County animal shelter waives fee to encourage adoptions after reaching capacity
TAYLOR INMAN | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 3 years, 2 months AGO
Dakota, a large chocolate Labrador/mix, looks out from his cage at the Flathead County Animal Shelter in this file photo.
REPORTER AND PODCAST HOST Taylor Inman covers Bigfork and the north shore of Flathead Lake for the Bigfork Eagle and the Daily Inter Lake. Her reporting focuses on local government, community issues and the people who shape life in Northwest Montana. Inman began her journalism career at Murray State University’s public radio newsroom and later reported for WKMS, where her work aired on National Public Radio. In addition to reporting, she hosts and contributes to Daily Inter Lake podcasts including News Now. Her work connects listeners and readers with the stories shaping communities across the Flathead Valley. IMPACT: Taylor’s work expands local journalism through both traditional reporting and digital storytelling. | May 3, 2023 12:00 AM
The Flathead County Animal Shelter is at capacity and encouraging adoptions by waiving fees.
Flathead County Public Information Officer Kim Grieser said in an email the shelter has been teetering on reaching capacity for a while. It’s a no-kill shelter, and currently has 42 dogs with no open kennels.
Grieser said animal shelter officials have reported more people surrendering their dogs due to rising costs.
“With prices skyrocketing for essentials like food and medicine for pets, to people losing shelter themselves, we’re grateful people would rather surrender than totally abandon [their pets],” Grieser said in an email.
For a limited time the shelter is waiving their $100 adoption fee. There will still be a $45 charge for a lifetime county license.
All adopted dogs and puppies have vaccinations for distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, parainfluenza, and Bordetella. They have their one-year rabies vaccination if they are three-months of age or older, age-appropriate heartworm test and parasite prevention, sterilization surgery, microchip implants and a free veterinary exam certificate for participating clinics.
For more information about the shelter, the dogs or adoption, call the shelter at 406-752-1310. See photos of adoptable pets at www.flathead.mt.gov/department-directory/animal/adoptions
Reporter Taylor Inman can be reached at 406-758-4433 or by emailing [email protected].
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