Animal control returns to city from KC Pet Project
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Outside of one of the KC Pet Project locations. Photo: Courtesy of KC Pet Project
Animal control is about to return to city management for the first time since 2020 after KCMO ended its contract with KC Pet Project.
Why it matters: The shift gives the city full control of animal ordinance enforcement, a change officials say will mean faster response times and clearer accountability.
The big picture: KC Pet Project, a no-kill shelter founded in 2011, has handled sheltering and enforcement for more than a decade. Starting July 30, the city's new Animal Services Division will take over enforcement while the nonprofit continues to run the shelter in Swope Park.
Between the lines: Residents asked for stronger enforcement and better communication during three city public feedback sessions and an online survey this spring.
- The city says it's hired management staff and is actively bringing on officers and dispatchers.
- A new community engagement liaison will lead outreach and education.
- Animal issues can still be reported to 311, and the myKCMO app will begin accepting complaints July 30.
By the numbers: The city will have 15 full-time animal control officers, with plans to expand to 18 employees total, including officers, specialists and supervisory staff, according to Lane Johnson, a spokesperson for the city of Kansas City.
- The projected annual budget for the new Animal Services Division is $2.8 million.
- Several KC Pet Project employees have accepted offers to join the city's team, Johnson said.
- A city survey found top concerns among 225 residents included neglect, dangerous dogs and access to spay and neuter services.
- Many cited slow response times and called for 24-hour coverage and stricter penalties for negligent owners.
Context: The nonprofit, now one of the largest animal welfare organizations in the region, took on animal control duties in 2020. But it faced criticism for slow response times and a drop in enforcement.
- A 2023 KCUR investigation found city officers issued 3,683 citations in the two years before the handoff, nearly twice as many as the 1,973 issued in the two years after.
What they're saying: "When you're in the business of doing regulatory enforcement, that can sometimes really be in conflict with the work of keeping people and pets together," KC Pet Project CEO Kate Meghji told Axios. "The city taking on enforcement and us focusing on keeping pets healthy and finding homes is exactly where we need to be."
- Mayor Quinton Lucas said in a statement the move ensures "humane treatment of animals … and continuing support of the exceptional shelter operations that KC Pet Project has provided for over a decade."
What's next: The City's Animal Services Division will operate from the Campus for Animal Care in Swope Park.
- Updates and FAQs go live on July 30 at kcmo.gov/animalservices.