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Knox County animal shelter reports higher intakes early in 2026; adoption fee $120, capacity about 30–35 dogs
Summary
The county’s animal control officer reported monthly intake and outcome figures for January–March 2026, said the shelter is designed for about 30–35 dogs (can hold more in emergencies), and noted the adoption fee is $120; current census was 19 dogs available for adoption as of April 13, 2026.
The animal control officer (speaker 6) reported intake and outcome figures for January through March and the shelter’s current status.
For January the shelter took in 25 dogs (13 owner surrenders, 12 strays) and recorded 24 departures (10 adoptions, five euthanasias at owners' request). In February there were 42 intakes (21 owner surrenders, 17 strays, four seized or custody dogs) and 27 departures (13 adoptions, five euthanasias, one transfer to rescue). March saw 48 intakes (17 surrenders, 28 strays) and 45 departures (18 adoptions, eight euthanasias, three transferred to rescue). The officer said most euthanasias reported were at owners' request and noted one February euthanasia followed an attack on a veterinarian staff member.
The officer said the shelter was designed to house approximately 30 to 35 dogs, though in emergencies it can hold more — "probably 70, 80 dogs" in exceptional circumstances. He said the county adoption fee is $120 and that as of 12:00 p.m. on April 13 there were 19 dogs at the shelter, all available for adoption; five dogs on the adoption floor had been there more than 60 days. The officer also summarized citation activity by deputies for failure to confine, failure to register and other charges across the months reported.
Commissioners thanked the officer and the meeting continued; no formal policy or budget vote on shelter operations was recorded.
