Knox-Whitley Humane Association instituting managed intake policy

The Knox-Whitley Humane Association is taking another step in its effort to become a “no kill” facility by instituting a managed intake policy.

Under the new policy, owners wanting to surrender a pet will first fill out and submit a pet history form. The form will be reviewed by KWHA staff. Within two business days, staff will contact the owner to set up an appointment to surrender the animal(s).

Mary-Ann Smyth, President of the KWHA Board, said the goal is not to impede an individual seeking to surrender an animal, but to provide options to an owner who may see surrendering the animal as a last resort.

“We want to be able to offer a list of resources to owners who need assistance, whether it is with spay/neutering, food, or whatever, and work with them so they can keep their animal,” Smyth said noting that more than 94 percent of the animals brought in to KWHA are owner surrenders.

In addition, Smyth said managed intake limits the number of animals euthanized because of overcrowding.

“We will know when rescues are coming in,” Smyth said.

KWHA officials emphasized that any animal that is a stray, sick, or which poses a threat to public safety, will be accepted immediately without an appointment.

Smyth said the potential to have more animals dumped on the road because of the new rules has been discussed.

She noted that multiple facilities, including the Louisville Metro Animal Shelter, have instituted managed intake and have statisics that show dumping has not been an issue.

“It is not happening,” Smyth said.

Smyth said while donations of food, toys, blankets, bedding, towels and treats are always welcome and encouraged, volunteers willing to donate their time to the animals and interact with them is welcomed and appreciated.

“Just getting them used to walking on a leash, used to human contact, and maybe teaching them a few simple commands, such as, ‘sit’ helps make them so much more adoptable,” Smyth explained.

Smyth added that it is something that children may be involved in and that being used to being around children increases an animal’s adoptability even more.

“Our ultimate goal is to save more lives,” Smyth said.

KWHA, which serves Clay, Knox, Whitley and McCreary County, is located on Busy Lane in Corbin off of Fifth Street Road.

More information is available online at www.kwas.org, or on Facebook.

KWHA may be reached by phone at 526-6925.