will still be required to purchase the pet license and will be encouraged to have KCACC microchip their new pet at the time of adoption ($25). 

As we prepare for flooding and make arrangements to deal with the pending natural disaster in the Green River Valley , the Executive is also in active negotiations with the County Council, non profit organizations, our contracting cities, and labor unions to determine a transition plan and future for KCACC.

These discussions are ongoing, and as soon as we are aware of any policy direction we will let you know.  Please know that everyone involved is trying hard to find the best solution for the staff and the pets of King County Animal Care and Control.

In case the weather turns and the flood warning comes before we have relocated our animal shelter services, we would begin our disaster response plans immediately.   This includes contacting all our partners and arranging to transfer our current shelter residents out to any and all who could take them in (ringworm and all), setting up our emergency animal shelter location to house animals recovered from the flood zone and working at remote sites throughout the county.

In summary, stay tuned, and thank you for your patience as we work through flood related planning and proposed policy challenges.  If you have any questions, please let me know.
 

Nancy B. McKenney, MNPL, CAWA

King County Animal Care and Control

206-205-6306 (phone)

206-205-8043 (fax)