photo by Diane Krauthamer
From the DC Department of Health:
“In December 2023, the Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA) notified DC Health of their intention to discontinue several key functions of the long-standing animal care and control contract with the District. HRA has since clarified that they will end their shelter services as of December 31, 2024. DC Health is actively preparing to onboard new resources to assume these responsibilities within the given timeline.
While DC Health has already budgeted and planned to transition some animal control functions in-house by 2025, most animal care services will continue to be managed by contractors. HRA may still play a role as one of these contractors, should they choose to submit a bid.
Residents can expect the following services to continue as usual during this transition:
Patrol of District neighborhoods and special events
Responding to complaints related to animal activity (both domestic animals and wildlife)
Animal shelter, adoption, and foster programs
Offering veterinary care at the animal shelter (routine and emergency)
Conducting dangerous dog investigations
Providing spay, neuter, vaccine, and euthanasia services
Transporting animals between care providers
Additionally, DC Health will maintain its current management of zoonotic disease surveillance, rabies and arbovirus monitoring, veterinary licensure, dog licensing, animal-related event permits, chicken coop permits, and mosquito complaints.
DC Health is dedicated to the health and safety of the District’s animals and residents and will keep the public informed throughout this transition.”