KC Pet Project runs the city’s animal control. Here’s how the unique arrangement came to be
KC Pet Project is a nonprofit animal welfare group with a strong reputation in Kansas City. You might know them from their adoption or fundraising events, which often feature adorable animals seeking permanent homes.
But the organization’s role has expanded in recent years to absorb vital city services like animal control—a division currently causing controversy in Kansas City government.
The mayor and police chief are in disagreement about who should be executing search warrants for situations of animal abuse or neglect. It’s the latest spat between the two over what situations police should respond to, and there’s another layer when you factor in that the job of animal control has been privatized and put in the hands of the Pet Project.
How has the role of KC Pet Project evolved in Kansas City, and why is a nonprofit providing city services? Here’s a look back.
2011: The KC Pet Project was founded by volunteers and animal welfare enthusiasts to run the city’s “dog pound”—a building nearly 50 years old originally intended to house the equipment used to build Arrowhead Stadium.
2012: KCPP officially took over the “dog pound” from city animal control employees. The group reduced the overall euthanasia rates for animals in the facility from over 60% to under 10%, and earned “No-Kill” status in its first six months of operation.
2017: Kansas City voters passed a measure that funded a new animal shelter to replace the “dog pound” building, which was in poor condition and too small for the city’s needs. The measure allocated $10 million in donations and $18 million of city money to build the KC Campus for Animal Care.
2019: Several audits showed that Kansas City’s animal control division was failing to properly enforce city ordinances, suffering from “poor communication and lack of trust.” City Council voted in August to turn animal control services over to the KC Pet Project.
2020: Construction on the KC Campus for Animal Care was completed, and the new shelter officially opened on Jan. 1, 2020. The Pet Project also operates 13 other adoption centers around the city. On Dec, 1, 2020, KC Pet Project officially took over animal control services for the city of Kansas City.
Today: The Animal Services Division of KC Pet Project now acts as the city’s animal control department. It employs fifteen officers who work to reconnect lost pets with their owners, investigate allegations of animal abuse and neglect, handle emergencies like animal bites and aggressive behavior, perform community outreach and other services.
If you see an animal who may be lost, in distress, behaving aggressively, or experiencing abuse, call 311 to report it to the city. You can also fill out this online form for non-emergency reports. For animal-related emergencies, call 911.
Do you have more questions about city services in Kansas City? Ask the Service Journalism team at kcq@kcstar.com.
.jpg)