King County has purchased a property in Kent to build a new animal shelter and headquarters for its Regional Animal Services (RASKC) program, officials announced Friday, July 11, 2025.
The new facility, located at 5920 S. 194th Street (map below), is scheduled to open in 2027 and will replace the aging pet adoption center currently in use. It will feature a more efficient layout, upgraded kennels, and additional space for community members to meet adoptable animals.
“This new, modern shelter strengthens King County’s role as a national model for compassionate animal care,” said King County Executive Shannon Braddock. “Thank you to the staff and volunteers who give thousands of cats, dogs, and other animals a second chance by helping them find their forever homes.”
Just two miles from the current facility, the new site is located near West Valley Highway, I-5, and the Green River Trail, offering convenient access to residents across the region.
“We’re excited about the possibilities this new location will bring,” said Tim Anderson, manager of Regional Animal Services. “This new facility will strengthen our ability to care for animals as they wait for new homes, and help them thrive in a comfortable, modern environment. It also allows us to continue providing the high level of compassionate, cost-effective service that residents across King County expect and deserve.”
A 2023 county study found the current animal shelter to be functionally obsolete. Planning for a replacement began later that year, and funding was included in King County’s 2025 budget. Renovations to convert the existing warehouse into a shelter will begin later this summer and are expected to take approximately 18 months.
RASKC was established in 2010 and currently serves more than one million residents in 24 cities and unincorporated King County, with 45 staff members and a volunteer team of over 500.
In 2024, RASKC helped rehome 3,440 animals and reunited 744 missing pets with their families. Animal Control Officers also responded to nearly 5,000 calls concerning the safety and welfare of both people and pets.
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