Tri-Cities Animal Shelter

06/05/2024

At the Tri-Cities Animal Shelter, we're dedicated to the welfare of all animals in our care and the safety of our community. Today, we need to share a challenging situation regarding two of our shelter dogs, Arthur (white) and Change (brindle and white). Unfortunately, during their time at TCAS, there has been an incident where the safety of volunteers and staff have been put at risk. Due to this they have been evaluated so we could find the best possible way to help and work with both. We want to let our community know we will be beginning the notification phase of the process to local rescues in the next 72 hours. Since their arrival, our dedicated team has worked tirelessly to provide both Arthur and Change with care, attention, and modifications to help navigate their unique needs. These modifications of shelter placement and medication have improved some behaviors and show potential for more improvement with the right placement outside the shelter and continued rehabilitation efforts.

Arthur and Change have been evaluated by an Animal Behavioral Consultant after a severe bite incident at the shelter occurred involving both a staff member and volunteer. It was determined that due to their bite and fight history they should be a non-standard adoption to limit risk to volunteers, staff, and the public. Arthur and Change are listed as approximately 3-years-old, neutered, bull terriers who need to be only dogs due to their human bite history and history of fighting other dogs in numerous environmental situations both in the shelter and outside of it. We should also note that our assessment is based on the overall shelter environment and staff and volunteer abilities to handle, train, or rehabilitate. We welcome rescues to conduct their own assessments of a dog's rehabilitation potential if they are considering pulling it. These rescue pull assessments can be scheduled with our staff.

As a nonstandard adoption, they are not available to the public and a transfer would have to be initiated by a rescue or agency equipped to handle efforts at rehabilitation. If you know of any rescue agencies which may have the resources and experience to offer behavioral rehabilitation and training, please reach out to [email protected] with the agencies contact information. Interested rescue organizations can also contact her directly with any questions. After 72 hours, staff will notify agencies of the situation and they will have 10 days to respond to the notice. We'll provide all the necessary information and support to facilitate a transfer. To learn more about the non-standard adoption process or view each dog’s case file you can visit our website under "More: Policies and Procedures" or use the link here: https://www.animalsheltertc.com/items

While this is the least desirable outcome, as a municipal shelter, TCAS must balance the general needs of all intake animals and is not equipped to rescue or rehabilitate. In addition, must weigh and balance the risk to staff, volunteers, community adopters, and the partnering cities, which sometimes results in application of the non-standard adoption process, which may include euthanasia. We're grateful for our community's understanding and support as we navigate these challenging situations. Our priority at TCAS is the safety and well-being of all our animals and people.

05/28/2024

Kitten season is here! This Tuesday and Wednesday, we're excited to present dozens of adorable kittens, all ready to find their forever homes. Come see the purr-fect results of our hard work (and our amazing fosters hard work) and take a new best friend home with you!

05/22/2024

🌟 Exciting News! 🌟

We are thrilled to announce an upcoming collaboration with Tumbleweed Cat Rescue for a low-income vaccine and microchip clinic!

Join us on Sunday, June 23rd from 10:30 to 2 pm at Tri-Cities Animal Shelter for this fantastic event, aimed at keeping our feline and canine friends healthy and safe. This clinic will provide routine vaccines (no rabies) and microchips for community dogs and cats.

Don't miss this opportunity to protect your furry companions and give them the best chance at a long, healthy life

For more details and to register, follow the link or scan the QR Code located on the flyer!

05/21/2024

🚨 Important Update on Garth's Adoption Process 🚨

We've received several messages regarding Garth's nonstandard adoption process and want to provide a clear update and outline the actions being taken.

Garth's nonstandard adoption determination involved thorough behavioral evaluation by an animal behavior consultant. The evaluation indicated that Garth is not a good candidate for standard adoption. Consequently, we reached out to rescue groups to explore placement options, and Mikey’s Chance expressed interest.

Mikey’s Chance has requested Mattox Dog Training Academy to conduct a transfer assessment to determine if Garth is suitable for transfer. We fully support transfer assessments for rescue transfers, but these must be scheduled in advance with our staff and require a liability waiver to ensure the safety and protection of all three cities involved. Given the rescue's interest and the upcoming transfer assessment, we are pausing Garth's non-standard adoption process. No further steps toward euthanasia will be taken while this process is underway.

Due to the unique situation and increased risk, we are unable to accommodate walk-in evaluations and will require a liability waiver before proceeding. We are working with the insurance authority to review this waiver as soon as possible.

Our staff has contacted Mary Maddox to arrange a meeting for tomorrow morning to complete the transfer assessment. Thank you for your understanding and patience as we work through this process to ensure Garth’s best possible outcome.

05/16/2024

Did you know that microchipping your pet is a quick and nearly painless procedure? Even indoor pets can benefit from microchipping, as they can still find a way to explore the great outdoors when they shouldn't. So, if your pet isn't microchipped yet, consider talking to your vet about this simple and effective safety measure! 🐶🐱💖

05/15/2024

**UPDATE 5/17/24 - A rescue has committed to pulling Black Sabbath.**

At the Tri-Cities Animal Shelter, we're dedicated to the welfare of all animals in our care and the safety of our community. Today, we need to share a challenging situation regarding one of our shelter dogs, Black Sabbath. Unfortunately, during his time at TCAS, there have been incidents where the safety of volunteers and staff have been put at risk. Due to this he has been evaluated so we could find the best possible way to help and work with him. We want to let our community know we will be beginning the notification phase of the process to local rescues in the next 72 hours. Since his arrival, our dedicated team has worked tirelessly to provide Black Sabbath with care, attention and modifications to help difficult behaviors. These have slightly improved his behavior and show potential for more improvement with the right placement and continued rehabilitation efforts.

Black Sabbath has been evaluated by an Animal Behavioral Consultant, and it was determined that he is not thriving and should be a nonstandard adoption to limit risk to volunteers and staff.

As a nonstandard adoption, he is not available to the public and a transfer would have to be initiated by a rescue or agency equipped to handle efforts at rehabilitation. If you know of any rescue agencies which may have the resources and experience to offer behavioral rehabilitation, please reach out to [email protected] with the agencies contact information. Interested rescue organizations can also contact us directly. After 72 hours, staff will notify agencies of the situation and they will have 10 days to respond to the notice. We'll provide all the necessary information and support to facilitate a transfer.

While this is the least desirable outcome, as a municipal shelter, TCAS must balance the general needs of all intake animals and is not equipped to rescue or rehabilitate. In addition, must weigh and balance the risk to staff, volunteers, community adopters, and the partnering cities, which sometimes results in application of the non-standard adoption process, which may include euthanasia. We're grateful for our community's understanding and support as we navigate these challenging situations. Our priority at TCAS is the safety and well-being of all our animals and people.

To learn more about this process, visit our website under the "More: Policies and Procedures" tab.

05/10/2024

At the Tri-Cities Animal Shelter, we're dedicated to the welfare of all animals in our care and the safety of our community. Today, we need to share a challenging situation regarding one of our shelter dogs, Garth. Unfortunately, he has been evaluated which resulted in a unique situation where he is staff walk only due to his bite history and increased behavioral issues. We want to let our community know we will be beginning the notification phase of the process to local rescues in the next 72 hours. Since his arrival, our dedicated team has worked tirelessly to provide Garth with care and attention. During his time at TCAS, there have been incidents where the safety of volunteers and staff have been put at risk. Garth has been evaluated by an Animal Behavioral Consultant, it was determined that he is not thriving and should be a nonstandard adoption to limit risk to volunteers, staff, and the public.

As a nonstandard adoption, he is not available to the public and a transfer would have to be initiated by a rescue or agency equipped to handle efforts at rehabilitation. If you know of any rescue agencies which may have the resources and experience to offer behavioral rehabilitation, please reach out to [email protected] with the agencies contact information. Interested rescue organizations can also contact us directly. After 72 hours, staff will notify agencies of the situation and they will have 10 days to respond to the notice. We'll provide all the necessary information and support to facilitate a transfer.

While this is the least desirable outcome, as a municipal shelter, TCAS must balance the general needs of all intake animals and is not equipped to rescue or rehabilitate. In addition, must weigh and balance the risk to staff, volunteers, community adopters, and the partnering cities, which sometimes results in application of the non-standard adoption process, which may include euthanasia. We're grateful for our community's understanding and support as we navigate these challenging situations. Our priority at TCAS is the safety and well-being of all our animals and people.

To learn more about this process, visit our website under the "More: Policies and Procedures" tab.

05/10/2024

Shelter Capacity and What To Do If You Find a Lost Animal:

We want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who has opened their hearts and homes to our wonderful dogs recently. Your support means the world to us and makes all the difference in the lives of these deserving animals. Despite all the heartwarming adoptions we've had, the shelter has remained at full capacity for dogs due to consistent intakes.

Your continued support, whether through adoption, volunteering, or donations, is what keeps us going. Together, we are making a difference in the lives of these animals, and for that, we are incredibly grateful. If you're considering adding a furry friend to your family, please consider adopting from us. Every adoption opens up a space for another dog in need.

If you find a lost dog here are some steps to help you help them find their way home:
1. **Check for Identification:** Look for a collar with tags and have it scanned for a microchip. If the dog has ID, contact the owner immediately.
2. **No Identification? Ask Around:** Knock on doors in the area where you found the dog. Someone might recognize them and know where they belong.
3. **Post on Social Media:** Share a photo and description of the dog on local community groups or lost pet pages. This can help reach a larger audience quickly.
4. **Check the Lost and Found Website:** You can do this at www.animalsheltertc.com by going to the “Find a Missing Pet” tab where you can report the found animal and check local lost reports that have been filed to see if it has been reported as missing.
5. **Call the Shelter:** If you're considering bringing the animal to the shelter, please call ahead. This way, we can inform you whether we're able to accommodate the dog at that moment.
6. **Provide Temporary Shelter:** If you can safely contain the dog, provide temporary shelter in your home or a safe space (like a fenced yard) until the owner can be found.
7. **Don't Take More Than You Can Handle:** If you are unable to safely contain the dog should the shelter not be able to immediately take it in, it is advisable to not take the animal from its current location and make a call to animal control to report the situation.

Remember, your safety and the dog's well-being are top priorities. By following these steps, you can increase the chances of reuniting a lost dog with their family safely and effectively.

05/09/2024

🐾 Did you know that May is National Microchip Your Pet Month? 🐾

Here are a few reasons why microchipping is so important:

1. **Permanent Identification:** Unlike collars and tags, which can fall off or be removed, a microchip is implanted under your pet's skin and will stay with them for life.

2. **Easy Reunification:** If your pet ever goes missing they can be scanned at any shelter or veterinary office where the microchip will help staff retrieve your contact information. This makes it much easier to reunite you with your furry friend.

3. **Proof of Ownership:** In cases of disputes over ownership, a microchip can serve as proof that your pet belongs to you.

If your pet isn't already microchipped, May is the perfect time to do it! Contact your veterinarian to schedule an appointment. And if your pet is already microchipped, take a moment to contact the microchip company and ensure that your contact information is up to date.

Let's keep our furry friends safe and secure! 🐶🐱

05/08/2024

Happy National Receptionists Day!

❤ Today, we're celebrating our amazing receptionists, who are the friendly faces and voices that greet you when you call or visit us. A big shoutout to our fantastic trio - Addie and Monica who are at the main shelter front desk and Mackenzie, our animal control dispatcher! Thank you for your hard work, professionalism, and dedication to providing excellent service to the community every day. We appreciate all that you do! ❤

04/30/2024

🌟 **Attention Tri-Cities Residents!** 🌟

Just a friendly reminder about the new Richland Municipal Code 7.03.025, which outlines rules for selling animals within the City of Richland.

A. No person shall display, sell, deliver, offer for sale, barter, auction, give away, dispose, or advertise the availability of an animal upon any public property or upon private property open to the public.

B. For purposes of this section, public property shall include, but not be limited to, any city-owned real property, air space, or other interest in real estate, including streets, roads, alleys, or other public rights-of-way, owned by or controlled by the city of Richland. For purposes of this section, “private property open to the public” shall include but not be limited to any parking lot, sidewalk, and empty lot.

C. Nothing in this section shall permit the sale or harboring of a dangerous wild animal prohibited pursuant to RMC 7.03.355.

D. This section shall not apply to the sale of an animal that occurs:
1. On private property not open to the public;

2. At legally permitted pet shops and kennels; or

3. At or through any humane society, animal welfare society, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, or other nonprofit organization devoted to the welfare, protection, and humane treatment of animals and approved by the Tri-City animal control authority. [Ord. 2024-05 § 1].

04/24/2024

Shelter Capacity Update:

We want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who has opened their hearts and homes to our wonderful dogs recently. Your support means the world to us and makes all the difference in the lives of these deserving animals. Despite all the heartwarming adoptions we've had, the shelter has remained at full capacity for dogs due to consistent intakes.

Your continued support, whether through adoption, volunteering, or donations, is what keeps us going. Together, we are making a difference in the lives of these animals, and for that, we are incredibly grateful. If you're considering adding a furry friend to your family, please consider adopting from us. Every adoption opens up a space for another dog in need.

If you find a lost dog here are some steps to help you help them find their way home:

1. **Check for Identification:** Look for a collar with tags and have it scanned for a microchip. If the dog has ID, contact the owner immediately.
2. **No Identification? Ask Around:** Knock on doors in the area where you found the dog. Someone might recognize them and know where they belong.
3. **Post on Social Media:** Share a photo and description of the dog on local community groups or lost pet pages. This can help reach a larger audience quickly.
4. **Check the Lost and Found Website:** You can do this at www.animalsheltertc.com by going to the “Find a Missing Pet” tab where you can report the found animal and check local lost reports that have been filed to see if it has been reported as missing.
5. **Call the Shelter:** If you're considering bringing the animal to the shelter, please call ahead. This way, we can inform you whether we're able to accommodate the dog at that moment.
6. **Provide Temporary Shelter:** If you can safely contain the dog, provide temporary shelter in your home or a safe space (like a fenced yard) until the owner can be found.
7. **Don't Take More Than You Can Handle:** If you are unable to safely contain the dog should the shelter not be able to immediately take it in, it is advisable to not take the animal from its current location and make a call to animal control to report the situation.

Remember, your safety and the dog's well-being are top priorities. By following these steps, you can increase the chances of reuniting a lost dog with their family safely and effectively.

04/24/2024

Come join us, along with other local rescues and animal agencies, at Jenny's Hope adoption event this Saturday! We'll have a tail-wagging good time with several lovable shelter dogs ready to find their forever homes. Plus, animal control will be there with their vehicles for the kids to check out! Don't miss out on the fun.

04/19/2024

Meet Honorary Animal Control Officer Zigan!

04/18/2024

Meet Animal Control Officer Ferguson!

04/17/2024

Meet Animal Control Officer Marchbanks!

04/16/2024

Meet Animal Control Officer Faylor!

04/15/2024

Meet Animal Control Officer Jackson!

04/14/2024

🐾 **Celebrating Our Animal Control Officers!** 🐾

This week, we're honoring the incredible men and women who work tirelessly as animal control officers for our community. From rescuing stray pets to enforcing animal welfare laws, they play a crucial role in keeping our furry friends safe and cared for.

Our officers are more than just public servants; they're heroes with big hearts and unwavering dedication. They go above and beyond to ensure the well-being of animals in need, often facing challenging and dangerous situations with courage and compassion.

Join us in showing appreciation for our animal control officers for Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week. Whether it's a simple thank you or a gesture of kindness, let's recognize and celebrate these amazing individuals for their hard work and unwavering commitment to animal welfare.

04/12/2024

Have you checked out our Lost & Found Pet Map yet? City of Pasco Inspection Services has! Visit animalsheltertc.com to see how it works! 🐾

Have you heard about the Tri-Cities Animal Shelter new lost and found pet tool?

Check it out here: https://www.animalsheltertc.com/lost-found

04/11/2024

The Tri-Cities Animal Control Authority (TCACA) will be meeting this Thursday, April 11th at 5:30pm. The public is welcome to attend, the meeting will be held at Pasco City Hall in Council Chambers. Visit bit.ly/TCACA041124 to view the upcoming meeting agenda.
Scan the QR code to sign up and receive notifications for future TCACA meetings! 🐾

04/11/2024

🐾 Happy National Pet Day! 🐾

Today, we celebrate our beloved companions who bring so much joy into our lives. Whether they wag their tails or purr softly, our pets are cherished family members. If you're considering adding a new furry friend to your family, we invite you to visit the shelter and give a loving home to a pet in need.

Share a photo of your pet in the comments below and join us in spreading love for our animal companions today! ❤️🐶🐱

04/10/2024

Recent Stray Intakes

04/07/2024

Meet Kennel Staffer Jose!

04/06/2024

Meet Kennel Staffer Alli!

04/05/2024

Meet Kennel Staffer Griffin!

04/05/2024

New Stray Intakes

04/04/2024

🚨🆘 URGENT: SHELTER AT FULL DOG CAPACITY! 🚨🆘

Our shelter is currently at full dog capacity, with every dog kennel occupied plus additional pop up kennels. We are in desperate need of adoptions to make space for more animals in need. From adorable puppies to loving large dogs, we have a variety of amazing dogs waiting to find their forever homes.

If you've been considering adoption and have been watching a particular dog, now is the time to come in and make that difference. Your decision to adopt will not only change the life of the dog you bring home but also create space for us to help more animals in need within our community.

Please help us spread the word and let's find loving homes for these deserving pets! Visit us today and open your heart and home to a new furry family member. Thank you for your support!

04/04/2024

Meet Kennel Staffer Lilly!