Press release:

King County Executive Dow Constantine on Wednesday, Aug. 1 thanked the elected leaders of 25 local cities for their continued partnership, as he signed a series of interlocal agreements that keeps the regional model for animal services in place for another three years.

The cities include SeaTac and Tukwila.

“With renewal of these agreements, we are showing that regional cooperation works,” said Executive Constantine. “In partnership with cities and animal advocates throughout the region, we will keep working to continuously improve our delivery of affordable, sustainable, and humane animal care and control.”

Under the new agreements with Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC), cities will be assessed charges based 80 percent on their use of services and 20 percent on their population, instead of the previous formula that weighted the charges 50/50.

In addition, King County has redrawn the four animal control districts, and will staff each with at least one animal control officer seven days a week. The new contracts take effect January 1, 2013, and will run for three years.

“We all look forward to continuing to provide the quality service that the people and animals of King County deserve,” said Regional Animal Services Manager Gene Mueller, DVM. “By working together with our partner cities, we have built a solid base for continued success in the future.”

“Gene just came on board in June, and his wealth of experience has already paid off in the development of these agreements,” added Executive Constantine.

The Executive also thanked his Director of Regional Initiatives, Diane Carlson, for her work in negotiating the new agreements with the cities.

Since the regional model for animal services was created in 2010, RASKC has lowered its euthanasia rate to about 14 percent, and continues to work to reduce that number. In recognition of the increased focus on animal adoptions, the shelter facility in Kent was renamed the King County Pet Adoption Center in 2011. In addition, RASKC has built its volunteer base to include more than 500 dedicated animal lovers, as well as many new foster families.

Under the new agreements, Regional Animal Services of King County will provide animal control, animal sheltering, and pet licensing services to all of unincorporated King County, and the 25 cities of Beaux Arts, Bellevue, Black Diamond, Carnation, Clyde Hill, Covington, Duvall, Enumclaw, Issaquah, Kent, Kenmore, Kirkland, Lake Forest Park, Maple Valley, Mercer Island, Newcastle, North Bend, Redmond, Sammamish, SeaTac, Shoreline, Snoqualmie, Tukwila, Woodinville, and Yarrow Point.