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Lewis County on Thursday issued a list of questions and and answers regarding its plans for a new location for the Lewis County Animal Shelter.
The county purchased the former Washington State Employees Credit Union (WSECU) building in Chehalis in 2022 with the intent to relocate the county’s existing animal shelter from its Centralia-Alpha Road to the site, which is located at 2015 Northeast Kresky Ave.
“After careful consideration, officials have determined it is in the public’s best interest to amend those plans,” the county stated in the news release.
Below are list of questions and answers about the animal shelter project as provided by Lewis County in a news release:
Why has Lewis County scrapped plans to turn the old credit union into an animal shelter?
“Lewis County purchased the WSECU site at 2015 Northeast Kresky Ave. in Chehalis in 2022. At the time, it appeared that converting the credit union into an animal shelter would offer considerable savings compared to constructing a new building. However, renovation costs exceeded expectations, and the county determined it would be prudent to pivot. The county is now considering alternatives, including use of a neighboring site (the 2025 Northeast Kresky building Community Development is vacating). That site will be further evaluated after Community Development moves to its new location kitty-corner from the Historic Lewis County Courthouse in August.”
If not an animal shelter, what will the former credit union site be used for?
“Though the county determined the former credit union building would not be a cost-effective site for an animal shelter, officials have found another use for it. The site is being transformed into a permanent night-by-night shelter to provide emergency overnight housing — as well as showers and meals — to those in need. The site’s location — along a well-traveled link between Chehalis and Centralia — provides easy access to emergency services and public transportation.”
Is the county still planning to construct a new animal shelter?
“Yes, the county is still working on plans for a new shelter. Lewis County needs to increase capacity and provide modernized, animal-friendly accommodations. The current shelter, a 5,000-square-foot building at 560 Centralia-Alpha Road, was built more than 40 years ago, when Lewis County’s population was roughly 54,000. Since then, the county’s population has ballooned to more than 84,000, yet the shelter’s capacity has remained unchanged.”
Where will the new animal shelter building be built?
“The county is now considering alternatives, including use of a neighboring site (the 2025 Northeast Kresky building Community Development is vacating). That site will be further evaluated after Community Development moves to its new location — kitty-corner from the Historic Courthouse — in August.”
What happened to the donated animal shelter funds used to purchase the building?
“The funds used to purchase the Kresky building were reimbursed to the animal shelter donation fund after the decision was made to use the building as a night-by-night homeless shelter instead of an animal shelter.”
Is the county still accepting donations toward a new building?
“The county welcomes — and appreciates — donations toward the construction of a new animal shelter. For details on how to donate, call 360-740-1290.”
What should I do if I can no longer take care of my pet?
“If you are no longer able to care for your dog or cat, call the Lewis County Animal Shelter at 360-740-1290. Due to limited capacity, you may be placed on a waiting list. Your animal will be assessed before it is accepted. The animal shelter is only able to accept animals that are adoptable. It cannot accept animals that are aggressive, animals that have bitten a person, or animals that have attacked other animals. The animal shelter also cannot accept animals that have extensive medical needs. The Lewis County Animal Shelter is not able to provide veterinary services or care.”
What should I do if I find a stray animal?
“Each city is required to provide animal control services within its jurisdiction. If you live within the city limits of one of Lewis County’s incorporated cities and towns of Centralia, Chehalis, Morton, Mossyrock, Napavine, Toledo, Vader, Winlock or Pe Ell, contact the city. If you live outside of city limits, contact the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office at 360-748-9286. Please note that the Lewis County Animal Shelter is not able to provide animal control services and is not able to pick up animals in the field.”
