Animal Services relaxes dog intake policies
In an update provided by Animal Services Director Morgan Chegwidden, it was explained that previous policies required those wishing to rehome an owned dog to be referred to counseling services and to enter a shelter intake queue.
Those looking to bring in a stray dog would be required to participate in the division's Good Samaritan program, a 'program in which citizens keep unowned pets for less than three days in an effort to keep the animal out of the shelter,' according to the City website.
RELATED: CVPAWS responds to animal shelter policy change
Under new policy changes made effective Wednesday, Feb. 26, these requirements are now optional. Chegwidden stated that owned dogs may now be impounded at the shelter, regardless of the shelter's capacity.
'If you come in with your owned dog and no longer want it, the shelter shall impound that animal regardless of the current shelter count and how close we are to capacity,' Chegwidden said.
People who bring in stray dogs will no longer be required to participate in the Good Samaritan program. The program is still available to those who opt to take part in it, however.
'The Good Samaritan program is still optional and available, but the shelter shall impound that found stray if you are unable to or unwilling to participate in that Good Sam program,' Chegwidden said.
Chegwidden said that, although the policy change will 'put pressure,' Animal Services is working through implementing it.
In a separate statement issued by the City, it was said that the animal shelter's 180-dog capacity and 120-cat capacity 'will remain in place to maintain reasonable operational care by the limited shelter care staff.'
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