The Cowlitz County Board of Commissioners has voted to end its animal sheltering contract with the Humane Society for Southwest Washington, a decision recorded in the board’s January 26, 2026 meeting minutes. The move affects only unincorporated areas of the county; incorporated cities such as Longview and Kelso maintain their own separate agreements for sheltering and animal control services.

According to reporting by Classic Hits 100.7 KLOG, the current county contract expires on Saturday. In a public statement linked to that reporting, the Humane Society said it will no longer be able to accept animals from unincorporated Cowlitz County beginning Sunday at its Longview campus.

County meeting records show commissioners cited cost concerns with a proposed three‑year renewal, including a projected $225,000 share for 2026 and scheduled increases in later years. Commissioners also referenced legal questions tied to adopting ordinance language associated with a trap‑neuter‑release program for feral cats, which was included in the draft agreement.

With no contract in place, official responsibility for stray and dangerous animals, bite cases, and related services will shift to the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office. County officials have not yet detailed how those duties will be handled after the contract lapses.

In information presented to the county and referenced in the KLOG report, the Humane Society said it cared for more than 2,300 animals in 2025, including just over 1,000 from unincorporated areas. Services provided included housing, medical treatment, vaccinations, spay and neuter surgeries, and reunification with owners.

Why this matters

The upcoming service gap affects residents who rely on county‑level animal control rather than city departments. How the county will manage stray or dangerous animals after the contract expires remains an open operational question, with immediate implications for public safety, animal welfare, and law enforcement workload in unincorporated communities.

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