Edmonds committee moves PAWS shelter agreement to consent agenda

The Edmonds City Council committee voted by consensus to place a renewal agreement with PAWS (Progressive Animal Welfare Society) on the consent agenda, formalizing PAWS as the local kennel option for stray and impounded animals.

Assistant Chief Sniffen told the committee the previous agreement had expired and the draft before the committee would reestablish PAWS as the city's contracted shelter. The draft agreement does not set license or impound fees; Sniffen said fee language will be addressed in separate partner agreements that follow city ordinance.

Sniffen said the city pays a flat charge of $268 when an animal is impounded and that owners who reclaim a pet pay $20. He said PAWS provides basic care and vaccination checks as part of the impound fee; staff have included provisions to reduce or waive fees for seniors and indigent residents.

Council Member Chris Eck said the proposed renewal matches past practice and moved that the agreement be sent to the consent agenda; Council President Neil agreed. No formal roll-call vote was recorded in committee.

Committee members noted the agreement allows the city to contract with other animal services if necessary and that the city previously used contracted services with neighboring jurisdictions. The draft before the committee does not change fee-setting authority, which the assistant chief said remains tied to the city's animal-control ordinance and future partner agreements.

The committee took no further action on fee amounts; staff said they will return with the separate fee/partner agreements for future committee or council consideration.