Canine Shelter

The Benton County Canine Shelter in Washington State plays a crucial role in the lives of stray, abandoned, and neglected dogs. With a mission to provide shelter, safety, and ultimately, new homes for these animals, the shelter is an essential part of Benton County’s commitment to animal welfare. This article offers an in-depth look at the services provided by the Benton County WA Canine Shelter, its operational structure, adoption processes, and how you can help support this vital resource for both animals and the community.

Mission and Vision of Benton County Canine Shelter

The Benton County Canine Shelter's mission is clear: to provide shelter to displaced and abandoned dogs, and safety to those that have been abused or neglected. Located in Kennewick, Washington, the shelter works tirelessly to ensure that every dog gets the second chance they deserve. Their dedicated team not only cares for the animals but also educates the community on the importance of responsible pet ownership.

The shelter's vision revolves around compassion and honesty, emphasizing the importance of working closely with both the community and rescue organizations. They advocate for spaying and neutering to prevent overpopulation and use advanced technology to reunite lost pets with their owners and to promote adoptable dogs in their care.

What You Need to Know About Benton County WA Canine Shelter

Services Provided by Benton County Canine Shelter

The shelter is dedicated solely to stray or found dogs in unincorporated areas of Benton County. It does not accept owner-surrendered dogs, focusing exclusively on those that have been abandoned or lost. Here’s an overview of the key services provided:

Dog Adoptions
The shelter regularly holds dogs available for adoption. If you’re interested in adopting a pet, you can complete a Dog Adoption Questionnaire. The adoption fee of $95 includes essential services such as spaying or neutering (if necessary), rabies vaccination, seven-way health vaccination, and microchip identification. Check out the shelter’s Petango Shelter Page to see available dogs for adoption.

Lost and Found Dogs
If your dog is missing, you can report the loss to the shelter. They maintain a lost and found log to track reported pets. It is best for owners to come to the shelter in person to identify their lost dog. The shelter holds each animal for at least 72 hours, providing an opportunity for owners to claim their pets.

Stray Dog Intake
If you find a stray dog in the unincorporated areas of Benton County, you can bring it to the shelter. The shelter accepts animals only within these regions. They work closely with local citizens to help ensure that lost and found animals are well-cared for.

Animal Welfare
The shelter partners with the Benton County Sheriff’s Office for matters related to animal abuse and welfare checks. If you come across a situation involving animal neglect or abuse, you can report it directly to the Sheriff's Office for further investigation.

Benton County Canine Shelter Adoption Process

Adopting a dog from Benton County WA Canine Shelter is a straightforward process, but it requires careful consideration to ensure a good match between the dog and its new family. Here’s what to expect:

Complete the Adoption Questionnaire
Interested adopters must first fill out the Dog Adoption Questionnaire to express interest in adopting a pet. This form helps the shelter assess the adopter’s suitability for dog ownership.

Visit the Shelter
Once your application is approved, you can visit the shelter. This allows you to meet the dogs in person and get a better sense of their personalities and energy levels.

Finalize the Adoption
After selecting your pet, the adoption fee is paid, and the dog is prepared for its new home. The shelter will ensure that all vaccinations and treatments are up to date.

Home Check and Follow-Up
Some adoptions may include a home check, ensuring the environment is suitable for the dog. The shelter may also conduct follow-up calls to check on the wellbeing of the adopted dog.

How to Report a Lost Dog in Benton County

If your dog goes missing, Benton County Canine Shelter provides a lost and found log where you can report the loss. Here are the steps you should follow:

Call the Shelter: Notify the shelter immediately that your pet is lost.

Check the Lost and Found Log: Make sure to visit the shelter daily to check the log for any new entries.

Visit the Shelter: It is always best to come in person and search for your dog as animal descriptions can vary.

Stray Dogs: What to Do If You Find One

If you find a stray dog, it’s important to act quickly and responsibly. Follow these guidelines:

Report the Dog: If you find a dog within Benton County's unincorporated areas, report it to the shelter within three business days.

Care for the Dog Temporarily: If you decide to care for the dog while looking for its owners, remember to report it within three business days.

Don’t Bring In Dogs from Incorporated Areas: If the dog is found in an incorporated city like Kennewick or Richland, contact the respective city’s animal control program.

For stray dogs within city limits, Benton County Canine Shelter refers people to the appropriate local shelters:

Kennewick or Richland: Tri-Cities Animal Shelter
West Richland: City of West Richland Animal Control
Benton City: City of Benton City Code Enforcement/Animal Control Program
Prosser: City of Prosser Animal Control Department

How You Can Help Benton County Canine Shelter

The Benton County Canine Shelter is always in need of support from the community. There are several ways to help:

Monetary Donations: Financial support helps cover operational costs and provides care for the dogs. You can mail checks, money orders, or cashier’s checks made out to the Benton County Treasurer.

Donations of Supplies: The shelter accepts a variety of items, such as dry and canned puppy food, flea and tick medications, collars, leashes, and more. A full list of needed items is available on the shelter’s donation page.

Volunteer: Volunteering is a great way to get involved. If you’re interested in volunteering, you can fill out a volunteer application or contact the shelter for more information.

Benton County Canine Shelter Contact Information

For any inquiries, concerns, or to report a lost pet or animal abuse, you can contact the Benton County Canine Shelter at:

Phone: 509-460-4923
Address: 1116 N. Grant Place, Kennewick, WA 99336
Hours of Operation: Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Sunday)

If you need to report animal abuse or have a non-emergency animal control issue, contact the Benton County Sheriff's Office:

Non-Emergency Dispatch: 509-628-0333
Kennewick Office: 509-735-6555
Prosser Office: 509-786-5615
Fax: 509-783-5852
Address: 7122 W Okanogan Place, Suite A120, Kennewick, WA 99336

For any inquiries about local development or zoning issues in Benton County, you can contact the Benton County Community Development Department:

Phone: 509-786-5710 or 509-783-1310

Address: 620 Market Street, Prosser, WA 99350

Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed for lunch from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM)

Benton County Canine Shelter FAQs

What is the Adoption Process at Benton County Canine Shelter?

Adopting a dog from the Benton County Canine Shelter involves several steps to ensure the best match between the animal and potential owners. First, interested individuals must complete the Dog Adoption Questionnaire, which helps the shelter assess your readiness for dog ownership. After approval, you will be able to visit the shelter and interact with the dogs. Once you've chosen a dog, you will pay an adoption fee of $95, which covers essential services such as spaying or neutering, vaccinations, and microchipping. Follow-up calls and home checks may be conducted to ensure a smooth transition for the dog into its new home.

How Can I Report a Lost Dog?

If your dog is missing, you can report it to the shelter. Benton County Canine Shelter keeps a lost and found log that is updated regularly. It is advisable to visit the shelter in person to check for your pet, as descriptions can sometimes be subjective. The shelter holds each animal for a minimum of 72 hours to allow owners a chance to claim their pets. If unclaimed after 72 hours, dogs are made available for adoption.

What Should I Do If I Find a Stray Dog?

If you come across a stray dog in the unincorporated areas of Benton County, you should report it to the shelter within 3 business days. The shelter can only accept dogs found in these areas, so it is important to act promptly. If you choose to care for the dog while searching for its owner, you still need to notify the shelter within the required timeframe. For stray dogs found within the city limits of incorporated cities like Kennewick or Richland, please refer to the Tri-Cities Animal Shelter or the respective local animal control programs.

Can I Volunteer at the Benton County Canine Shelter?

Yes, the shelter welcomes volunteers to support its efforts. Whether you're helping with the dogs or contributing in other ways, your involvement is valuable. To get started, you can fill out the volunteer application or contact the shelter directly via email at Canine.Shelter@co.benton.wa.us.

How Can I Support the Benton County Canine Shelter?

There are multiple ways to help the Benton County Canine Shelter, from donations of supplies and food to financial contributions. The shelter has a list of needed items, such as dry and canned food, flea medications, and toys for dogs. You can drop off donations during business hours or make monetary donations by check or cashier’s check payable to Benton County Treasurer. Your support directly impacts the welfare of the shelter animals.