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Board backs proposal to charge $25 owner‑surrender fee and to seek regional agreement with King and Queen
Summary
Shelter staff proposed a $25 owner‑surrender fee to offset intake costs; the board conditionally approved pursuing the fee while asking staff to present it to partner King and Queen County and to coordinate regional implementation.
King William County shelter staff proposed adding an owner‑surrender fee of $25 (with hardship exceptions) to help offset intake and vaccination costs at the regional animal shelter. The board expressed support but asked staff to coordinate implementation with King and Queen County, which participates in the regional shelter.
Shelter staff provided intake‑cost data: excluding spay/neuter and additional medical treatment, the estimated intake cost for one cat (vaccines, flea/tick prevention, basic testing) is about $65.91; staff reported 116 owner‑surrendered cats year‑to‑date and said a $25 surrender fee would offset some but not all intake costs. Staff also described existing reclaim fees of $25 for the first night and $15 for each additional night for reclaimed strays.
The board discussed regional consistency; members asked whether King and Queen would adopt a similar fee. Supervisors moved to approve the policy with the caveat that staff present it to King and Queen County and coordinate regional adoption. Staff said exceptions (domestic violence, disaster, other hardship) would be codified at the discretion of the shelter director.
The board approved the conditional motion and directed staff to provide the finalized ordinance language and implementation guidance to King and Queen officials for parallel consideration.
