KC Pet Project

The decision comes after years of complaints that the nonprofit — which successfully runs the city’s no-kill animal shelter — was too slow to take dangerous animals off the streets.

A Kansas City Council committee Tuesday unanimously approved a resolution giving the city manager 30 days to formulate a plan to return animal control in-house. KC Pet Project vows to fight to keep the contract it's held since 2020.

Kansas City officials have signaled they want to retake control of animal control services from KC Pet Project. City Councilmember Melissa Patterson Hazley says the next iteration of animal control must ensure irresponsible pet owners face consequences.

Animal rescue groups and neighborhood organizations have complained for years that KC Pet Project was not aggressive enough enforcing animal control ordinances. Now Kansas City plans to bring that service back in-house.

KC Pet Project has handled animal control services in Kansas City for the past four years, with an emphasis on education for pet owners. But some animal rescue groups say their approach is keeping dangerous dogs on the streets, and want the city to take back operations.

Spring’s severe weather can stress out animals, especially the hundreds living in Kansas City shelters. The storms can also decrease adoption rates. Workers and volunteers constantly watch the weather to know when to provide de-stressing activities and encourage adoptions.

The child was attacked two weeks ago by three to four dogs and rushed to the hospital. KC Pet Project says it is still investigating in the incident.

Animal ordinance citations have dropped dramatically since KC Pet Project took over animal control from Kansas City. While the nonprofit says the drop in tickets is evidence of success, other animal advocates worry it's leaving dangerous dogs on the streets.

Since KC Pet Project took over animal control from the city, citations have dropped precipitously, for everything from keeping dangerous dogs to having pets spayed and neutered.

A lack of affordable housing is sending hundreds of pets to the city’s animal shelter every year, according to KC Pet Project. And advocates say it’s getting worse.

Independence, Kearney and Leawood are the last remaining cities in the Kansas City metro that still ban residents from owning pit bulls. Dog-loving residents in Independence are trying to collect more than 3,000 signatures in order to force a city-wide vote on repealing the ban.

Kansas City's homeless shelters and cooling centers do not accept pets, but owners say they don't want to have to choose between keeping their animals and getting relief in extreme weather.