Starting July 30, Kansas City will assume responsibility for animal control services from the KC Pet Project. The City's Neighborhood Services Department will oversee these operations through its new Animal Services Division.
KC Pet Project, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, will continue to manage the City's municipal animal shelter in Swope Park (7077 Elmwood Ave.) under Ordinance 250246. KC Pet Project has operated the City's shelter since 2012.
In March, the City Council approved the plan to transfer animal control operations from the City's contractor, KC Pet Project, to the City. Under Ordinance 250188, the City will assume full responsibility for animal control operations and enforcement of the City's animal ordinances-Chapter 14.
"With our recent changes, Kansas Citians will be able to rely on responsive and strong animal care services," said Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas. "With enhanced collaboration between Kansas City and KC Pet Project, we're ensuring humane treatment of animals in our city, consistent enforcement of our laws, and our continuing support of the exceptional shelter operations that KC Pet Project has provided for over a decade."
The City is coordinating the transition of animal control operations to ensure uninterrupted service delivery. Residents can continue to call 311 to report animal concerns. Starting July 30, residents can also report issues using the City's myKCMO web or mobile app.
"This transition enables KC Pet Project to shift our resources to focus on our core mission to create a compassionate community for pets and people," said Kate Meghji, KC Pet Project's Chief Executive Officer. "We look forward to building on KC Pet Project's national reputation as an innovative leader in animal welfare by expanding our lifesaving programs and community support services to keep pets and people together." With nearly 20 years of experience in shelter management and community-centered animal programs, Meghji joined KC Pet Project in May following a national search. Previously, Meghji was Chief Operating Officer for the Humane Rescue Alliance in Washington, D.C.
KC Pet Project cares for more than 16,000 animals each year at 14 adoption locations across the Kansas City metro including the City's municipal shelter in Swope Park; the KC Pet Project Adoption Center in the Zona Rosa shopping center; the Petco Adoption Center in Overland Park, Kan.; and Petco Cat Habitats throughout the region. KC Pet Project's programs and services include intake of stray and surrendered animals, veterinary care, adoption facilitation, pet health and safety initiatives, rehoming, reunification, and pet retention support, including "Keep 'Em Together, KC," a community outreach program to help pet owners facing financial hardship with resources to deter unnecessary pet surrender.
To prepare for the transition, the City conducted an online public survey and hosted three public feedback sessions to gather input from residents on what they need and expect from the City's new Animal Services Division.
"Kansas Citians told us they want more responsive enforcement of animal ordinances and better engagement with residents to ensure compliance," said Forest Decker, Director of the City's Neighborhood Services Department. "With the City's regulatory authority and KC Pet Project's deep experience in animal welfare, we look forward to an efficient and cooperative relationship."
Kansas City's Animal Services Division will operate out of the City's Campus for Animal Care in Swope Park. The City has hired management staff and is actively hiring officers and dispatchers to deliver an efficient, reliable response to animal-related concerns. A dedicated Animal Services Community Engagement Liaison will lead public outreach and education efforts for residents.
"This transition reflects our commitment to delivering effective, resident-focused service. I'm confident in the Neighborhood Services staff and their ability to lead this work with professionalism, responsiveness, and care. By empowering our team with the right resources and authority, we're ensuring Kansas City has the level of service residents deserve," said City Manager Mario Vasquez.
On July 30, visit www.kcmo.gov/animalservices for updates and FAQs about the City's Animal Services Division. To support the transition, KC Pet Project also will provide helpful information on its website at www.kcpetproject.org.
