City animal shelter sets new policy for giving up pets
Business is booming at the City of Kansas City, Mo., animal shelter. More people are dropping off pets and more people are adopting them, making the lobby a crowded and hectic place. Starting April 1, in order to provide better service, the shelter will require people relinquishing pets to first make an appointment.
Kansas City Pet Project began operating the shelter at 4400 Raytown Road about a year ago. Since then, there has been a 71 percent increase in public interactions, with animal-related services being provided to more than 10,000 residents.
“Scheduling appointments for owner-surrendered animals outside regular adoption hours is the best way to handle the increased traffic in our lobby,” said Brent Toellner, president of the board for KC Pet Project. “Managing intake through appointments will help us lower wait times and avoid potential public safety issues in a way that the current system does not.”
Managing intake has proven to be an effective solution in other shelters across the country, he added.
Not only will this system ensure a safe environment for adopters, it also will allow KC Pet Project to work with residents to find possible alternatives to giving up a pet, such as:
- Helping pet owners find resources for food and shelter
- Offering pet owners an opportunity to work with trainers on behavior issues
- Providing quick and humane euthanasia services for terminally ill pets
Appointments will be scheduled within 72 hours of initial contact. For more information, please see www.KCPetProject.org.
Address/Location
City of Kansas City
Kansas City City Hall
Kansas City, MO 64106
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1