Shelton council hears proposal to contract shelter and animal-control services with local Humane Society

Shelton city leaders on Dec. 9 discussed a proposal from the Humane Society of Mason County (HSMC) to operate the city’s animal shelter and provide animal-control services under contract. The presentation laid out HSMC’s staffing, medical capabilities and a proposed financial partnership in which Shelton would cover about 70 percent of operating costs — roughly $202,000 annually — under an initial three-year agreement.

The discussion came during a study session focused on persistent staffing shortfalls, maintenance problems at the 902 West Pine shelter, and rising calls for service. City staff told council members they currently lack a permanent animal-control officer and rely on shelter technicians, part-time staff, police and code-enforcement personnel to respond to complaints. Council members heard that average shelter stays rose from about 15 days in 2024 to 48 days in 2025 and that two dogs had been in the facility for roughly a year.

Katherine Johnson, executive director of HSMC, described the organization as “a local…