City Finalizes Sale of Municipal Pound

Following the finalization of a sale agreement in late November, 2023, Always & Furever Midwest Animal Sanctuary is now the sole owner and operator of the former Osawatomie Municipal Pound. The facility, located near Beaver Lake Road and 327th Street, is now known as Always & Furever Osawatomie Shelter and is no longer affiliated with the City of Osawatomie.

"We're excited to see this facility gain new life in the hands of such a dedicated team, and we wish them continued success as they serve Miami County animals in need," said Glendening following the sale.

The final sale agreement comes after months of work between City of Osawatomie officials and representatives from Always & Furever. City of Osawatomie City Council directed Osawatomie's City Manager, Bret Glendening, to finalize the agreement at the November 9th meeting. Always & Furever purchased the building and property for a total of $52,500, and the City retains first right of refusal for purchasing the property back in the future should the animal rescue group ever decide to part with the facility. As part of the sale agreement, Always & Furever officials also signed a deed restriction that requires the property be used as an animal shelter in perpetuity and cannot be used for other commercial or non-commercial activities.

The shelter will continue to provide care to lost and found or stray animals from Osawatomie and Miami County, and will still keep kennel space available for any court-ordered animal holds. Animal control operations within the Osawatomie community will not be impacted by the facility's change in ownership.

Always & Furever officials debuted a Facebook page dedicated to the new "Always & Furever Osawatomie Shelter" to highlight animals being cared for by the shelter, including strays and/or lost and found pets. The previous Facebook page, "Osawatomie Dog and Cat Pound," was deactivated by the City of Osawatomie on December 1st, 2023.