At least through the end of the year, Bothell will be looking, effective July 1, to a newly fashioned regional network for animal-control services in the city.

“I think it’s to give us some breathing room,” Mayor Mark Lamb said of the agreement adopted by City Council on June 15.

City officials previously had announced they were taking their animal-control business to Snohomish County in anticipation of being able to strike a less-expensive deal.

According to information released by the city, Snohomish County has withdrawn its contract offer because of what were described as deep budget cuts, including the layoff of an animal-control officer.

King County also is poised to drop much of its animal-related services.

At one point, responding like Snohomish County to budgetary problems, King County officials announced they were cutting all animal-control operations.

Including Bothell, King County contracted for those services with some 35 cities.

In April, officials announced an interlocal agreement that would have King County cities essentially pooling their resources and creating a new animal-control authority.

A small number of communities turned down the deal, including Bothell, with local officials assuming they could gain less-expensive service from Snohomish County. With that second deal off the table, Bothell fell back on the interlocal agreement.

While Bothell staffers have indicated they will continue to look for alternatives, between now and 2011, the city will contribute to the regional animal authority all pet licensing fees paid locally.

If revenues exceed local animal-control costs, the city will need to pay the difference. However, according to the city, King County anticipates it will actually owe Bothell a refund of about $12,000.

Again reacting to changes in King County operations, Bothell also has contracted with the nonprofit PAWS animal shelter in Lynnwood to accept both local strays and owner-surrendered animals.