News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Cookeville-Putnam County Animal Shelter will increase several fees starting next fiscal year after the Animal Control Board approved the changes Friday.
Shelter Director Jennifer Hutchinson-Tracy said the shelter is dealing with increased costs.
“I really don’t want to increase adoption fees,” Hutchinson-Tracy said. “I’ve been trying to find a way to pull adoption fees down so I don’t want to go the other direction unless I absolutely have to. So, I’m looking more at our intake fees, our owner reclaim fees and changing up how we do cremations.”
Hutchinson-Tracy said the shelter will also begin offering pet euthanasia services for $50. Hutchinson-Tracy said the decision was made mainly to help cover costs. Hutchinson-Tracy said the shelter receives several owner requests for the service.
“I talked to the staff that are certified to do it, and as long as we don’t have the owner present while euthanasia is happening like in the room with the animal, then they are comfortable doing that, and I’m okay with that too,” Hutchinson-Tracy said.
Hutchinson-Tracy said intake and owner surrender fees would vary based on animal ages, vaccines and if it is fixed. Cremation prices vary in three stages based on the animals weight topping out at $150.
Cookeville City Administrator James Mills questioned fees to bring in a stray animal. “That would discourage people to bring strays in though,” Mills said.
Hutchinson-Tracy said said the fee does not seem to turn away people. Hutchinson-Tracy said far more animals are brought in by residents than by animal control workers.
The Animal Control Board also approved new hours for the animal shelter that will take place next fiscal year. The shelter will be open Monday- Saturday, 12:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. 12:00 p.m.- 6:00 p.m. om Tuesday and Thursday
