As we reported earlier this month, Snoshomish County was considering ending its contract with PAWS due to a budget shortfall. It would have meant that stray animals from unincorporated parts of the county would be sent to the Everett Animal Shelter. Now, it looks like that won’t happen.

County Councilman Dave Gossett released a budget proposal earlier this week that would restore funding for the county’s contract with PAWS. The plan still needs approval from the rest of the council, which is expected to vote next week.

The news was welcomed by the Lynnwood-based animal shelter.

“We worked closely with the council and they understood the importance of providing citizens with two convenient and reliable options when they find a stray animal – the PAWS shelter and the Everett animal shelter. We are hopeful that the whole council and the executive will approve the budget with this revised provision. PAWS is an integral part of the community acting as a safety net to help people and the animals, and we appreciate the support of the Council and the community as we fulfill this important role,” said Kay Joubert, PAWS Director of Companion Animal Services.