Animal Service Division

For the well-being of the animal community in Washington, local services are crucial in ensuring the safety and health of both domestic pets and wildlife. The Animal Service Division, often referred to as Joint Animal Services in the Olympia area, is a vital resource for residents. This is not a traditional veterinary hospital, but a governmental and community-based entity that operates in partnership with the cities of Olympia, Lacey, and Tumwater, as well as unincorporated Thurston County. Their mission is to promote responsible pet ownership and to provide a safe haven for animals in transition. They are at the forefront of animal welfare, with a focus on everything from reuniting lost pets with their families to investigating animal cruelty and neglect. The division is a central hub for pet-related needs, playing a critical role in community education and enforcement of animal-related laws. Their proactive approach, including spay/neuter programs and adoption initiatives, reflects a commitment to reducing pet overpopulation and alleviating animal suffering. They are dedicated to providing a professional and compassionate service to both the human and animal residents of the region.

The main office and shelter for the Animal Service Division is located at 1111 Washington St SE, Olympia, WA 98501, USA. This address serves as a central point for a variety of their services. Recognizing the importance of accessibility, the facility is equipped with features to accommodate all members of the community. They have a wheelchair-accessible entrance and a wheelchair-accessible parking lot, ensuring that pet owners and those seeking services can visit without logistical barriers. This commitment to accessibility reflects their mission of serving the entire community. While some of their services may be handled by field officers, the central location is the primary point of contact for in-person matters like pet licensing, adoptions, and surrenders.

The Animal Service Division offers a wide range of services that are distinct from a typical veterinary clinic, focusing on public health, safety, and animal welfare. The services are essential for maintaining a healthy and safe community for both people and animals.

• Stray and Lost Pet Management: They are the primary agency for the pickup and care of stray and lost domestic animals in the region. Their efforts are focused on reuniting pets with their families, with a 24-hour lost pet hotline to assist owners.
• Pet Adoption Services: The division provides temporary shelter and care for homeless animals. They have a dedicated adoption program that allows individuals to adopt pets, and they work to place animals in loving, permanent homes. They have also implemented programs to reduce euthanasia rates, focusing on animal safety and rehabilitation.
• Animal Cruelty and Welfare: They are responsible for investigating reports of animal cruelty, neglect, and abuse. Their team works to enforce animal-related laws and protect animals from harm.
• Pet Licensing and Enforcement: The division manages the pet licensing process for dogs and cats. Licensing is a key component of their service, helping to ensure pet identification and public safety.
• Community Resources: The division offers educational resources to the community on responsible pet ownership. They also provide information and assistance with spay and neuter programs to help control pet overpopulation.

The Animal Service Division is distinguished by several key features that highlight its critical role in the community.

• Governmental and Community Partnership: As a joint service of the cities of Olympia, Lacey, and Tumwater and Thurston County, they have a broad reach and a shared commitment to animal welfare across a large area. This collaborative model allows for shared resources and a more effective approach to animal control and care.
• Focus on Animal Welfare: Their mission goes beyond simple animal control. They actively work to reduce euthanasia rates through innovative programs, such as the feral barn cat program, which finds alternative living arrangements for cats that are not suited for traditional homes.
• Public-Facing Services: The division is a central point of contact for the public for a variety of issues, from reporting a lost pet to adopting a new one. Their user-friendly online platform makes information on available animals easily accessible, streamlining the adoption process.
• Accessibility: The facility’s commitment to accessibility, with wheelchair-accessible entrances and parking, makes their services available to a wider range of community members.
• Professional and Compassionate Staff: Customer reviews and public information praise the staff for their positive attitudes and dedication, even when faced with difficult situations. This compassionate approach is vital for an organization dealing with sensitive and often emotional issues.

For general inquiries, reporting a lost or found pet, or for more information on their services, you can contact the Animal Service Division using the following details:

Address: 1111 Washington St SE, Olympia, WA 98501, USA

Phone: (360) 902-1878

Mobile Phone: +1 360-902-1878

It is important to note that for many services, such as surrendering an animal, an appointment may be required. It is always a good idea to call ahead to ensure that they can assist you properly upon your arrival.

While not a traditional veterinary care facility for private appointments, the Animal Service Division is an indispensable component of the animal care ecosystem in Washington. It is the go-to resource for a wide array of public-facing animal issues, and choosing to engage with them is an act of supporting the greater community's animal welfare. Their value lies in their comprehensive and systemic approach to animal care. They are the frontline responders for stray, lost, and abandoned pets, providing a safety net that is critical for public health and safety. Their commitment to a "no-kill" philosophy, as evidenced by their proactive programs to reduce euthanasia, makes them a humane and ethical choice for anyone looking to surrender an animal or adopt a new one. The professionalism and compassion of their staff, despite the stressful nature of their work, are a testament to their dedication. By choosing to license your pet with them, or to adopt a pet from their shelter, you are not only taking a responsible action but also supporting a crucial public service that benefits countless animals and people in Olympia, Lacey, and Tumwater. For any resident, understanding and utilizing the services of the Animal Service Division is a key part of being a responsible and caring community member.

Animal Service Division

1111 Washington St SE, Olympia, WA 98501, USA