Opening October 7: 24-Hour Community Microchip Scanning Station

Beginning Tuesday, October 7, Whatcom Humane Society will open a 24-hour Community Microchip Scanning Station in the small outbuilding that previously housed our after-hours kennels at our domestic animal shelter (2172 Division Street, Bellingham, WA 98226).

The Association of Shelter Veterinarians' Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters strongly advises against the use of after-hours kennels (also known as drop boxes) due to safety concerns for both animals and shelter staff. The WHS after-hours kennels were originally designed for emergency use only; however, they are now being used daily, with drop-offs including highly aggressive dogs, feral cats, sick animals, contagious animals, and small animals and reptiles with no paperwork or information. In addition, we have recently encountered people visiting the after-hours kennels and engaging in behavior that poses a safety risk to our staff.

Whatcom Humane Society has been researching this topic for several months, and earlier this year, we made the decision to permanently close our after-hours kennels. This closure will take effect as of Tuesday, October 7, at which time the new 24-hour Community Microchip Scanning Station will open. This station will allow community members who find animals on days or hours when WHS is closed to scan the animal and, if a microchip is identified, follow instructions provided at the station to reunite the animal with their person. Whatcom Humane Society Animal Control & Rescue officers will continue to be available after-hours via 911 dispatch to assist with animal-related emergencies.