This is a press release from the Bothell Police Department.

Beginning on Jan. 1 the Everett Animal Shelter will provide sheltering services for lost and stray animals found in the city of Bothell. The city previously contracted with PAWS to provide sheltering services.

“The Everett Animal Shelter is a modern, well-staffed facility and provides excellent care for lost and stray animals, at a reduced cost to residents,” said Denise Nielsen with the Bothell Police Department.  “We are pleased to begin partnering with them and believe they will provide outstanding care and consideration to animals from the city of Bothell.”

Starting in January, residents who find a lost or abandoned animal or have an animal to surrender within the city limits of Bothell can take it directly to the Everett Animal Shelter, located at 333 Smith Island Road in Everett.

Residents are encouraged to first call 9-1-1 to contact the Bothell Police Department’s animal control officer, who may be able to locate a microchip or other identifying information on the animal and return it  directly to the owner.

Bothell residents are strongly encouraged to license their pets. Last year, more than 150 lost and stray animals from Bothell were taken to the shelter. The likelihood of having a lost pet returned to an owner is greatly increased if the animal is licensed.

Another benefit of licensing is the amount of time an animal is held at the shelter. Licensed pets are held for 10-days whereas unlicensed pets are held for 72-hours before they can be put up for adoption. Residents have the option of licensing their pets on-line at PetData, by phone or mail, and also in person at Bothell City Hall.

The Everett Shelter, built in 2009, offers clean, comfortable housing to more than 6,000 lost or abandoned animals every year. The shelter’s on-site veterinary clinic provides medical services for shelter pets, including spaying and neutering. More than 300 volunteers donate their time and energy to help care for shelter pets as they wait to be adopted into their permanent homes.

Everett Animal Shelter has many adoptable animals, including cats, dogs, rabbits and guinea pigs, waiting for new homes. All adoptable cats and dogs are microchipped, spayed or neutered, and have received vaccinations, deworming and flea treatments.

The shelter is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day, except holidays.