The City of Pasco will take over temporary daily operations of the Tri-City Animal Shelter as the Benton-Franklin Humane Society transitions out of the facility's emergency management. The last official day of the Humane Society's management duties of the Shelter will be Friday, July 15. As part of the transition to the City-managed operation, the Shelter will be closed from July 15 to Monday, July 25 to the public; however, adoptions will be available by appointment (available pets can be viewed at petango.com). Animal surrenders and redemptions will also be accepted daily from 11 am to 4 pm.
The priority of staff at the Shelter during this interim time between permanent management groups will continue to be the health and welfare of the animals of the Tri-Cities. The City is finalizing the hiring of 14 temporary City employees as Shelter staff and will have them in place to ensure a smooth transition.
Request for Proposals for permanent management of the Shelter and Animal Control Services are being accepted through August 5, with a new Animal Shelter facility scheduled to break ground in November.
"The City will be ready to serve the community by providing quality Animal Control care while we search for a permanent group," said City Manager Dave Zabell. "As the Benton-Franklin Humane Society transitions out of the Shelter, we want to thank them for their hard work, dedication, and continued cooperation. Their dedication to the animals of our community during the emergent situation has not gone unnoticed."
The City of Pasco strives to continue improving the quality of life in the community.