2013 is getting off to a fast start at Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC). Just after noon today, Natalie and Paul Delaurenti of Kent adopted Crookshanks, an orange tabby cat. Crookshanks is the first pet adopted from RASKC in the New Year. On Monday, RASKC wrapped up 2012 with the adoption of its 2,500th pet. Photos of both the last pet adopted in 2012 and the first pet adopted in 2013 are available on the King County Flickr stream.

“We had a great ending to 2012, and we hope 2013 will be even better,” said Dr. Gene Mueller, manager of RASKC. “We have dozens of wonderful pets waiting to bring love and joy into a new home for the New Year, and for many years to come.”

Adopting from RASKC is easy and affordable. There is no fee to adopt a cat six months or older, and kittens under six months are $100. Adoption fees for puppies and dogs range from $100 to $250, depending on the age and breed. Adopting a pet from RASKC includes:

• Spay/neuter surgery

• Microchipping

• Veterinary health exam

• Initial vaccinations (including rabies if the pet is over four months old)

• Collar

• Carrier for cats or leash for dogs

• King County pet license (where applicable)

The King County Pet Adoption Center is located at 21615 64th Ave. S. in Kent. The center is open to the public on Monday from 3 to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Friday noon to 6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

For more information, or to see pets available for adoption, visit www.kingcounty.gov/pets.

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