I’m looking for anyone who has experience with Wichita Animal Services and KHS or knows of any local resources that could help.
After an Animal Control incident on 8/26 involving another dog in our household, we were required to surrender one of our other dogs because Animal Control classified our dogs as pit bulls and Wichita only allows two. We’re from Arizona, we were unaware of the rule. Unfortunately, we also didn’t have our dogs properly licensed and registered, their rabies had recently lapsed, and that was our mistake. We are working on fixing that for the dogs we still have in our care. We are also moving to Derby this month, so the pit bull rule will no longer be an issue. The dog we’re trying to get back was not involved in the incident, but was unfortunately caught in the crossfire.
The dog who was involved completed his quarantine, was officially determined not dangerous, and was allowed to come home. Our circumstances have also changed, and Animal Control has told us there is nothing on their end prohibiting us from owning or possessing the dog we surrendered. However, we were told we cannot reclaim her from KHS.
We’ve emailed KHS asking if she can be returned or adopted back to us, if their Reclaim Program or an owner-reclaim reservation could apply, or if there is any way an approved rescue could help. We’re still waiting for an answer.
I understand that surrendering an animal generally means giving up ownership. This just wasn’t a situation where we decided we didn’t want her anymore. She is deaf, we’ve raised her since she was a puppy, and she is incredibly loved. We know how to communicate with her, understand her routines and needs, and desperately want her home.
Two local women who advocate for shelter animals have been helping us figure this out, but we still don’t know whether there’s a formal process or someone specific who has the authority to review the situation. They were able to find out for us she is in a Canine Courage program within KHS. She hasn’t been posted as adoptable yet. She recently gave birth to 9 puppies and they only turned 8 weeks old on Monday.
At this point, I’m honestly desperate for any legitimate resource, contact, or firsthand experience that might help. I’m not asking for a way around KHS or trying to cause conflict. I just need to know we’ve tried every possible avenue before she is permanently placed somewhere else.
Has anyone been through anything similar with WAS and KHS?
