Benton Co. opens $1.4M canine shelter expansion. Take a look
There’s now more room in the Tri-Cities for dogs in need.
The Benton County Canine Shelter opened a new part of its facility at 1116 Grant Place in Kennewick on Tuesday after completing renovations, giving it nearly double the space. It serves displaced, abandoned, abused and neglected dogs from unincorporated parts of the county.
The $1.4 million expansion adds a second building on the property in Kennewick, bringing the total space to about 5,500 square feet on the 1-acre lot. The original building was also completely renovated.
The facility has around 40 general use kennels, 13 kennels for dangerous dogs, four puppy rooms and quarantine rooms, and 17 covered outdoor kennels.
The expansion nearly doubles the number of kennels available, with a total of 60 to 70 units for strays, medical intakes, quarantines, puppies and dangerous dogs. The shelter previously had 16 kennels and two puppy rooms.
Dogs will be moved to the outdoor kennels to get fresh air and to temporarily house them during indoor cleaning. They also go on walks with volunteers.
Three full-time canine control officers joined the team, so there are now five employees.
There will be an on-call animal control officer working 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The shelter has completely taken over dangerous dog calls from sheriff’s deputies. Previously, deputies were responsible for checking on dangerous dog reports in the county when animal control officers weren’t available.
The project was set in motion after Benton County Commissioners recognized the need to restructure how dangerous dog calls were handled. Community members pressed for change in early 2024 after a weekend call about a potentially dangerous group of dogs led to deputies shooting them.
Since taking over, the county’s euthanasia rates have dropped, staff told the Tri-City Herald.
Adoptable pets
Canine control manager Josh Castilleja said that with the county’s increasing population of dogs and puppies, the shelter quickly will reach full capacity, even with the expansion.
The new space helps reduce the number of dogs currently on the waiting list for the shelter.
There are around 10 dogs and puppies currently available for adoption. View the adoptable pets on the Benton County website.
Volunteers are also needed. Contact Canine.Shelter@co.benton.wa.us or fill out a volunteer application. Submit by mail or drop off.
Monetary donations can be made to the shelter and Vista Veterinary Hospital where the shelter animals receive care. The shelter always needs donations of dog and puppy food and supplies including toys, washcloths, clean towels, blankets and medications. More information is available on the county’s website.
The shelter is open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
