PORT ANGELES — When Clallam County Sheriff’s deputies have to seize dangerous dogs, they now have a dedicated place to take them under a new agreement with the Olympic Peninsula Humane Society.
Under the deal outlined at Monday’s county commissioners’ work session, the Humane Society will reserve three special kennels just for dogs deemed dangerous or potentially dangerous. The county pays $4 per day per kennel to keep them on standby, and the Humane Society agrees not to house any other dogs in those spots.
If a dog is seized and placed in one of the kennels, the daily cost jumps to $49, plus any medical expenses that may come up while the animal is in custody.
The sheriff office’s Beth Biasell says the county needed a dedicated space for these dogs that would better work under the county’s dangerous animal ordinance.
“The Humane Society allowed us to house dangerous dogs at their facility even before this agreement. Dr. Linda Allen also helped—she had a bit of kennel space at her veterinary clinic, but it wasn’t set up for long-term stays or the safety measures needed for truly vicious animals. The Humane Society, on the other hand, has kennel spaces that are perfectly suited, with features like remote-access doors. As part of this contract, we had them make specific adjustments for safely handling dangerous dogs,” Biasell told commissioners.
The animals can be held for up to 20 days, giving owners time to fix whatever safety concerns led to the seizure and reclaiming their pets.
The agreement runs through the end of 2026 and is expected to see limited use. Last year, deputies seized just 10 dogs.