Information

Type: Deliberation

Department: PHSS - Public Health & Social Services

Directors' Update: Jan. 28, 2026

Business Meeting: Feb. 3, 2026

Summary:

The current adoption fees at the Lewis County Animal Shelter were established by Resolution #25-312. The adoption fee for an adult dog (over the age of 6 months) is $230 and includes a mandatory spay/neuter, vaccinations, and microchip implant.

With a large number of adult dogs currently available for adoption, it is proposed to temporarily reduce the adoption fees to $100 effective February 10, 2026, through February 14, 2026, with the adoption fee returning to $230 thereafter.

Publications:

Cover Letter To:

Additional Copies To: Kendra Garrison, Meja Handlen, John Abplanalp, Brian Warren

Resolution

WHEREAS, Resolution 25-312 establishes a Categorized Schedule of Fees for the Lewis County Code Titles 5, 8, 12, 15, 16, 17, and 18, which includes the adoption fees at the Lewis County Animal Shelter; and

WHEREAS, the adoption fee for an adult dog (over the age of 6 months) is $230 and includes a mandatory spay/neuter, vaccinations, and microchip implant; and

WHEREAS, the Lewis County Animal Shelter currently has a large number of adult dogs available for adoption; and

WHEREAS, temporarily reducing the adoption fee to $100 for adult dogs may help increase the number of adoptions; and

WHEREAS, the temporary fee reduction is effective February 10, 2026, through February 14, 2026, with the adoption fee returning to $230 thereafter; and

WHEREAS, it appears to be in the best public interest to temporarily reduce the adoption fees for adult dogs at the Lewis County Animal Shelter.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) hereby reduces the Lewis County Animal Shelter adoption fee to $100 for adult dogs (over the age of 6 months) effective February 10, 2026, through February 14, 2026, with the adoption fee returning to $230 thereafter.

DONE IN OPEN SESSION this 3rd day of February, 2026.