Evansville to pilot 'foster-to-adopt' and propose reclaim-fee changes at animal control; board voted unanimously

At the May 19 Evansville Common Council meeting a council member updated members on proposed changes at the city’s animal control operations, including a Foster-to-Adopt program and changes to reclaim periods and fees.

The council member said the Foster-to-Adopt proposal would allow people who choose to adopt an unspayed or unneutered dog or cat to take the animal home immediately rather than the pet remaining in shelter kennels for two to three weeks while awaiting surgery. The council member told the chamber that the Evansville Animal Care Control Board "did vote unanimously in favor of that on Friday."

The council member said the Foster-to-Adopt change will go to the Board of Public Works for a vote and that council will see related ordinance changes later in June. The item on reclaim-fee changes would set new holding periods and fee practices: four days for dogs, three days for cats and 24 hours for community cats, the council member said. She also said the proposal would allow first-time offenders to avoid reclaim fees if they agree to a voucher to spay or neuter the animal, a policy intended to reduce unwanted litters and free kennel space.

The mayor’s administration and the animal-control board were credited with advancing the proposals; the council member singled out Councilman Johnson for partnering on community supports, and mentioned Sarah Dower and a local rescue, Buddy's Promise, as partners in outreach. No formal vote by the Common Council occurred on these items at the May 19 meeting; the council member said the Board of Public Works will take up the Foster-to-Adopt item and council will consider the reclaim-fee ordinance later in June.

If adopted, staff said the changes are intended to free kennel capacity and reduce the number of unplanned litters entering the shelter system.