Canine Shelter

This page orients Benton County, Washington residents to the services, procedures, and points of contact connected with the Benton County WA Canine Shelter. It explains how the shelter, Animal Control, and regional partners work together; outlines what residents should do in common scenarios such as finding or losing a dog; and clarifies when to call which office. Every section below focuses on practical steps and official channels that help dogs return home safely, support responsible ownership, and maintain public safety across the county.

Understand how Benton County’s canine services fit together

Benton County’s approach to stray and owned-dog issues relies on coordinated roles. The county’s Canine Shelter attends to the custody and care of dogs that enter public care, while Animal Control enforces animal-related ordinances, responds to complaints, and facilitates impound or return-to-owner processes when warranted. In addition, regional sheltering for the Tri-Cities area operates out of Pasco, serving the cities of Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland, which interact closely with residents of Benton County. Law-enforcement support for public-safety situations supplements these services with non-emergency response routing. Each office exists for a reason, and understanding that division of responsibilities helps you resolve a situation faster.

When you take the right first step—whether that means contacting Animal Control about a roaming dog, checking shelter custody for a lost pet, or seeking guidance on a nuisance issue—you reduce delays and help the team place the right resources in motion. The sections that follow break down those first steps in detail.

Start in the right place: choose the correct official channel

Use the shelter page to confirm custody and care details

If a dog may be in county custody, begin on the Benton County Canine Shelter page for current, official information on the shelter’s role, processes, and how dogs enter or leave care. This is the authoritative destination for Benton County’s canine shelter function and should be your first stop to understand what the shelter does and how it engages with residents. Visit the county’s Canine Shelter page to orient yourself.

Turn to Animal Control for enforcement and field response

Complaints involving dogs at large, bite incidents, potentially dangerous dog compliance, or persistent nuisance behavior generally start with Animal Control. Officers investigate, apply county code, and determine whether a dog should be impounded, returned, or cited. They also coordinate with the shelter when custody is necessary. For official guidance on what Animal Control covers and how to proceed in your situation, review Animal Control information.

Know the regional shelter resource that serves the Tri-Cities

For residents in and around Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland, the regional shelter facility provides public-facing services such as reclaims and adoptions for the tri-city area. If your situation involves a dog found or lost within those city limits—or a dog that may have been transferred there—consult the Tri-Cities Animal Services site for location-specific sheltering and service information.

Use law-enforcement non-emergency dispatch only for safety-related routing

When an animal situation intersects with public safety—ongoing aggressive behavior, a dog obstructing traffic, or a developing neighborhood hazard—non-emergency dispatch can route the call appropriately. Keep this channel in reserve for safety-related matters that are neither life-threatening nor suitable for routine administrative questions, so public-safety communications stay open for urgent needs.

Reclaim your dog: move quickly and follow verification steps

If your dog is missing and you believe it may be in custody, act quickly. The faster you make a positive identification and present proof of ownership, the sooner staff can process a return.

Start by reviewing the county’s shelter information to understand custody processes, then determine whether Animal Control impounded your dog from the field or whether it was brought in by a member of the public. If your dog was picked up by Animal Control, officers will have created an incident record that ties to the eventual shelter intake. If your dog came through a city jurisdiction in the Tri-Cities, the regional shelter’s intake may be the relevant point of contact.

When you go to reclaim, bring materials that make ownership unmistakable:

Government-issued identification that matches the owner’s name.

Proof of ownership such as a license tag number, microchip registration, veterinary records, rabies certificate, or dated photos that clearly show distinguishing features.

Any documentation related to a recent move or name change that explains differences between paperwork and your current identification.

Expect that staff will review documents, confirm identity, and verify legal requirements such as licensing and vaccination compliance. These steps protect both the public and the animal by ensuring dogs return to their rightful homes with required safeguards in place. If your dog’s situation involves an Animal Control case (for example, a bite investigation or a dangerous-dog determination), you may be given additional instructions tied to that case.

Found a stray dog: stabilize, document, and report through official channels

Encountering a stray dog is common, and your actions in the first few minutes matter. The goals are to protect safety, prevent the dog from wandering further, and notify the right authorities so the owner can be located.

Stabilize safely. If the dog is calm and approachable, secure it with a leash in a fenced yard or vehicle. Avoid risky handling and do not attempt to break up fights or chase a fearful dog into traffic.

Document identifiers. Check for a collar, tag, license number, or microchip identification if you have the ability to scan at a nearby veterinary office. Take clear photos showing distinguishing marks and note the time and location where you found the dog.

Report promptly. For dogs found in Benton County, report the situation to Animal Control using official channels described on the county’s Animal Control page. If you are within the Tri-Cities, report to the regional shelter facility noted above so the intake team can search lost reports and coordinate a swift owner match.

Follow guidance on hold or transfer. Depending on your location and circumstances, you may be instructed to bring the dog to the appropriate shelter facility or to hold the animal briefly while an officer responds. Always follow the direction provided by the official agency so records, custody, and owner notifications align.

Acting through official channels builds a verifiable trail that allows staff to cross-match lost and found reports, reach owners, and reduce duplicate efforts.

Lost your dog: create a clear record and search in the correct places

When your dog goes missing, create a formal lost record and check the right facilities. Start with Animal Control to file a lost report that includes recent photos, a description, microchip or license numbers, and the last known location and time. Search county shelter custody and, if you live in or near the Tri-Cities, check the regional shelter facility as well. If your dog is licensed or microchipped, ensure your contact information is current with the registries you use so calls do not go unanswered.

Search in person when advised to do so, bringing proof of ownership, and be ready to visit more than once if your dog was not present during the first check. Shelter populations change daily, and rapid follow-up is often decisive in reuniting families with their pets.

Adoption pathways and what to expect from official facilities

Adoption services in the Tri-Cities region are delivered through the regional facility, which maintains custody, care, and public access for adoptable dogs. Adoptions proceed according to the facility’s stated processes, which typically include application, identification, and any legal requirements such as licensing at the time of adoption. Because policy and availability evolve, verify current steps and required documents using the Tri-Cities Animal Services site before you visit. For county-impounded dogs that originate in unincorporated areas, Animal Control coordinates with shelter partners to determine outcomes consistent with public safety and animal welfare.

If you are considering adoption, prepare by thinking through the dog’s exercise needs, your housing situation, and neighborhood rules. Official facilities prioritize placements that are stable and compliant with local ordinances, and arriving prepared helps staff match you to a dog whose temperament and energy are a good fit.

Complaint types and when Animal Control becomes the lead

Residents frequently ask whether a specific situation belongs with Animal Control or another office. These examples can help you route your concern correctly:

Dogs at large. Dogs roaming without restraint present safety issues for traffic, people, and other animals. Animal Control investigates, attempts to locate owners, and may impound a dog when necessary.

Bites or aggressive behavior. Reports of bites initiate a public-health and safety review that may include quarantine or a dangerous-dog determination. Officers manage the casework and any related custody or compliance steps.

Chronic nuisance issues. Repeated violations—such as ongoing noise or repeated at-large incidents—are addressed through progressive enforcement, which may include warnings, citations, or conditions placed on ownership.

Public-safety concerns that raise immediate risk but are not life-threatening may be routed through non-emergency dispatch for appropriate response. When in doubt, begin with Animal Control’s official guidance and follow the instructions you receive.

Licensing, identification, and vaccinations: reduce the chance of separation

From the county’s perspective, licensing and identification are not paperwork for paperwork’s sake—they drastically improve the odds of a quick return if your dog gets out. A current license tag helps officers contact you without delay. A registered microchip adds backup identification that works even if a collar slips off. Rabies vaccination certificates document public-health compliance and may be required for reclaims or adoptions. While individual requirements can vary with location or case, having these in order means fewer obstacles if your dog ever enters public custody.

Keep copies of records in a safe place and on your phone. If you move, update contact information with licensing and microchip registries. Clear records save time for you and for the officials working to reunite dogs with their owners.

What to bring when you visit a shelter or meet Animal Control

Preparing before you leave home helps your visit go smoothly:

Identification and proof of ownership. Government ID, microchip details, license number, recent veterinary records, and dated photographs demonstrating unique markings or features.

Documentation of compliance. Rabies certificate and license documentation, along with any prior orders or conditions if your case involved a dangerous-dog designation.

Payment method if fees apply. While fee structures vary by case and location, having a payment method on hand allows same-day processing where permitted.

A secure leash and collar or crate. When reclaiming a dog, bring appropriate equipment so you can safely transport your pet home.

Check official shelter and Animal Control pages for the latest instructions before you go, and follow any case-specific directions you receive from officers.

How agencies coordinate across the county and region

The process of taking in stray or impounded dogs and moving them toward an outcome depends on coordinated actions among several offices:

Field response and enforcement. Animal Control receives complaints, determines whether a dog is at large or poses a hazard, and decides on impound or owner return consistent with county code.

Custody and care. When a dog enters public custody, the shelter facility ensures housing, care, and tracking so owners can be identified and contacted.

Case management. If an incident involves public-safety concerns (such as bites), case management may include quarantine periods, hearings, or conditions on ownership.

Regional integration. In the Tri-Cities, the regional shelter facility manages public-facing services. Benton County residents living in or near Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland may interact with this facility when dogs are found, transferred, or adopted within city limits.

This system depends on clear records and adherence to official steps. By reporting through official pages and visiting the correct facility, you help keep dogs, owners, and neighborhoods safe.

Policy highlights residents frequently ask about

While specific ordinances are addressed on official county channels, several policy themes come up often:

Stray-hold timelines and owner notification. Shelters work to locate owners using licenses, microchips, and reports. Providing accurate, current contact information is essential.

Dangerous-dog determinations. After bite incidents or serious aggression, formal determinations may impose conditions such as muzzling, secure confinement, or liability insurance. These processes run through Animal Control, which provides guidance on compliance.

Reclaim conditions. Dogs returning to owners typically must meet legal requirements, such as up-to-date rabies vaccination and license compliance. Officers or shelter staff will advise you of any steps needed before release.

Public-health safeguards. Quarantine or observation after bite incidents protects community health and is handled through official channels with clear timelines and documentation.

If your situation involves any of these themes, contact the relevant office listed below for official, case-specific direction.

Prepare your household: prevention that keeps dogs safe

A few preventative measures dramatically reduce the chance that your dog enters public custody:

Secure fencing and gates. Repair loose boards, latch gates, and confirm that digging under the fence isn’t possible. A few minutes spent on maintenance can prevent costly and stressful escapes.

Up-to-date identification. Keep tags on the collar and verify microchip registration information after any move or phone-number change.

Walking routines. Use a sturdy leash, and consider reflective gear at night to keep both you and your dog visible.

Visitor awareness. Let contractors, landscapers, and guests know a dog is present and should not be allowed to bolt through doors or gates.

These steps minimize risk, limit nuisance calls in your neighborhood, and keep Animal Control resources available for true emergencies.

If you witness a developing safety concern involving a dog

Situations that involve ongoing, potentially hazardous behavior—such as a dog actively obstructing traffic lanes or a pattern of escalating aggression—are handled best when routed promptly to the correct office. Provide a clear description of the location, the behavior, and any identifiers you observed. Do not put yourself at risk to capture photos or video; your safety comes first. Officials may combine your report with other recent calls to form a complete picture of what is happening and to determine whether enforcement action or custody is warranted.

When your case involves more than one jurisdiction

It is common for a dog to cross city boundaries or for an incident to occur near the county–city line. In those cases, staff determine the appropriate jurisdiction for investigation and custody. If you filed a report with one office and are referred to another, follow through promptly and reference the original report number if provided. Coordinated casework depends on accurate cross-referencing, and your timely follow-up helps keep the process moving.

Planning your visit: courteous conduct supports quick service

Shelter and Animal Control staff handle sensitive, emotional cases daily. A few habits make your visit more productive:

Arrive prepared. Have your identification and documents ready, and keep your phone available for verification calls if needed.

Follow posted instructions. Signs about where to wait, how to proceed, or which door to use exist to protect animals and people.

Be mindful of noise and movement. Dogs in public custody may be stressed; calm, respectful behavior reduces their anxiety and keeps everyone safe.

Ask questions early. If you’re unsure about the next step, ask staff before proceeding. Clarity saves time for everyone.

Even when a case is difficult, professional courtesy and clear communication make a measurable difference.

Use official pages to stay current

Procedures evolve as laws are updated and as facilities improve operations. For that reason, always confirm the latest guidance before you travel. The Canine Shelter page, Animal Control information, and the Tri-Cities Animal Services site are your primary, authoritative references for current instructions on custody, reclaims, adoptions, and field enforcement within Benton County and the Tri-Cities.

Contact directory for Benton County WA Canine Shelter–related services

Benton County Canine Shelter — 1116 N. Grant Place, Kennewick, WA 99336 — 509-460-4923

Benton County Animal Control — 620 Market Street, Prosser, WA 99350 — 509-786-5710 or 509-783-1310

Tri-Cities Animal Services (Pasco / Kennewick / Richland) — 1311 S 18th Ave, Pasco, WA 99301 — 509-545-3740

Benton County Sheriff’s Office (Non-Emergency Dispatch) — 7122 W. Okanogan Place, Benton County Justice Center, Kennewick, WA 99336 — 509-628-0333

Benton County Canine Shelter FAQs

Can someone else reclaim my dog on my behalf?

Yes—an owner may designate an agent to complete a reclaim when they cannot appear in person. Expect to provide a signed, dated authorization naming the specific person, a copy of the owner’s government-issued ID, and sufficient ownership documentation so county staff can verify the record matches the dog in custody. The agent should arrive prepared to meet any legal release requirements identified by county staff (e.g., proof of current licensing or vaccination compliance) and to sign acknowledgments tied to the case number provided by the county.

How are “evidence” or quarantine holds managed during investigations?

If a dog is subject to a legal hold tied to an Animal Control case or public-health observation, release occurs only after the responsible officer or authorized county authority lifts the hold. While the dog is held, the case status is updated in official records; owners receive instructions outlining conditions that must be satisfied before release. Storage or board fees may accrue according to the county’s adopted schedule until the hold is cleared and required steps are met.

How do I request official records related to a shelter intake or Animal Control case?

Records of intakes, outcomes, and enforcement actions are public records unless restricted by law. You may submit a formal public records request under the Washington Public Records Act (RCW 42.56) using the county’s designated public records portal or form; specify the dog’s description, date ranges, and any known case or intake numbers to expedite processing. Response timelines, permissible exemptions, and release formats follow state law and county policy. Washington Public Records Act (RCW 42.56)

How are fees assessed, and can they be reviewed or appealed?

Fees associated with impound, board, licensing, or enforcement are set by county code or resolution and applied based on the official case record. If you believe a fee was assessed in error or you’re seeking a waiver where permitted, follow the county’s stated review or appeal process—typically by submitting a written request that references the case or intake number and includes supporting documents. Decisions are made by the appropriate county authority in accordance with adopted policy.