October 2025 Newsletter

Your help is needed!

Calculating the impact of proposed regulations requiring new exams for puppies and kittens

What you’ve told us: Several shelters and rescues have said the proposed new requirement in K.A.R. 9-18-21(b)(4)(B) to have a licensed veterinarian examine all animals younger than 4 months before adoption would impose significant financial burdens.

What the law requires: State agencies must write and send an economic impact report on every proposed new regulation to the Division of Budget. This report has to explain how the regulation would affect the industry (i.e., licensed pet animal facilities). The Division must independently verify that the agency has complied with the requirements for the economic impact report. If the regulation would cost more than $1 million to implement in the first five years, the agency must send it to the Legislature as a bill for approval.

Why this matters: KPA believes this proposed regulation will cost over $1 million in the first five years. To verify that, we need real numbers from shelters and rescues to be shared with the KDA before the agency files its economic impact report with the Division of Budget.

What you can do: KPA created a survey to collect data on the costs of compliance with the proposed new regulation. Please fill it out to the best of your ability, and email Reily Goyne with any questions or clarifications.

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Your Feedback Matters

AFI removes costly requirement from draft regulations

The Animal Facilities Inspection (AFI) program changed the draft regulation that would have required the attending vet to examine every single animal during the yearly visit to fill out the veterinary care form. AFI removed that requirement after hearing feedback from licensees, Kansas Pet Advocates (KPA), and the Kansas Pet Animal Advisory Board (KPAAB). The proposed K.A.R. 9-18-21(c)(1) reads:

The on-site visit documented on the form provided by the commissioner for the definition of “adequate veterinary medical care” in K.S.A. 47-1701 and amendments thereto must include a certification from the attending veterinarian that of whether the veterinarian conducted a complete physical examination of each dog or cat on the premises at the time of the on-site visit, and for licensees that breed dogs or cats, certification that the attending veterinarian has deemed all dogs or cats fit for breeding or alternatively, had identified each dog or cat that the attending veterinarian had determined is unfit for breeding or that requires breeding restrictions, with these restrictions specified.

This change, and all others proposed in September, are not in effect until they go through the full regulation adoption process (see image), which can take up to a year or longer. If you have questions about specific situations, AFI has requested that you reach out directly at KDA.AFI@ks.gov. 

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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.

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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.

KPA will share the link to request access the meeting when it come available.

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

Join us on the second Tuesday each month at Noon for our monthly partner meeting. KPA will be discussing the latest issues facing companion pets and updates on regulations.

November 11 at Noon CST

December 9 at Noon CST

Register here for the meeting.