KENT COUNTY, Mich. — The Kent County Animal Shelter (KCAS) will be increasing its fees after the Kent County Board of Commissioners approved a new fee schedule Thursday.
The animal shelter said their operating costs have increased over time and until now, they haven't made any changes to fees since 2013.
“Many of these fees have not been adjusted in over a decade,” said KCAS Director Angela Hollinshead. “In that time, the costs for food, veterinary care and staff wages have all increased.”
Notable fee adjustments:
- Adoption fees for cats over four months old will increase to $20 from $5.
- The fees to spay or neuter dogs and cats will no longer be based on an animal’s weight but will now follow a new flat fee schedule.
- The $130 adoption fee for dogs, which includes spaying or neutering, medical examination, microchip, and all age-appropriate vaccinations at the time of adoption, will remain unchanged.
- Dog adopters must obtain a dog license for $17 annually or $10 for seniors over 62.
- Fees for owner-surrender animals will increase to $35 from $25. Residents should contact the KCAS before surrendering their animals to discuss potential resources and support options.
There will also be a new $20 fee for covering the cost of adopting livestock. The shelter said that it is uncommon for small farm animals to be brought in, but when it does happen they require specialized feed and veterinary care.
The shelter estimates these increases will bring in an additional $10,700.
"The well-being and care of our animals is our top priority,” concluded Hollinshead. “These adjusted fees reflect our commitment to ensuring that every animal receives the necessary care, including food, medical attention, and shelter, while we work to find them their forever homes."
The increases will take effect March 1, you can find a full list of fee adjustments here.
You can find a list of animals available for adoption from KCAS here.
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