Proposed design of the completed Elk Grove Animal Shelter. Photo Courtesy of Friends of Elk Grove Animal Shelter.

Since talk about building a shelter began in 2015, many have been waiting for the Elk Grove Animal Shelter (EGAS), located at Iron Rock Way and Union Park Way. The grand opening was scheduled for later this month, but will be pushed back to sometime in the fall. With new construction sites, grand opening dates are normally tentative and can often change. Kristyn Laurence, Public Affairs Manager, shared that weather played a role. “With the unusually long and wet winter in conjunction with unidentified utility conflicts, outside agency demands, and a variety of facility enhancements, the Animal Shelter’s grand opening is currently planned for Fall 2019,” she stated. Despite the delay, EGAS understands the need for services and has been working hard to ensure local animals are getting the care they need.

Current Services Being Offered

While the grand opening was postponed and the shelter is not open to the public yet, this does not mean it is not making an impact already. Lost and missing pets are getting helped and are able to be housed at the shelter. Staff there continue to provide licensing and can answer questions, such as those related to lost or missing pets, public nuisances, trapping of animals, and wildlife concerns. Laurence shared that all of this can be done “at the Elk Grove Police Department’s Animal Shelter Window at the Service Counter, 8400 Laguna Palms Way, Elk Grove, CA 95758.  Animal Service Window hours are 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 8:00 am – 7:00 pm Wednesdays, and closed on holidays.”

Support the Elk Grove Animal Shelter

How can the community get involved? As with many animal shelters, there are opportunities for Elk Grove citizens to be involved. Laurence shared that while an Animal Services Volunteer Coordinator was recently hired, the community’s support is still needed. More information is set to be shared as the grand opening date draws closer. In the meantime, blankets, towels, and gently used pet items are being accepted. Currently, they have two events coming up in the next few months. Their very first fundraiser, hosted by the Friends of Elk Grove Animal Shelter, will be a Prime Rib Dinner. It is scheduled for September 21, 2019 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Sacramento Asian Sports Foundation. The funds raised from this event will be used for critical medical treatments needed by shelter animals. Another benefit, the Elk Grove Dogtoberfest, is on Saturday, October 26 from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM at 9150 Union Park.

Support the Elk Grove Animal Shelter and get your tickets! Photo courtesy of Friends of Elk Grove Animal Shelter.

Services Available and Adoption Fees

The City Council recently adopted a fee schedule for animal adoptions, which includes:

• Age and species appropriate vaccinations (dogs: DHPP, Bordetella; Cats: FVRCP; rabies vaccination if over four months)
• One-year license for dogs and cats over four months (Elk Grove citizens only)
• Flea preventative
• Worm and parasite preventative
• Microchip
• Spay or neuter surgery

The upper adoption fee rate is the standard for adoptions and the schedule allows Animal Service staff to adjust rates to encourage adoption or avoid euthanasia.

Even though the shelter is not yet open, it is already making an impact on the lives of  local pets. More information on the new Elk Grove Animal Shelter or tickets to their Paws for Purpose is available at www.fegas.org. Their contact phone number is (916) 687-3042.