King County Regional Animal Services Waives Feline Adoption Fees This Month, Hosts Open House Oct. 13

Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) is encouraging pet adoptions this month by waiving the fee for cats six months and older through Oct. 31 and by opening the Kent facility to the public on Oct. 13 to learn about the work staff and volunteers do with the animals.

The adoption fee for cats older than six months is normally $55. The fee for kittens (younger than six months) will remain at $100. All cats and kittens from RASKC are spayed or neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, and have tested negative for feline leukemia. Adopters also receive a starter bag of Hill’s Science Diet food for their new pet, as well as a certificate for a free veterinary wellness exam, courtesy of the Seattle/King County Veterinary Medical Association.

“We’ve set a goal of placing 200 cats and kittens in new homes in October with this special ‘no-fee’ event,” said Dr. Gene Mueller, manager of Regional Animal Services. “No matter the type, size, color, or personality, we probably have the cat you’re looking for.”

Cats aren’t the only focus at RASKC in October. This month is also national Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, so if you’re into canines, RASKC can help you find the perfect one. Adoption fees for adult dogs and puppies range from $100 to $250, depending on the animal. All canines adopted from RASKC are spayed or neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, and come with a starter bag of food.

RASKC is also partnering with Pawsitive Alliance and other animal shelters in Washington for the first-ever statewide Animal Shelter Open House. The King County portion of the event takes place on Saturday, Oct. 13 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Pet Adoption Center, 21615 64th Ave. S. in Kent.

The Open House will highlight the work of animal shelters across the state and the homeless animals in need that they help on a daily basis, in order to inspire community members to get more involved through adoption, volunteering, and other support.

The mission of Pawsitive Alliance is to help end euthanizing of adoptable dogs and cats in Washington by increasing adoptions, supporting spay and neuter programs, and improving pet retention. Since 2005, Pawsitive Alliance has helped more than 3,000 homeless pets find loving homes. To learn more, visit www.pawsitivealliance.org.

Other participating shelters in Washington State include the Everett Animal Shelter/ARF, Homeward Pet Adoption Center, Humane Society of Central Washington, Northwest Organization for Animal Help (NOAH), Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), and Grant County Animal Outreach.

People looking to adopt from RASKC can view available pets by visiting www.kingcounty.gov/pets and clicking on “Adopt a Pet.” Or visit the center at 21615 64th Ave. S. in Kent to find your pet in person. Hours are 3 – 6 p.m. Monday, noon – 6 p.m. Tuesday – Friday, and noon – 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.