EVERETT – Snohomish County residents will soon have to cough up more money to retrieve their pets from the Everett Animal Shelter.

The Everett City Council voted Wednesday to increase shelter fees and the cost of adopting dogs and cats from the shelter. Most stray pets from the rest of Snohomish County end up at the Everett shelter, so the fee increases will affect pet owners throughout the county.

The increases are part of a plan to eventually make the animal control department self-sufficient, said Bud Wessman, director of animal control.

“My goal is to have the people using the services paying for them, and not overburden the general public,” he said.

With the fee increase, nearly 60 percent of the department’s $830,000 budget in 2005 would come from fees, according to Mayor Ray Stephanson’s proposed 2005 budget. The rest of the money would come from the general operating budget.

The increased fees will help pay for efforts to raise private money for the shelter and reduce reliance on tax dollars, Wessman said. It will also pay for a veterinarian and veterinary technician to work out of the shelter. Animals with medical problems are now sent to five local veterinarians. The shelter vets instead will examine all animals to make sure they are healthy.

Under the ordinance adopted Wednesday:

* The cost to pick up a dog from the animal shelter will be $25 for dogs without current licenses and $20 for licensed dogs. Unlicensed cats will cost $15 and licensed cats will cost $10. In comparison, the King County and Seattle shelters each charge $45 for unlicensed animals.

* Daily care at the shelter for each animal will double from $5 to $10. That’s what Seattle charges.

* The cost to adopt a cat will rise from $60 to $85 in 2005, $90 in 2006 and $95 in 2007. Kitten adoption fees will be $100 in 2005.

* Adoption fees for all dogs are currently $75. Beginning Jan. 1., the fees will be $125 for dogs 25 pounds and up, and $100 for smaller dogs. Puppies will cost $125.

King County charges $75 for dogs and cats, and the Progressive Animal Welfare Society in Lynnwood charges $80 for adult dogs and cats, and $95 for puppies and kittens. The Seattle animal shelter typically charges between $50 and $95 to adopt an animal, depending on weight.

Included in Everett’s adoption fees for cats and dogs are spay or neuter services, vaccinations and an identification microchip implanted under the skin.

The increase in Everett’s adoption fees is the second major increase in a year and a half. The council in 2003 more than tripled some adoption fees.

The city is also increasing the fees it charges Snohomish County and other cities to drop off animals at the Everett shelter, from $60 per animal to $85.

Reporter David Olson: 425-339-3452 or dolson@heraldnet.com.