Countywide : Animal Regulation Fee Hikes Proposed

The cost of retrieving stray dogs and cats from the pound would increase under a proposal by the county Animal Regulation Department.

The agency proposes increasing fees for boarding, veterinary services, euthanasia and disposal of dead animals, department Manager Kathy Jenks said. As an incentive to pet owners to get their dogs licensed, the agency would waive or lower some fees for licensed dogs.

The proposal will be considered by the County Board of Supervisors this week.

Jenks estimates that the fee increase would cover only 30% to 40% of costs.

“There’s a point where people will say, ‘Forget it.’ We kind of have to ease people into it,” Jenks said.

The agency has not raised its fees since 1987, when it increased the cost of licensing and boarding. Fees for all other services have remained the same since 1978, Jenks said.

The agency proposes raising the impound fee for unlicensed dogs from $20 to $30 but keeping the fee at $20 for licensed dogs.

The fee for all cats, which are not licensed by the county, would be raised from $20 to $25.

Fees will be raised for other animals the agency impounds, including livestock that is found wandering or is taken from owners in cases of abuse and neglect.