Jill Schramm/MDN Minot Police Chief Michael Frye, left, joins Ward County Engineer Dana Larsen in speaking to the Ward County Commission Tuesday, Feb. 17, regarding the city’s lease of a county building for a dog pound.

The Ward County Commission approved a lease Tuesday, Feb. 17, that would enable the City of Minot to use a county highway building as a temporary dog pound.

The temporary pound is meant to fill the gap for about six months while the city seeks a longer term solution. The city has been working with animal shelters informally since the expiration of a pound agreement at the end of 2025. The city council was unable to reach an agreement for 2026 with its previous pound provider.

The lease approved by the county reflects changes to terms previously agreed to by commissioners. The lease is for a bay in a storage and equipment wash building at the Ward County Highway Department to shelter up to 12 dogs.

The administration building originally proposed for the pound was determined to be inadequate for various reasons, including lack of a floor drain for cleaning and potential for odors to transfer through the ventilation system to other parts of the building. The proposed capacity increased from 10 dogs originally to 12 dogs because of available kennel cages and extra space in the building bay.

The lease addresses liability, reimbursable costs, parking, renovation and repairs. The city will staff the shelter between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. with regular inspections during unstaffed hours. The city also will install inside security cameras and will be allowed to fence an outdoor area for a dog run.

The Ward County Sheriff’s Department will be able to use the shelter for dogs that come into its custody.

The city would be responsible to provide any needed veterinary care. Frye said his department is visiting with local veterinarians regarding contracts for service and how that service would be provided, whether on site or at a clinic.

There was discussion on other issues that potentially could arise, such as waste-handling, but Frye said the police department is willing to address those if they come.

“We’re just thankful the county is even considering allowing us to do this right now,” he said. “It buys me time to figure out the full-time process.”