November 2025 Newsletter

Reily Goyne
Nov 13, 2025
4 min read

AFI regulation is too expensive

KPA shows legislative approval is needed

KPA found that AFI's proposed regulation, K.A.R. 9-18-21(b)(4)(B), requiring every puppy and kitten under four months old to get a full physical exam from a licensed veterinarian before being sold or adopted, would cost licensees about $1.74 million each year. This triggers the requirement for legislative approval under KSA 77-416, since the implementation and compliance costs exceed $1 million in the first five years.

KPA submitted its economic impact statement to the Animal Facility Inspection (AFI) program and the Division of Budget. However, AFI’s official economic impact statement claimed there would be no extra cost to implement and comply with this regulation.

Thank you to everyone who filled out our survey, we used those statistics and information from our database to estimate the cost.

For many nonprofit shelters, rescue groups, and city shelters, these new costs would be too much. Some might have to close or euthanize more healthy, adoptable puppies and kittens because they could not afford the exams. Breeders and pet stores would also face much higher business costs. Many would likely raise prices, meaning pet owners and families would pay more.

Now is a Great Time to Contact Legislators

The Kansas Legislative session starts January 12, 2026. Now is a great time to email your Kansas State Representative and Senator and invite them to tour your facility. Meeting with a legislator is one of the most powerful ways to advocate for animals and influence policy change. Lawmakers hear from countless voices every day, so your goal is to make your message clear, memorable, and compelling. Here are a few tips:

Schedule and prepare for a meeting
Share your story effectively
Build lasting relationships with lawmakers

You can find your local legislators' contact information here. If you have any questions or need help, please contact Terry Humphrey or Reily Goyne.

Kansas Pet Advocates Visit Kansas City, Kansas Animal Services

This month, Kansas Pet Advocates (KPA) had the privilege of touring Kansas City, Kansas Animal Services (KCKAS), led by Director Ashley Scott. What we discovered behind the doors of their facility at 3301 Park Drive was more than an animal shelter — it was a place filled with dedication, compassion, and hope.

Every day, the Animal Services Division of the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department is on the front lines, helping both animals and people. Whether rescuing a frightened stray, reuniting a lost cat with its family, or responding to urgent welfare calls, their mission remains clear: to build a community that is safe, compassionate, and connected.

Each year, the KCKAS team answers roughly 5,000 calls for service, handling everything from injured pets and strays to cases of neglect or unsafe conditions. On average, about 2,000 animals come through their doors annually — each one receiving care, comfort, and, most importantly, a second chance. With an annual budget of $1 million, funded primarily by the City of Kansas City, Kansas, every dollar goes toward giving these animals the best possible start to their next chapter.

But KCKAS’s work doesn’t stop with emergency response. Their team actively engages the community through education and outreach, encouraging responsible pet ownership through licensing, vaccinations, and microchipping. These simple but vital steps not only help reunite lost pets more quickly but also strengthen the bond between neighbors and their four-legged companions.

Collaboration is at the heart of their success. KCKAS works hand-in-hand with local shelters, foster programs, and rescue organizations, ensuring every animal has a path toward a loving home. They are also fortunate to have the unwavering support of Friends of KCKAS, who raise funds for needs beyond the city budget — from enrichment items and medical care to adoption events that connect families with their new best friends. Meowy Matchmakers is also an invaluable partner, fostering kittens that would not survive at the shelter. Dozens of dedicated volunteers play an equally vital role in keeping the shelter running smoothly. Among them is Kansas State Representative Pam Curtis, who shares her passion for volunteering and the joy of making a difference in this video.

Mark Your Calendar for the KPAAB BoardMeeting

Each quarter, the Kansas Pet Animal Advisory Board (KPAAB) has a meeting to discuss issues facing Kansas pets. Here is the presentation from the September meeting. Please mark your calendar:

December 3 at 10 a.m. Here is the link to register for this meeting.

The agenda, proposed regulations, and legislation are available with this link.

Join us for Kansas Pet Advocacy (KPA) December 9 Partner Meetings