King County Animal Control to stop taking unwanted pets | Pets

Starting today, King County Animal Control says it will no longer accept animals surrendered by owners.

Officials said the move is designed to help reduce the agency's animal population as much as possible before Kent shelter has to move due to flood concerns in the the Green River Valley.

While the shelter location in Bellevue is not impacted by flood concerns, it has also stopped taking unwanted animals.

King County Animal Control said 3,440 pets were surrendered in 2008.

"We encourage anyone thinking of surrendering their animal for behavioral issues to first consider contacting local professional trainers or consult with their own veterinarian for alternative options such as obedience classes," King County Animal Care and Control Interim Manger Nancy McKenney said in a written statement.

The agency will still be taking lost and stray animals, McKenney said. She urged pet owners in flood-prone areas to make sure their animals have proper ID tags and a microchip.

Pet owners wishing to surrender an animal may still do so at the Humane Society for Seattle/King County or other organizations in the area.