The T. Russell Reitz Animal Shelter will begin a new partnership with Prairie Paws, an animal shelter in Ottawa, at the end of this month.
The transition notes a change in leadership where the shelter will no longer be under the City of Manhattan’s purview. Instead it will be privately run by Ottawa-based nonprofit Prairie Paws.
As the transition takes effect, Animal Services Director Brandon Sokol notes that expanded services to the Manhattan community will continue, with one of the primarily services being animal micro-chipping and pet licensing:
Along with micro-chipping and pet licensing, the animal shelter will continue low-cost spay-neuter, vaccination, and other services for the Manhattan Community.
Sokol says he believes the transition will prompt expanded community benefits:
The animal shelter is currently looking to give away a number of pet-related items including animal carriers, kennels, and other materials as it makes the transition. The shelter is also currently running a 50% off adoption fee on dogs in December, in an effort to free up space for more animals.
The decision to move from a city-run to private-run organization was unanimously approved by city commissioners in September. The three year contract totals $350,000 annually and about $13,000 in transition costs. It will take effect on January 1st.
