GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Facing higher operating costs, the Kent County Animal Shelter will raise some of its fees.
The Kent County Board of Commissioners on Thursday approved a new fee schedule, which will take effect March 1, according to a release from the shelter.
KCAS says the schedule changes — the first since 2013 — are necessary to "better align with operating costs."
“Many of these fees have not been adjusted in over a decade,” KCAS Director Angela Hollinshead said in a statement. “In that time, the costs for food, veterinary care and staff wages have all increased.”
The new schedule includes a higher adoption fee for cats over four months old ($20 rather than $5), a flat fee schedule for neutering or spaying instead of a weight-based fee, a higher fee for owner surrender animals ($35 rather than $25) and a new $20 fee for adopting livestock. The $130 dog adoption fee will not change, according to the release.
KCAS says the new fee schedule will generate an additional $10,700 each year. For a full list of changes, click here.