HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Package - StudySession_Jul10_2025
PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL
STUDY SESSION MEETING
AGENDA
Thursday, July 10, 2025
2:30 p.m.
Council Chamber, City Hall
73-510 Fred Waring Drive
Palm Desert, California
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the purpose of the Study Session is to review the items listed on the
agenda. No action will be taken.
This is a joint meeting of the Palm Desert City Council, Successor Agency to the Palm Desert
Redevelopment Agency, Palm Desert Housing Authority, and Palm Desert Board of Library Trustees.
Pursuant to Assembly Bill 2449, this meeting may be conducted as a hybrid meeting allowing public
access via teleconference or in person, and up to two Councilmembers may attend remotely.
WATCH THE MEETING LIVE: Watch the City Council meeting live at the City’s website:
https://palmdesert.zoom.us/ or on the City's YouTube Channel.
OPTIONS FOR PARTICIPATING IN THIS MEETING:
Send your comments by email to: CityClerk@palmdesert.gov.
Emails received prior to 10:00 a.m. on the day of the City Council meeting will be made part of the
record and distributed to the City Council. Emails will not be read aloud at the meeting.
Pages
1.CALL TO ORDER - STUDY SESSION
2.STUDY SESSION TOPICS
2.a OVERVIEW OF RIVERSIDE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL
SERVICES – PROPOSED CONTRACT AND COST RECOVERY MODEL
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RECOMMENDATION:
Receive an update on the Riverside County Department of Animal Services
proposed contract and rates for Fiscal Years 2025/26 through 2027/28.
2.b OVERVIEW OF CITY TREE PRUNING AND MAINTENANCE 91
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive information about the standard practices used by the City to
maintain its urban forest, including information requested regarding wildlife
impacts with subject matter expert input.
3.ADJOURNMENT
4.PUBLIC NOTICES
NOTE: Pursuant to Assembly Bill 2449, this meeting may be conducted by
teleconference. Study Session is accessible in person or on the City’s website:
www.palmdesert.gov under the Council Agenda link at the top of the page.
Agenda Related Materials: Pursuant to Government Code §54957.5(b)(2) the
designated office for inspection of records in connection with this meeting is the
Office of the City Clerk, Palm Desert Civic Center, 73-510 Fred Waring Drive,
Palm Desert. Staff reports for all agenda items considered in open session, and
documents provided to a majority of the legislative bodies are available for
public inspection at City Hall and on the City’s website at www.palmdesert.gov
by clicking “Meeting Agendas” at the top of the page.
Americans with Disabilities Act: It is the intention of the City of Palm Desert to
comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in all respects. If, as an
attendee or a participant at this meeting, or in meetings on a regular basis, you
will need special assistance beyond what is normally provided, the City will
attempt to accommodate you in every reasonable manner. Please contact the
Office of the City Clerk, (760) 346-0611, at least 48 hours prior to the meeting to
inform us of your needs and to determine if accommodation is feasible.
AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING
I, Michelle Nance, Acting Assistant City Clerk of the City of Palm Desert, do
hereby certify, under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California,
that the foregoing agenda for the Palm Desert City Council, Successor Agency
for the Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency, and Housing Authority, was posted
on the City Hall bulletin board and City website www.palmdesert.gov no less
than 72 hours prior to the meeting.
/S/ Michelle Nance
Acting Assistant City Clerk
City Council Study Session
July 10, 2025
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CITY OF PALM DESERT
STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: July 10, 2025
PREPARED BY: Richard D. Cannone, AICP, Interim Assistant City Manager
SUBJECT: OVERVIEW OF RIVERSIDE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL
SERVICES – PROPOSED CONTRACT AND COST RECOVERY MODEL
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive an update on the Riverside County Department of Animal Services proposed contract
and rates for Fiscal Years 2025/26 through 2027/28.
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS:
The Riverside County Department of Animal Services (RCDAS) currently provides sheltering
and/or field services to 16 contract cities, including the City of Palm Desert. Over the past several
years, RCDAS has made incremental adjustments to contract rates, primarily affecting daily
kenneling fees and field service charges. These service agreements are generally structured as
three-year contracts.
The most recent three-year agreement expired on June 30, 2024, during which time RCDAS
was in the process of completing a comprehensive rate study. This study, initiated in 2019 at the
direction of the Riverside County Board of Supervisors, was intended to evaluate and revise the
County’s cost recovery model to ensure a more equitable and sustainable funding approach for
shelter and field services. As the study was not finalized by the end of the fiscal year, RCDAS
extended existing contracts for one additional year, through June 30, 2025, to allow time for
completion and review of the updated cost allocation model.
At the June 12, 2025, City Council meeting, the City Manager informed the City Council that staff
would return with an overview of the proposed rates during the July 10, 2025, Study Session, in
advance of formal contract consideration on August 28, 2025. During this interim period, RCDAS
has agreed to continue providing uninterrupted services.
City staff used this time to thoroughly evaluate the County’s proposed "Piece of the Pie" cost
allocation methodology, assess the potential fin ancial impacts to Palm Desert, and meet with
both County executive leadership and RCDAS. These discussions also ensured that additional
reporting requirements, first raised by staff during the March 28, 2024, City Council Study
Session, could be addressed and incorporated moving forward.
Current Cost Drivers
As part of evaluating contract rates for the cost recovery model, two driving factors were
examined: animal sheltering and field services. These factors help explain the variability in
charges across cities and highlight the limitations of the current billing structure.
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Animal Services Contract
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Sheltering costs are influenced by several key factors, including:
The average length of stay for animals
The number of animals impounded
The population served by each city
The staffing required to care for animals
Program administration and support services
Field service costs are driven by:
Call volume and the time required to complete service requests
The population served in each city
The staffing and administrative support necessary to meet demand
Currently, sheltering services are billed using a variable, per-animal, per-day rate based on
animal type and length of stay. While this approach attempts to reflect actual usage, it places a
significant administrative burden on b oth city and county staff. Monthly reconciliations are
complex, and the unpredictable costs have resulted in budget amendments both mid -year and
end of year for the city.
Cost Recovery Model
The “Piece of the Pie” methodology is a cost allocation approach used by RCDAS to distribute
sheltering costs among contract cities and the County. The method assigns each participating
agency a percentage share or "piece" of the total sheltering cost "pie", based on their
proportionate use of the shelter system.
Each city's share is calculated using a combination of the following factors:
Number of animals impounded
Average length of stay (LOS) for impounded animals
Population served
These variables are weighted and totaled across all participating jurisdicti ons to determine the
full "pie" of sheltering needs and costs. Each city’s slice is then proportionally allocated based
on how much of the total impact their city represents. For example, a city with higher impound
numbers or longer average stays will receive a larger share of the cost.
RCDAS intent for this method is to:
Provide a more equitable and data-driven way of distributing costs
Reflect each city’s actual demand on the sheltering system
Replace the previous billing model based on variable, per-animal charges
Two versions of this methodology were analyzed and presented to the Riverside County Board
of Supervisors:
Option A: Full Cost Sharing – “Piece of the Pie” Model
All cities and the County share 100% of total shelter costs, including fixed baseline costs
(e.g., staffing, facilities) and city-specific impacts (e.g., impounds, length of stay).
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City of Palm Desert
Animal Services Contract
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Option B: County Baseline – “Piece of the Pie” Model
County baseline operational costs are removed from the shared total. The remaining
costs are then allocated to cities based on impounds, length of stay, and population. This
recognizes that some sheltering operations are required regardless of city contracts.
Additionally, as part of RCDAS efforts to improve outcomes, significantly reduce euthanasia of
animals, and modernize care, RCDAS would add 38 new staff positions to support:
Animal Care Staffing – 13 positions
Enhanced Foster/Adoption Teams – 14 positions
Intake-to-Placement Program Support – 9 positions
Media/Marketing Team Expansion – 2 positions
The additional staffing costs total $4.56 million and are included in both Option A and Option B
projections for sheltering costs. Under both models, the City would see increased sheltering
costs. However, Option B substantially reduces the financial impact compared to Option A:
Option A –Cost Option B –Cost
Shelter Services
Option B was the version approved by the Board of Supervisors and is the basis for the city’s
proposed rates.
City of Palm Desert – New Contract and Rates
FY 25/26 FY 26/27 FY 27/28
Shelter Services $198,014 $233,196 $256,652
Field Services $293,960 $316,186 $331,996
Total $491,974 $549,383 $588,648
RCDAS is phasing in the new rates over three years, beginning January 1, 2026, and the
new rates are reflected for 6-months only providing a 50% reduction in FY 25/26 increase.
A 5% annual increase to field labor rates through FY27/28, consistent with labor
agreements.
Select from two options for field services
o Standard Plan – Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM
o Extended Plan – Monday – Sunday, 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM
The shelter rate increases are phased over 3 years
Adoption of county regulations for enforcement , Ordinance No. 630 - Regulating the
keeping and control of dogs, cats, and other animals, and providing for the control and
suppression of rabies with possible exceptions.
Quarterly billing and annual reconciliation based on impounds, LOS, and population .
Cities are required to:
o Fund vaccination and microchip clinics within the city.
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City of Palm Desert
Animal Services Contract
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o Fund spay/neuter clinics within the city.
Consider contributing $5.00 per licensed animal in the city to offer low-cost or free
spay/neuter programs for city residents.
City-Initiated Supplemental Programs
Included in the Fiscal Year 2025/26 adopted budget, $620,000 was approved for animal
services, which include five Spay/Neuter and/or Vaccination Mobile Clinics, potentially leaving a
surplus of approximately $110,000. To promote responsible pet ownership and reduce the
number of animals entering the shelter, staff would like to explore the following supplemental
program opportunities over the next fiscal year. It is staff’s intent to bring these items back at a
future date with projected costs aligned with the potential budget surplus.
1. Spay and Neuter Vouchers
Staff will explore a Request for Proposals (RFP) to local veterinary clinics interested in
partnering with the City to offer reduced -rate sterilization services. This program would
help control the animal population and provide greater access for residents who may face
financial barriers.
2. Licensing Improvements
Staff will explore a streamlined licensing model that allows local veterinarians to issue pet
licenses during annual vaccination visits. This would eliminate the need for
reimbursement vouchers and reduce administrative processing time, while making
licensing more accessible and affordable for families and individuals on fixed incomes.
Additional City-Initiated Efforts
Staff have already begun exploring additional initiatives that are data-driven, community-
focused, and cost-effective. These efforts aim to reduce shelter intake, improve live outcomes,
and support responsible pet ownership across Palm Desert.
Microchipping Programs
Staff are working to enhance microchipping efforts by leveraging GIS data to identify
neighborhoods with higher volumes of animal-related service and impound calls. By
focusing on outreach and microchipping events in these areas, the City can increase pet
reunification rates, reduce the number of animals entering the shelter, and shorten the
average length of stay for lost pets.
Community Education and Outreach
Several outreach strategies are being considered to address the root causes of pet
relinquishment and promote long-term animal welfare:
o Senior Planning Workshops: Partnering with local senior centers and adult
communities to provide resources and planning tools for pet care in the event an
owner is no longer able to provide care.
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Animal Services Contract
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o Responsible Pet Ownership Workshops: Educational sessions covering topics
such as basic pet care, microchipping, importance of spay/neutering, behavioral
training, licensing, and legal responsibilities.
o Targeted Neighborhood Outreach: Focused efforts in areas with high shelter intake,
offering direct support and information to residents most impacted by animal-related
issues.at other efforts intended to be data-driven, community-focused, and cost-
effective.
Data Sharing and Tracking Enhancements with RCDAS
As part of the recent discussions RCDAS has agreed to implement several operational
improvements that will enhance transparency, data tracking, and service coordination
with the City. These enhancements directly respond to concerns raised during the March
28, 2024, City Council Study Session.
Electronic Logging of Field Service Pickups.
RCDAS has agreed to utilize an electronic system to log the pickup locations of
animals collected in the field, replacing the current paper-based process used during
after-hours or overtime responses. This system will integrate with the City’s existing
GIS platform, currently used for short-term rental and homelessness tracking, via a
mobile application developed by the City. The County will explore both the City’s App
and potential exports from the County’s ESRI-based system and will collaborate with
City staff to determine the most effective and efficient approach.
Resident Drop-Off Address Reporting.
RCDAS will begin providing the City with a monthly list of addresses for all residents
who drop off animals at County shelter facilities. This information will support the City’s
GIS mapping efforts to help verify whether animals are coming from within city limits
and improve tracking of service demand and trends.
Improved Invoicing and Reporting Clarity
RCDAS will provide enhanced invoice documentation on a quarterly basis, with the
following improvements:
o Invoicing Methodology: A clear explanation of how charges are calculated and
broken down, including service types and billing categories. The County will be
available to respond to City questions for clarification.
o Service Type Reference Guide: A document listing all impounds and outcome
service types to help City staff better understand the nature of billed activities.
o Overtime Trip Sheet Breakdown: A m ore detailed explanation of after-hours
service trips to improve clarity and interpretation of overtime billing.
o Animal Identifier List: Improved formatting of animal tracking data, including a
full list of animals identified by number. The County will provide this information
in Excel format to assist with analysis and recordkeeping.
o Track-and-Trace Reporting: A comprehensive log of all animals by identifier,
including their intake and outcome status. This will include updates about
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City of Palm Desert
Animal Services Contract
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animals still in care, ensuring full visibility in their shelter stay. Ongoing updates
will be included in the quarterly reporting package.
Next Steps
Staff will return to the City Council on August 28, 2025, with an agenda item recommending
approval of a three-year contract with the Riverside County Department of Animal Services
(RCDAS) for continued animal sheltering and field services based on the updated cost allocation
model.
Legal Review:
This report has been reviewed by the City Attorney’s Office.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no financial impact associated with this update, as no formal action is being taken at
this time. Funding for animal services in the amount of $620,000 has already been included in
the Fiscal Year 2025/26 Budget, which was adopted by the City Coun cil on June 26, 2025.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. County Presentation – Proposed City Contract Rates
2. Palm Desert 3-Year Rate Sheet
3. Draft Contract for Field and Animal Services
4. Presentation
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Category Current
Charges
Annual
Adjustment
7/1/25
thru
12/31/25
1/1/26
thru
6/30/26
7/1/25
thru
6/30/26
Percentage
Increase
7/1/26
thru
6/30/27
Percentage
Increase
7/1/27
thru
6/30/28
Percentage
Increase
Shelter 186,286 23,455 93,143 104,871 198,014 6.30%233,196 25.18%256,652 37.77%
Field 286,790 0 143,395 150,565 293,960 2.50%316,186 10.25%331,996 15.76%
Total Charges 473,076 23,455 236,538 255,436 491,974 549,382.31 588,647.63
NOTES:
Annual adjustment will only be charged for the last 6 months of FY 25/26, a 50% reduction in FY 25/26 increase.
First six months of FY 25/26 will be based on current new rates metholdology.
Last two years increase is based on full charge from FY25/26 new rates methodology
City currently contracts for 1 Animal Control Officer
Any Overtime for ACO's will be chared at 1.5 per hourly charges.
City of Palm Desert
3 year Rate sheet
Sheltering charges to increase by 37.77% at end of three year-period
Year ThreeYear TwoYear One Rates
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Page 1 of 30
AGREEMENT FOR ANIMAL FIELD AND SHELTER SERVICES BETWEEN THE
CITY OF XXXXX AND THE COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE
THIS AGREEMENT FOR ANIMAL FIELD AND SHELTER SERVICES (“Agreement”) is
made and entered into as of July 1, 2025, by and between the COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE, a
political subdivision of the State of California (“COUNTY”), and the CITY OF XXXXXX, a
XXXX Law City (“CITY”), together known as the “parties”, and individually as a “party”.
RECITALS
WHEREAS, CITY desires to contract with COUNTY to provide animal field and shelter services
for the purpose of safeguarding the health and safety of the CITY’S population and the health and
safety of its domestic animals pursuant to the provision of field and animal sheltering services, and
described in this Agreement;
WHEREAS, CITY desires to promote the humane treatment of animals and remains a committed
partner with the COUNTY; and
WHEREAS, COUNTY has the personnel and experience to provide such services and is willing
to enter this Agreement with CITY for the provision of such services, subject to the terms and
conditions for compensation as set forth herein.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained in this Agreement, and
for good and valuable consideration, the parties mutually agree as follows:
SECTION I. OBLIGATION OF PARTIES
A. RECITALS:
l. The aforementioned Recitals are true and correct and incorporated herein by this
reference.
B. COUNTY Obligations:
1.COUNTY shall provide field and shelter services within the corporate limits of
CITY as outlined in EXHIBITS A and B, attached hereto and incorporated herein
by this reference, and more specifically as selected by CITY in ATTACHMENT
A, attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference. and attached hereto
and incorporated herein by this reference.
C.CITY Obligations:
1. CITY shall reimburse COUNTY for the services performed and the expenses
incurred as set forth in ATTACHMENTS A and B, using the Rates Methodology
as set forth in ATTACHMENT C of this Agreement.
2. In order to harmonize the terms of this Agreement with the provisions of the
CITY’s municipal code and for COUNTY to provide the full scope of services to
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CITY under this Agreement, within six months following the Effective Date of this
Agreement, CITY shall adopt the current verbatim language of the regulations,
provisions, and rates found in Riverside County Ordinance Nos. 534, 560, 630, 716,
771, and 878 (“Animal Control Ordinances”), and shall amend its CITY municipal
code when COUNTY amends its Animal Control Ordinances, from time to time.
COUNTY shall provide the verbatim language to the CITY that shall be adopted into
CITY’s municipal codes. Notwithstanding the foregoing, CITY retains all legislative
authority pertaining to the regulation of animals within its jurisdiction.
3. CITY shall agree to providing contract required clinics with COUNTY pursuant to
ATTACHMENT A.
SECTION II. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE
The Effective Date of this Agreement shall be from July 1, 2025, and shall terminate on June 30,
202X, unless terminated earlier as provided herein under SECTION IX of this agreement.
SECTION III. PERFORMANCE OF CONTRACT
A.In performing services under the Agreement, COUNTY will provide all necessary labor,
supervision, equipment, communication facilities, and supplies necessary to maintain the
agreed upon level of service.
B.Nothing in the Agreement prohibits CITY from providing, at CITY’s expense, additional
resources for the COUNTY to utilize in its performance of the services.
C.Any use of special supplies, stationery, notices, or forms, other than standard COUNTY
format, must be approved by the Director of the Department, or their designee, and supplied
by CITY at its own cost.
D.If requested, the COUNTY will make its best efforts to attend one in-person meeting with
CITY, up to three-hour duration per quarter at no charge to the CITY. Additional meetings
may be scheduled under unusual or urgent circumstances as agreed upon by the COUNTY.
CITY will pay the hourly rate listed in ATTACHMENT B for any additional hours of the
COUNTY’s contract management staff's time at meetings requested by CITY. Due to the
lack of availability of meeting space in COUNTY facilities, the CITY will provide a
mutually agreed upon meeting space and location, or virtual meeting link, for virtual
meetings.
E.If requested, the COUNTY will make its best efforts to coordinate a virtual meeting once
per month at no charge to CITY. Additional meetings may be scheduled under unusual or
urgent circumstances as agreed upon by the COUNTY. The CITY will pay the hourly rate
listed in ATTACHMENT B for any additional hours of COUNTY representatives’ time
at meetings requested by the CITY.
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F.If requested, COUNTY will make its best efforts to send representatives to the CITY’s
Council meetings for proposed ordinance changes, contract revisions, or any related animal
issues where input from the COUNTY is needed. The COUNTY will only attend these
meetings to the extent that resources and capacity will allow.
G.The COUNTY will make available upon request, at no charge to the CITY, the reports
pursuant to EXHIBIT B, at the intervals indicated in that attachment. For any additional
reports that are not included in EXHIBIT B, or those requested at more frequent intervals,
the COUNTY will account for the hours of staff time required to produce the reports. The
COUNTY will provide, at no charge, to the CITY, up to 12 hours of staff time annually
for any additional requested reports. The CITY will be responsible for any excess hours
at the current billing rate for staff time as listed in ATTACHMENT B.
SECTION IV. ADMINISTRATION OF PERSONNEL
A.The COUNTY will control all aspects of the services provided by the COUNTY including,
but not limited to, standards of performance, discipline of officers and staff, and all
employment-related matters.
B.In the event of a dispute between the parties regarding the duties and services to be
provided, or the minimum level or manner of performance of such services, the CITY will
be consulted and an agreement between the parties attempted. Each party must employ
good-faith and best efforts to reach an agreement. If an agreement cannot be reached, the
COUNTY will make the final and conclusive determination of the dispute.
C.All CITY employees who work with the COUNTY under the Agreement will remain
employees of the CITY and will not have any claim or right to employment, civil service
protection, salary, benefits, or claims of any kind from the COUNTY. No CITY employee
will become an employee of the COUNTY unless by specific additional agreement which
must be concurrently adopted by the CITY and COUNTY. Except as otherwise specifically
set forth in the Agreement or in the attached Service Request in ATTACHMENT A, to
the extent the COUNTY provides the CITY with animal licensing services, neither the
CITY employees nor their agents will perform any function related to the licensing of
animals, including the collection of license fees, penalties, or field enforcement fees. Field
enforcement fees will only be collected by the COUNTY for services performed by
employees of the COUNTY. The CITY shall distribute educational and outreach materials,
reviewed and agreed upon by both the COUNTY and the CITY, as requested by the
COUNTY.
D.For the purposes of performing services under the Agreement, and only for the purpose of
giving authority for COUNTY staff to provide these services, every COUNTY officer
and/or employee engaged in performing any service will be deemed to be a contracted
officer while performing service for the CITY, provided the service is within the scope of
the Agreement.
E.The CITY will not assume any liability for the direct payment of salaries, wages, or other
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compensation to COUNTY personnel performing services under the Agreement. Except
as described under SECTION VI, the CITY will not be liable for compensation or
indemnity to any COUNTY employee or agent of the COUNTY for injury or sickness
arising out of his/her employment while providing services under the Agreement.
SECTION V. DEPLOYMENT OF PERSONNEL
A.The COUNTY will determine the minimum required field personnel required to provide
the services requested by the CITY.
B.The CITY agrees to complete ATTACHMENT A, specifying the service to be provided,
which will be signed and authorized by the CITY and the COUNTY representative and
attached to the Agreement. In the event of a dispute between the Parties about the desired
or approved content of the SLR will be handled in accordance with SECTION IV(B) of
this Agreement.
C.The COUNTY will issue annual notifications of any change to the billing rate as stated in
SECTION XVIII. Unless the CITY changes other provisions within the most recently
executed SLR, it is not necessary to execute a revised service request to reflect a billing
rate change.
D.The CITY may at any time request a change in the level of service by completing a revised
service request and submitting the form to the COUNTY. The revised level of service to be
provided and the current fiscal year billing rate will be signed and authorized by the CITY
and the COUNTY representative and attached to the Agreement as an amendment. Changes
requested at times other than the beginning of the fiscal year will be implemented as soon as
practical, as determined in the sole discretion of the COUNTY. The CITY is only required
to submit a new service request if it wishes to revise its current services or update
information listed on its existing service request. The COUNTY reserves the right to
approve or disapprove requests on the service request in accordance with SECTION IV of
this Agreement.
E.Regarding updates to contact information, the CITY is not required to submit a new service
request. Email confirmation from the CITY will suffice, and the COUNTY will update the
CITY's existing service request and share the revised copy with the CITY.
F.The CITY is not limited to the services indicated but may also request any other services
in the field of public safety, animal welfare, or related fields within the legal power of the
Director of the Department to provide. The COUNTY reserves the right to determine, in
its sole discretion, whether the COUNTY can provide requested services not otherwise
specified in this Agreement.
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SECTION VI. HOLD HARMLESS/INDEMNIFICATION
A.CITY shall indemnify and hold harmless the County of Riverside, its Agencies, Districts,
Special Districts and Departments, their respective directors, officers, Board of
Supervisors, elected and appointed officials, employees, agents and representatives from
any liability, claim, damage or action whatsoever, based or asserted upon any actions of
CITY, its officers, employees, subcontractors, agents or representatives arising out of or in
any way relating to this Agreement, including but not limited to property damage, bodily
injury, or death or any other element of any kind or nature whatsoever and resulting from
any reason whatsoever arising from the negligent or willful actions by CITY, its officers,
agents, employees, subcontractors, agents or representatives of this Agreement. CITY shall
defend, at its sole expense, all costs and fees including but not limited to attorney fees, cost
of investigation, defense and settlements or awards of all Agencies, Districts, Special
Districts and Departments of the County of Riverside, their respective directors, officers,
Board of Supervisors, elected and appointed officials, employees, agents and
representatives in any such action or claim or action based upon such alleged acts or
omissions.
B.With respect to any action or claim subject to indemnification herein by CITY, CITY shall,
at its sole cost, have the right to use counsel of its own choice and shall have the right to
adjust, settle, or compromise any such action or claim without the prior consent of
COUNTY; provided, however, that any such adjustment, settlement or compromise in no
manner whatsoever limits or circumscribes CITY’s indemnification to COUNTY as set
forth herein. The CITY’s obligation to defend, indemnify and hold COUNTY shall be
subject to COUNTY having given CITY written notice within a reasonable period of the
claim or of the commencement of the related action and information and reasonable
assistance, at CITY’s expense, for the defense or settlement thereof. CITY’s obligation
hereunder shall be satisfied when CITY has provided to COUNTY with the appropriate
form of dismissal relieving COUNTY from any liability for the action or claim involved.
C.COUNTY shall indemnify and hold harmless the CITY, its Agencies, Districts, Special
Districts and Departments, their respective directors, officers, CITY Council, elected and
appointed officials, employees, agents and representatives from any liability, claim,
damage or action whatsoever, based or asserted upon any actions of COUNTY, its officers,
employees, subcontractors, agents or representatives arising out of or in any way relating
to this Agreement, including but not limited to property damage, bodily injury, or death or
any other element of any kind or nature whatsoever and resulting from any reason
whatsoever arising from the negligent or willful actions by COUNTY, its officers, agents,
employees, subcontractors, agents or representatives of this Agreement. COUNTY shall
defend, at its sole expense, all costs and fees including but not limited to attorney fees, cost
of investigation, defense and settlements or awards of all Agencies, Districts, Special
Districts and Departments of the CITY, their respective directors, officers, CITY Council,
elected and appointed officials, employees, agents and representatives in any such action
or claim or action based upon such alleged acts or omissions.
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D.With respect to any action or claim subject to indemnification herein by COUNTY,
COUNTY shall, at its sole cost, have the right to use counsel of its own choice and shall
have the right to adjust, settle, or compromise any such action or claim without the prior
consent of CITY; provided, however, that any such adjustment, settlement or compromise
in no manner whatsoever limits or circumscribes COUNTY’s indemnification to CITY as
set forth herein. COUNTY’S obligation to defend, indemnify and hold harmless CITY
shall be subject to CITY having given COUNTY written notice within a reasonable period
of the claim or of the commencement of the related action and information and reasonable
assistance, at COUNTY’s expense, for the defense or settlement thereof. COUNTY’s
obligation hereunder shall be satisfied when COUNTY has provided to CITY the
appropriate form of dismissal relieving CITY from any liability for the action or claim
involved.
E.The specified insurance limits required in this Agreement shall in no way limit the
COUNTY’s obligations to indemnify and hold harmless CITY herein from third party
claims.
F.This SECTION VI shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
SECTION VII. INSURANCE
COUNTY agrees to maintain the following insurance coverage during the term of this Agreement:
A. Workers’ Compensation:
COUNTY shall maintain Workers’ Compensation Insurance (Coverage A) as prescribed
by the laws of the State of California. The policy shall include Employer Liability
(Coverage B) including Occupational Disease with limits of not less than $1,000,000 per
person per accident.
B. Commercial General Liability:
COUNTY shall maintain Commercial General Liability Insurance coverage for claims
which may arise from or out of COUNTY’s performance of its obligations hereunder. This
coverage shall have a limit of liability not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence combined
single limit.
C. Vehicle Liability:
If vehicles or mobile equipment is used in the performance of the obligations under this
Agreement, then COUNTY agrees to maintain automobile liability insurance for vehicles
provided by the COUNTY for use under this Agreement. This coverage shall have a limit
of liability of not less than S1,000,000 combined single limit.
SECTION VIII. RESERVED
RESERVED.
SECTION IX. TERMINATION
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A.Either party may terminate this Agreement without cause upon no earlier than six (6)
months advance written notice served on the other party stating the extent and effective
date of termination.
B.If a six (6) month notice of termination is served on the other party, after receiving said
notice of termination, COUNTY shall stop work under this Agreement on the termination
date specified in the notice of termination; and after termination, CITY shall make payment
to COUNTY for performance up to the date of termination in accordance with this
Agreement.
C.In the event of termination, both parties shall fulfill all obligations owed to each other that
have accrued before the date of termination. Additionally, except for SECTION VI, each
party will be released from any obligations that would have accrued after the termination
date had the Agreement continued. However, the CITY will remain responsible for
payment to the COUNTY for any services provided under this Agreement prior to the
termination date.
SECTION X. FORCE MAJEURE
If either Party is unable to comply with any provision of this Agreement due to causes beyond its
reasonable control, and which could not have been reasonably anticipated, such as acts of God,
acts of war, civil disorders, pandemics, or other similar acts, such party shall not be held liable for
such failure to comply.
SECTION XI. AMENDMENTS
Any amendments, including but not limited to alterations, variations, or supplements, to the terms
of this Agreement shall be in writing and signed by the parties hereto, and shall have the approval
of the Board of Supervisors of COUNTY and CITY Council. Any amendments will be presented
to CITY’s CITY Manager, or designee, prior to CITY’s CITY Council approval.
This Agreement, including any attachments, constitutes the entire Agreement of the Parties with
respect to its subject matter and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous representations,
proposals, discussions and communications, whether oral or in writing.
Except for changes to a CITY’s contact information, any changes, modifications, or amendments
to the Agreement must be in writing and duly executed by the Director of the Department, or their
designee, and an authorized representative of the CITY. The only exception to this requirement
applies to updates to the CITY's contact information, which may be made through simple email
confirmation from the CITY.
SECTION XII. SEVERABIITY
Each paragraph or provision of this AGREEMENT is severable from each other provision, and if
any provision or part thereof is declared invalid, the remaining provisions shall nevertheless
remain in full force and effect.
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SECTION XIII. NO THIRD-PARTY BENEFICIARIES
This Agreement between the parties is intended for the mutual benefit of the two signing parties
only. No rights are created under this Agreement in favor of any third party or any party who is
not a direct signatory to this Agreement.
SECTION XIV. NONDISCRIMINATION
COUNTY shall not discriminate in the provision of services, allocation of benefits,
accommodation in facilities, or employment of personnel on the basis of race, ethnicity, religions
creed, color, national origin, ancestry, age, physical disability, mental disability, medical
condition, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity in the performance of this
Agreement; and, to the extent they shall be found to be applicable hereto, shall comply with the
provisions of the California Fair Employment and housing Act (Gov. Code 12900 et. seq.), the
Federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Pub. L. 88-352) and the Americans with Disability Act of 1990
(42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.).
SECTION XV. DISPUTE RESOLUTION AND VENUE
A.The parties shall attempt to resolve any disputes amicably at a working level as set forth in
SECTION IV(B). If that is not successful, the dispute shall be referred to the senior
management of the parties.
B.Prior to filing any legal action related to this Agreement, the parties shall be obligated to
attend a mediation session in Riverside County before a neutral third-party mediator. A
second mediation session shall be required if the first session is not successful. The parties
shall share the cost of the mediations.
C.This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California. Any legal action
related to the performance or interpretation of this Agreement shall be filed only in the
Superior Court of the State of California located in Riverside, California, and the parties
waive any and all provisions of law providing for a change of venue to another location.
SECTION XVI. ASSIGNMENT
This Agreement shall be binding upon COUNTY and its successors. Neither this Agreement nor
any part thereof nor any moneys due or to become due hereunder may be assigned by the parties
without the prior written consent of the other Party. CITY and COUNTY hereby agree with the
full performance of the covenants contained herein.
SECTION XVII. CONTRACT PERFORMANCE
COUNTY’s Director of Department of Animal Services, or designated representative, shall meet as
necessary to discuss contract performance with CITY’s CITY Manager, or designated
representative.
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SECTION XVIII. CONTRACT SUM
The CITY will pay for the services provided under the terms of the Agreement at the current fiscal
year rate established by the COUNTY and set forth in the current ATTACHMENT B.
The rates indicated in the ATTACHMENT B form will be readjusted by the COUNTY annually,
effective the first day of July each year, to reflect the cost of services in accordance with the policies
and procedures for the determination of rates established by the COUNTY.
The CITY will be billed based on the current service level described in the latest ATTACHMENT
A, FISCAL YEAR 25/26-XX SERVICE REQUEST FOR THE CITY OF XXXXX.
The cost of any additional services requested and provided under the Agreement and not set forth
in ATTACHMENT B will be determined by the COUNTY in accordance with the policies and
procedures established by the COUNTY.
SECTION XIX. PAYMENT PROCEDURES
The COUNTY, through the Department of Animal Services, will submit a summary invoice
covering all services performed quarterly to the CITY within ten (10) calendar days after the
closing of each quarter. The CITY will pay the COUNTY for all undisputed amounts within thirty
(30) calendar days after the date of the invoice.
If payment is not delivered to the COUNTY office described on the invoice within sixty (60) days
after the date of the invoice, the COUNTY is entitled to recover interest on the unpaid amount.
For all disputed amounts, the CITY will provide the COUNTY with written notice of the dispute
including the invoice date, amount, and reason(s) for the dispute within twenty-one (21) calendar
days after receipt of the invoice. The parties will confirm the resolution of the dispute in writing.
For any disputed amounts, interest will accrue if payment is not received within sixty (60) calendar
days after the date of the written resolution.
Interest will be calculated at the rate of seven percent (7%) annually or any portion thereof, from
the last day of the month for which the services were performed, or in the case of disputed amounts,
from the date of the written resolution.
SECTION XX. NOTICES
Each Party shall designate a Primary Contact, as identified in ATTACHMENT A, Service
Request, to facilitate the services covered by this Agreement. Routine communications necessary
for the day-to-day facilitation of services may be conveyed through telephone, email, or in-person
interactions. However, all correspondence and notices required or contemplated by this Agreement
shall be delivered to the respective parties at the addresses set forth below and in ATTACHMENT
A and are deemed submitted two (2) days after their deposit in the United States mail, postage
prepaid.
Notices to the County of Riverside must be addressed as follows:
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COUNTY
County of Riverside Department of Services Director
6851 Van Buren Boulevard
Jurupa Valley, CA 92509
Notices to the CITY must be addressed to the contact person listed on the most recent SLR on
file and/or the current CITY Official or CITY Manager.
SECTION XXI. DEFINITIONS
A.“Altered or Unaltered” An Altered animal has undergone a surgical sterilization procedure,
spay (female) or neuter (male) for dogs or cats and is incapable of reproduction. An
Unaltered animal has not been sterilized.
B.“Available” means an animal eight (8) weeks of age or older that at the time the animal is
impounded or taken into possession, has manifested no sign of disease, injury, or
congenital or hereditary condition that adversely affects the health or temperament of the
animal, or that is likely to adversely affect the animal’s health in the future.
C.“Care” includes, but is not limited to providing necessary and prompt veterinary care,
adequate nutrition and water, shelter, and humane treatment, or transfer of animal to the
appropriate agency as defined in Civil Code 1834 and 1846.
D.“Euthanasia” is a non-preferred option and is to be used as a last resort when deemed there
is no other outcome for an animal. When the decision has been made to euthanize it is
done with the highest degree of respect, and with an emphasis on making the euthanasia
process as painless and distress free as possible. Humane euthanasia services shall be
provided as required for impounded animals held at the Shelter for the lawful number of
days, if such an animal is not reclaimed by the animal’s owner and cannot be placed
through adoption or rescue by COUNTY. Animals that are irremediably suffering from a
serious illness or severe injury may not be held for owner redemption or adoption. Except
as provided in Food and Agricultural Code, subdivision (b), Section 31108 and subdivision
(c) of Section 31752, newborn animals that need maternal care and have been impounded
without their mothers may be euthanized without being held for owner redemption or
adoption. Further:
i. Only euthanasia methods approved by the Association of Shelter Veterinarians shall
be used.
ii. Pre-euthanasia sedation or anesthesia shall be provided in the professional judgment
of the veterinarian conducting or providing oversight. The interests of the animal
will be given equal consideration whether the animal is individually owned or not,
regarding providing pre-euthanasia sedation or anesthesia.
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iii. The COUNTY will provide ongoing professional training on the latest methods and
material available for euthanasia and effective management of compassion fatigue
for all personnel as described within, but not limited to, the American Veterinary
Medical Association’s Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals.
iv. The COUNTY will conduct euthanasia in areas that are isolated from other activities,
where possible, to minimize stress on animals and to provide staff with a professional
and dedicated work area and incorporate the recommendations for a well-designed
euthanasia space as recommended by the American Veterinary Medical Association.
v. Records shall be kept for a period of not less than three (3) years on each euthanized
animal shall include the following information: breed; sex; color; weight; other
distinguishing characteristics; date, time and location where animal was found,
method of euthanasia, and reason for use of method.
E.“Healthy” means and include all dogs and cats eight weeks of age or older that, at or
subsequent to the time the animal is taken into possession, have manifested no sign of a
behavioral or temperamental characteristic that could pose a health or safety risk or
otherwise make the animal unsuitable for placement as a pet, and have manifested no sign
of disease, injury, a congenital or hereditary condition that adversely affects the health of
the animal or that is likely to adversely affect the animal’s health in the future.
F."Impounded." Having been received into custody of any animal control center, animal
control officer, animal control vehicle, or peace officer duly authorized by the County of
Riverside to receive such animal.
G.“Potentially Dangerous” Any animal which has once actively pursued, attacked, bitten, or
otherwise caused a less severe injury than a "substantial injury" (as defined in this section),
to another person engaged in a lawful activity. Any animal which has once attacked, bitten,
or otherwise caused a less severe injury than a "substantial injury" (as defined in this
section), to another animal. Any animal which is found actively pursuing livestock, poultry,
dogs, cats or animals.
H."Substantial injury" means a substantial impairment of the physical condition of a person
or animal which requires professional medical treatment, including, but not limited to, loss
of consciousness; concussion; bone fracture; protracted loss or impairment of function of
any bodily member or organ; muscle tears, disfiguring lacerations, punctures, or a wound
requiring multiple sutures; or any injury requiring corrective or cosmetic surgery.
I.“Dangerous” Any animal which has twice within a forty-eight (48) month period in two
separate incidents has, actively pursued, attacked, bitten or otherwise caused a less severe
injury than a "substantial injury" (as defined in this section), to another person or animal
engaged in a lawful activity. Any animal which has once attacked, bitten, or otherwise
caused injury to a person or animal engaged in lawful activity, resulting in death or
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substantial injury; Any animal which has been previously declared a potentially dangerous
animal and the owner/custodian has failed to restrain the animal as so directed; or any dog
which has been declared a "potentially dangerous dog" as defined by California State Law
during any legal hearing process.
J.“Vicious” means any animal which, when unprovoked, in an aggressive manner, inflicts
injury on or kills a human being or animal. Any animal previously determined to be and
currently listed as a potentially dangerous dog which after its owner or keeper has been
notified of this determination, continues that behavior described in Section 31062 of the
Food and Agricultural Code or is maintained in violation of Section 31641, 31642, or
31643 of the Food and Agricultural Code.
SECTION XXII. HEADINGS
The Section and other headings contained in this Agreement are included for the purpose of
convenient reference only and shall not restrict, amplify, modify or otherwise affect in any way
the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement or the attachments and schedules hereto.
SECTION XXIII. COUNTERPARTS
This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed
an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same Agreement, binding on all
Parties.
SECTION XXIV. WAIVER OF BREACH, RIGHT OR REMEDY
The waiver by any party of any breach or violation by another party of any provision of this
Agreement or of any right or remedy permitted the waiving party in this Agreement (n) shall not
waive or be construed to waive any subsequent breach or violation of the same provision, (b) shall
not waive or be construed to waive a breach of violation of any other provision, and (c) shall be in
writing and may not be presumed or inferred from any party’s conduct. Except as expressly
provided otherwise in this Agreement, no remedy conferred by this Agreement is intended to be
exclusive of any other remedy, and every remedy shall be in addition to every other remedy
granting in this Agreement or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity, by statute or otherwise.
The election of any one or more remedies by a party shall not constitute a waiver of the right to
pursue other available remedies.
SECTION XXV. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR
The COUNTY is acting as an independent contractor to the CITY under this Agreement. Each
party to this Agreement shall have no power to incur any debt, obligation, or liability on behalf of
another party to this Agreement.
SECTION XXVI. COUNTERPARTS
This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed
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an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same Agreement, binding on all
Parties.
SECTION XXVII. AUTHORIZATION WARRANTY
A. The CITY represents and warrants that the person executing the Agreement for the CITY
is an authorized agent who has actual authority to bind the CITY to each term, condition,
and obligation of the Agreement and that all requirements of the CITY have been fulfilled
to provide such actual authority.
B. The COUNTY represents and warrants that the person executing the Agreement for the
COUNTY is an authorized agent who has actual authority to bind the COUNTY to each
term, condition, and obligation of the Agreement and that all requirements of the COUNTY
have been fulfilled to provide such actual authority.
SECTION XXVIII. COOPERATION, FURTHER ACT
The parties shall cooperate fully with one another and shall take any additional acts or sign any
additional documents as may be necessary, appropriate or convenient to attain the purposes of this
Agreement.
(Signature Provisions on Following Page]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused their duly authorized representatives to execute this
Agreement.
COUNTY:
County of Riverside, on behalf of its
Department of Animal Services, a political
subdivision of the State of California
_______________________________
V. Manuel Perez, Chair
Board of Supervisors
Date:__________________________
CITY:
CITY, a XXXXXX city
_____________________________
Mayor or City Manager
Date:__________________________
ATTEST:
Kimberly Rector
Clerk of the Board
By:____________________________
ATTEST:
By:____________________________
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Minh C. Tran
County Counsel
By:____________________________
Amrit P. Dhillon
Deputy County Counsel
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
City Attorney
By:____________________________
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COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE
DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL SERVICES
DESCRIPTION OF STANDARD FIELD SERVICES
EXHIBIT A
At the election of the CITY the County of Riverside, on behalf of its Department of Animal
Services (“COUNTY”), agrees to provide the following animal field services for the CITY of
XXXXX (“CITY”):
A. PROVISION OF FIELD SERVICES
The COUNTY will provide the services set forth below in accordance with regulations and
provisions, found in Riverside County Ordinance Nos. 534, 560, 630, 716, 771, and 878 (“Animal
Control Ordinances”), except as otherwise agreed to by the Parties in ATTACHMENT B, Service
Request.
The COUNTY will inform the CITY of any proposed changes to Ordinance Nos. 534, 560, 630,
716, 771, and 878 with as much advance notice as practical, with the intention of providing the
CITY with an opportunity to submit input to the COUNTY and the COUNTY related to the
proposed changes. The COUNTY will notify the CITY of the passage of any change to Ordinance
Nos. 534, 560, 630, 716, 771, and 878 by the County Board of Supervisors as soon as practical.
The COUNTY will provide the minimum required animal control resources and services for the
CITY based on an average number of calls for service. Services consist of COUNTY personnel
performing a variety of tasks utilizing appropriate equipment. The animal field services to be
provided by COUNTY for CITY within the corporate limits of CITY shall include the following
activities:
1.Field Service Assistance: Respond to all calls for field service assistance pursuant
to the priority of calls as described in Section E below.
2.Impoundment: Impound dogs and livestock found at large and collect such impound
fees as established in the appropriate CITY municipal code.
3.Proper Care and Treatment: Provide humane care and treatment to any stray or
abandoned animal impounded by field personnel in accordance with State of
California (“State”) laws and regulations.
4.Animal Bites: Investigate reported bites by animals. COUNTY shall respond to all
reposed bites by dogs, cats, or by suspected rabid or wild animals. COUNTY will
interview bite victims to the extent possible. COUNTY only be responsible for
administrative proceedings resulting therefrom.
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5.Quarantine: Quarantine all animals suspected to be rabid and/or that have bitten a
person as prescribed by the California Compendium of Rabies Control and
Prevention, the State law, and COUNTY policy. Shelter quarantine will be at the
discretion of the COUNTY.
6.Stray and Barking Animal (Nuisance) Complaints : Respond to and process
nuisance complaints, including stray and barking animal complaints. COUNTY shall
only be responsible for administrative enforcement proceedings resulting therefrom.
7.Dead Animals: Remove dead animals from the public right-of-way except in such
cases where an animal is on a state highway within CITY limits. In such cases,
COUNTY shall immediately (or as soon as practicable) notify the State Department
of Transportation by telephone, facsimile, email or other means.
8.Return of Animals in the Field: Field personnel, including officers employed by
CITY, shall make a best effort to return any lost/stray animal impounded in the field
to the rightful owner. Best effort includes but is not limited to:
i. Checking for identification
ii. Scanning the animals for a microchip
iii. Canvassing the area to attempt to find the owner
iv. Equipment necessary to fix common problems such as broken fences with
permission from the resident
v. Post a minimum of three signs
9.Kennels and Catteries: COUNTY shall inspect and issue licenses to operate dog
kennels and catteries within CITY pursuant to CITY’s municipal codes and collect
fees in connection therewith. All fees for licenses to operate dog kennels and catteries
shall be retained by COUNTY.
10.Issuance of Warnings and Citations : Enforce all appropriate provisions of CITY’s
municipal code as necessary, including the issuance of warning notices or citations,
for violations of the provisions of said municipal code. COUNTY shall only be
responsible for administrative enforcement proceedings resulting therefrom.
11.Service to Public: Provide service to the public on matters covered in this Agreement
consistent with established policies and procedures that promote courteous and
efficient service and good public relations. Other policies and procedures
notwithstanding COUNTY, in processing any type of complaint or request for
service, shall indicate to the caller that a response can be expected as per Section E
below.
12.Field Services Related to Canine Licenses: The COUNTY shall verify canine
license status when responding to requests for service or when responding to
complaints about animal behavior. The Animal Control Officer, as part of the
officer's regular animal control duties as defined by, but not limited to, the terms of
this Agreement, shall conduct license inspection activities during animal control
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investigations to ascertain the number of unlicensed dogs, to license such dogs, and
to foster compliance with CITY’s municipal code.
13.Wildlife: COUNTY will not impound free roaming wildlife unless it is a danger to
the community, sick, injured, or part of an animal cruelty or animal bite case.
14. COUNTY will perform humane investigations of suspected animal neglect and
cruelty and will be responsible for investigation, citation, and preparing materials for
prosecution.
15. COUNTY and CITY will work together on educational outreach, promotion of
spay/neuter and vaccination clinics, owner surrender assistance programs,
responsible pet ownership, adoption programs and other activities to reduce
impounds and increase live outcomes. CITY will provide x vaccine clinic(s) at no
charge to the resident, and x spay/neuter clinic(s) at no charge to the resident per
quarter, at CITY’S expense. CITY may decide to hire COUNTY to provide this
service, if available, or seek a separate vendor.
16. In case of a disaster, COUNTY and CITY will work collaboratively on animal needs
and communication as it is related to rescue, response and recovery efforts.
B.SHELTER CARE AND DISPOSITION SERVICES
The COUNTY shall house CITY’s animals at the XXXXXX, or other COUNTY operated
shelter at the COUNTY’s discretion, as set forth in EXHIBIT B.
C. PROVISION OF VEHICLES AND RADIO EQUIPMENT
COUNTY shall provide animal control vehicles and equip them with the appropriate animal
control boxes mounted on the truck chassis and with an air conditioning unit mounted on the
animal control truck boxes for use in the provision of services as set forth in this Agreement.
The COUNTY shall fuel and maintain said vehicles.
D. MISSING OR STOLEN ANIMALS
COUNTY shall file a report with the appropriate law enforcement agency within twenty-
four (24) hours if an impounded animal is missing or suspected of having been stolen from
an animal control vehicle or while in COUNTY’s custody. COUNTY shall indicate on the
police report the circumstances of the animal's disappearance.
E. PRIORITY OF FIELD SERVICES
a.“Services” are those enforcement activities rendered by COUNTY pursuant to
COUNTY Ordinance and/or the relevant sections of CITY’s municipal code, as
indicated in ATTACHMENT B and related State law and are assembled for into two
categories: emergency and non-emergency.
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b.“Priority Ranking” refers to the order of priority with which a call will be handled.
All calls will go directly to the dispatcher or assigned clerical staff for a relay to the
Animal Control Officer. If a call is exceptional,” as set forth in Section F below, it
shall be referred to the supervisor for evaluation and response.
c. The following definitions of “Regular Service Hours”, “Limited-Service Hours”, and
“Holidays” are intended to identify the broad time frames during which specific levels
of service will be provided.
d."Regular-Service Hours” are between the hours of 7:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday
through Friday, Holidays excepted.
e."Limited-Services Hours” are the between the hours of 5:00 pm to 7:30 am, Monday
through Friday, all day Saturday, Sunday and on Holidays.
f.“Holidays” are those days as established by the COUNTY and the CITY where the
CITY or COUNTY is closed for service on a business day that would otherwise be a
regular service day.
g.Field service activities shall be performed daily and generally based on both the
Priority Ranking and the time a call for service is received in accordance with this
Agreement. All calls involving imminent danger shall be responded to within sixty
(60) minutes if reasonably possible, subject to considerations involving the time of
day, traffic conditions, or other circumstances. An Animal Control Officer shall
respond to animal medical emergencies and other emergencies involving danger to
humans within thirty (30) minutes or less during Regular Service Hours, and within
sixty (60) minutes or less during Limited-Service Hours and Holidays. CITY
acknowledges that response time may be affected by traffic congestion or other
hindering circumstances uncontrollable by COUNTY. COUNTY shall provide a
means for responding to calls for service that take place during Limited-Service
Periods which are of an urgent nature pursuant to this ATTACHMENT A, Field
service personnel may be assigned to patrol and perform other service field tasks as
defined by COUNTY and CITY.
h. The COUNTY shall respond to telephone calls for field services during Regular
Service Hours. Calls shall be received by the COUNTY answering service during
Limited-Service Hours and on Holidays, as noted above. Calls answered by the
answering service will be handled on an emergency basis as outlined in herein. The
dispatcher and/or clerical support staff shall maintain a detailed record of all requests
for service, both emergency and routine, received during Regular Service Hours and
Limited-Service Hours, including time and date, when the calls were answered, and
the disposition of those calls. Records of these calls shall be maintained for at least
thirty (30) days.
i. The CITY and COUNTY agree that any incident reports to the COUNTY by residents
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or through emergency services involving a dangerous, aggressive, wild, injured or sick
animal constitute an emergency and require immediate action by the COUNTY
pursuant to this Agreement. Calls for service received during Limited-Service Hours
that are not of an urgent nature shall be answered by an answering service and referred
to call-back on the next business day during phone center operational hours. These
calls will then be scheduled for response in accordance with EXHIBIT A.
j.Calls Considered Emergencies to be Handled Without Delay :
1.Animals endangering the health or safety of the community
2.Police Department requests for service
3.Sick or injured stray animals
4.Animals in distress
5.Humane investigations that are life threatening. (Depending on immediate
circumstances)
k.Calls Considered Non-Emergency to be Handled during Regular Service
Hours:
1.Pick-up confined, healthy- not sick or injured, stray-animals
2.Dead animal removal
3.Quarantine investigations
4.Leash law enforcement
5.Nuisance animal investigations
6.Permit investigations
F.EXCEPTIONS
The Director of the Department of Animal Services, or their designee, may, on a case-by-case
basis, authorize variations of priority when circumstances require.
G. LICENSE FEES (Riverside COUNTY Ordinance No. 630, Section 2 - MANDATORY
DOG LICENSING AND VACCINATION)
Licenses shall be issued upon receipt of all licensing requirements including payment of the
license fees at the same rate as established in Section 2 of Riverside County Ordinance No.
630 and are subject to change as amended by COUNTY’s Board of Supervisors, from time to
time.
H. RABIES VACCINATION CERTIFICATE DATA
Rabies vaccination certificates shall be collected from area veterinarians and downloaded into
COUNTY’s database after the data has been reviewed for inconsistencies. Reminders of
licensing requirements shall be automatically generated and emailed or mailed to dog owners.
Those owners who fail to comply may be subsequently issued administrative citations.
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Remittance options include on the COUNTY’s website www.rcdas.org or in person at a
COUNTY shelter location. COUNTY shall verify dog license status when responding to
requests for service or when responding to complaints. COUNTY owners can verify the status
of their animal’s license by telephone or going to https://riversidecounty.docupet.com.
I. COLLECTION OF LICENSE FEES
CITY authorizes COUNTY to issue and collect the fees for canine licenses and retain eleven
dollars and thirty-five cents ($11.35) per license on any and all canine license revenue
generated by CITY residents during the term of the Agreement. All fees collected for canine
licenses shall be accounted for by the COUNTY monthly and the COUNTY shall credit the
net amount of license fees collected for each month. For purposes of this Agreement, the net
amount of license fees shall mean the total amount of license fees collected in a month less
the sum of $11.35 per each canine license issued and shall be separate and apart from the
monthly compensation rate due and payable by the CITY as required in ATTACHMENT B,
Billing Rates. CITY shall be responsible for a one-time conversion fee for new data entered
into COUNTY’s licensing database.
J. SERVICE PLANS
CITY may elect one of two service plans for field services provided by the COUNTY.
(ATTACHMENT A)
1. Standard Service Plan
The Standard Service Plan provides the number of Animal Control Officers, as
determined by the County, to allow for providing field services to the CITY five (5)
days/week – Monday through Friday- Nine (9) hrs./day – between the hours of
7:30am-5:00pm, dispatching and after-hours emergency service 24 hours per day,
seven days per week.
2. Extended Service Plan
The Extended Service Plan provides the number of Animal Control Officers to allow
for providing field services to the CITY seven (7) days/week – Monday through
Sunday – nine (9) hrs./day - between the hours of 7:30am-5:00pm, as indicated by
the CITY in ATTACHMENT A, dispatching and after-hours emergency service 24
hours per day, seven days per week.
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COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE
DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL SERVICES
DESCRIPTION OF STANDARD SHELTER SERVICES
EXHIBIT B
At the election of the CITY, The County of Riverside, on behalf of its Department of Animal
Services (“COUNTY"), agrees to provide the following Animal Shelter Services for the CITY of
XXXX (“CITY”).
A. PROVISION OF SHELTER SERVICES
All COUNTY shelters are open admission shelters and are required to accept all stray or
abandoned animals from the COUNTY’s area(s) of responsibility. The COUNTY maintains four
(4) animal care shelters that accept stray or abandoned animals. The COUNTY also receives and
maintains animals that are victims of abuse or neglect, under a quarantine order, or that pose a risk
to the public. Stray or abandoned animals are held for an initial period to give an owner the
opportunity to reclaim them. Owner-relinquished animals are held for an initial period prior to
requested euthanasia or adoption to a new home, pursuant to State law. The holding period may
vary and may be extended to reunite the animal with an identified owner or for other reasons.
The COUNTY is committed to providing appropriate and safe housing for all animals accepted
into the COUNTY’S care. The COUNTY is required by law to provide necessary and prompt
veterinary care, nutrition, and shelter, and treat them kindly. Medical care may be provided by
COUNTY staff or, at COUNTY’S sole discretion, outsourced to a contracted veterinarian.
B. COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER
1.All animals collected in the field within the boundaries of the CITY or determined to
have originated from within the boundaries of the CITY may be housed at a
COUNTY animal shelter. Admitted animals will be vaccinated, microchipped, and
provided necessary and prompt medical care, food, water, and shelter. The COUNTY
may post an animal’s picture on the Department’s website to assist residents in
reclaiming a lost or missing pet or finding a new one. Residents may also visit the
associated animal shelter to find their lost or missing pet. The hours of operation of
each animal care center may be found on the Department's website.
2.The COUNTY will make reasonable attempts to house animals from the CITY at the
animal shelter closest to the CITY. The nearest animal shelter to the CITY will be
designated as the primary animal shelter. There may be circumstances in which the
Department will house animals collected from the CITY at an alternate location.
3.The COUNTY shall be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the
COUNTY shelters and the care of the animals.
4.The COUNTY shall maintain hours of operation at the Shelter to provide maximum
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public access to the animals, to the extent possible.
C. STANDARD SHELTER SERVICES
Riverside County Animal Services shelters shall include the following activities and services:
1.Impoundment, admittance, receipt of, care of, custody of and/or feeding of any
and all stray animals.
2.Providing food, water, shelter, enrichment, and medical care for animals in the
Department’s care.
3.Holding stray animals and attempting to reunite them with their owners.
4.Assisting pet owners with alternatives to relinquishment by connecting them with
resources for pet retention. Accepting unwanted animals surrendered by their
owners if there is no other alternative.
5.Making the best efforts to find new adoptive homes for domestic animals and
livestock.
6.Quarantine and observation of animals for rabies and/or at the direction of the
Department of Public Health.
7.Working with wildlife rehabilitators to rescue sick and injured wildlife.
8.Providing emergency care and housing to pets and livestock displaced by
wildfires or other disasters.
9.Holding animals that are the subject of criminal investigations or other legal or
administrative proceedings.
10.Ensuring that all dogs, four (4) months and older, released from the COUNTY to a
resident of County of Riverside are licensed, microchipped, and spayed/neutered
and, if not licensed, to sell license to the owner or other person taking custody of
such dog. In accordance with COUNTY ordinances, require the micro-chipping of
released animals.
11.Provide necessary and prompt veterinary care.
12.Humane euthanasia of animals as lawful and necessary, including the creation of a
log detailing each animal that is euthanized and the reasons for such euthanasia.
13.Public services, including prevention of animal abuse, neglect, or abandonment
through outreach and education, and intervention through finding alternatives to
relinquishment and assisting at-risk populations.
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14.Filing annual reports to the State of California as required by law.
15.Proper disposal of dead animals at the rate as set forth in ATTACHMENT B,
Payment Provisions.
16.Maintaining a website with pictures of stray and surrendered animals to facilitate
reuniting the animals with their owners or finding new adoptive homes.
17.Maintaining regular hours of operation for the public.
D. SCOPE OF ANIMAL SHELTER SERVICES
1. Treatment of Animals: COUNTY will provide adequate care and treatment of
CITY’s animals whiles in custody of COUNTY to ensure that impounded animals
are provided with humane and appropriate levels of care, including a clean
environment, fresh water, adequate nutrition and appropriate medical care.
2. Level of Service Provided : COUNTY shall provide Animal Shelter Services as
defined in this Agreement. COUNTY’s policies and procedures for Animal Shelter
Services shall be based on standards and/or guidelines derived from reputable
animal care organizations including, but not limited to, the Humane Society of the
United States, American Humane Association, and American Veterinary Medical
Association.
3. Feeding Protocols: All animals shall be fed in amounts appropriate to meet their
nutritional needs.
4. Disease Control and Sanitation: COUNTY shall maintain the Shelter in a clean
and sanitary condition. COUNTY’s policies and procedures may include beneficial
standards and/or guidelines derived from reputable animal care organizations
including, but not limited to, the Humane Society of the United States, American
Humane Association, and American Veterinary Medical Association.
5. Provision of Personnel and Supplies: COUNTY shall provide personnel,
supplies, materials, medication, pharmaceuticals, and equipment, including forms
and reports, to perform all aspects of the animal shelter services described herein.
6. Holding Periods: COUNTY shall hold all stray-impounded animals, not otherwise
own identifiable, for the holding periods as required by State law.
7. Euthanasia: Humane euthanasia services shall be provided as required for
impounded animals held at the shelter for the lawful number of days, if such an
animal is not reclaimed by the animal’s owner and is unable to be placed through
adoption or rescue by COUNTY. Animals that are irremediably suffering from a
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serious illness or severe injury may not be held for owner redemption or adoption.
Only euthanasia methods approved by the American Veterinary Medical
Association shall be used. Records shall be kept for a period of not less than three
(3) years on each euthanized animal and shall include the following information:
breed; sex; color; weight; other distinguishing characteristics; date, time and
location where animal was found; method of euthanasia, and reason for use of
method.
8. Quarantine: COUNTY shall quarantine, as prescribed by the California
Compendium of Rabies Control and Prevention, State law, and COUNTY policy,
all animals suspected of being rabid or involved in a bite investigation.
9. Impoundments and Quarantines: COUNTY shall house, feed and care for all
animals impounded and/or quarantined at the Shelter. Quarantined animals may be
quarantined at the owner’s home or an alternate location.
10. Animals Surrendered by their Owners: Owner surrenders will be impounded on
a case-by-case basis. Pet Support or pet retention programs will be offered to assist
the owner with keeping their pet. CITY shall direct their constituents to consult
with COUNTY to surrender their pet. CITY shall not accept owner surrenders in
the field prior to the constituent consulting with the COUNTY.
12. Wildlife: COUNTY and CITY Animal Control Officers will work with
constituents to ensure public safety while maintaining wildlife in the wild.
COUNTY and CITY Animal Control Officers will triage wildlife reports to
determine the appropriate response. Wildlife will be impounded if there is a public
safety hazard, if the animal’s welfare is at risk, if the animal is injured or orphaned,
if the animal has been involved in a bite, or involved in an animal cruelty
investigation.
13. Vicious and Potentially Dangerous Dogs: Any dog declared or determined to be
vicious or potentially dangerous and in custody of COUNTY either under
impoundment or quarantine shall be deemed unsuitable for adoption and shall not
be released except as required by State law or at the Director of Animal Services’
discretion.
14. Incoming Animal Identification: Incoming animals shall be checked immediately
for collar tags, tattoos, and scanned for microchips by qualified Shelter staff within
one (1) hour of arrival at the Shelter. Shelter staff shall make all attempts to notify
owners within twenty- four (24) hours of an Impounded Animal delivered by CITY
to COUNTY. Animal Control Officers shall attempt to return animals in the field
prior to delivering the impounded animal to the shelter. Animal Control Officers
shall scan animals in the field for microchips, call phone numbers on tags or
research license numbers to reunite animals in the field.
15. Incoming Animal Examinations/Assessments: Examinations of impounded
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animals shall be performed within twelve (12) hours, except during Limited-
Service Hours when the examination will be performed within twenty-four (24)
hours. Incoming animal assessments shall include the following:
a. A physical examination to determine if a medical condition exists which
requires a veterinarian’s attention
b. Routine vaccinations and de-worming, as needed
c. External parasite treatment, as needed
d. Document the animal’s incoming weight
e. Scan for microchip identification
f. Microchip administered if none found
g. Establish unique identifier for the animal
h. Document any identifying features or abnormalities. The COUNTY shall
properly document on an animal-by-animal basis that an
examination/assessment has been performed.
16. Enforcement: Enforce all relevant provisions of CITY’s municipal code and State
law as may be applicable to animals housed, kept or maintained at the Shelter.
17. Adoption: Animal identified as being available for adoption shall be up for
adoption in the shelter or off-site locations or by posting online.
18. Spay and Neuter: COUNTY shall ensure that all dogs and cats adopted from the
Shelter are spayed or neutered, or that adequate provisions are made for such
spaying or neutering if COUNTY transfers any animals, or if an adopted animal is
unable to receive spaying or neutering due to a medical condition. In accordance
with California Food and Agricultural (“F & A”) Code Sections 30503 and
31751.3, if veterinarian employed at the Shelter certifies that a dog or cat is too sick
or injured to be spayed or neutered, the COUNTY shall collect a spay/neuter
deposit from the adopter or purchaser and this deposit shall be deposited into a
segregated fund maintained by the COUNTY. The deposit shall be fully refunded
to the adopter or purchaser if proof of sterility is provided within thirty (30)
business days from the date of surgery, at which the deposit is forfeited in
accordance with E&A Code Sections 30503 and 31751.3. Spay and neuter deposits
shall only be used by the COUNTY for canine and feline spay and neuter programs.
19. Microchipping: In accordance with F & A Code Sections 31108.3 and 31752.1,
COUNTY shall ensure that all dogs and cats being reclaimed, adopted, or
transferred to a new owner are microchipped with current information prior to
leaving the shelter.
18. Community Adoption Partners: COUNTY shall comply with F & A Code
Sections 17006, 31108, and 31752 that provide (subject to Section 17006) that a
stray dog or cat that is impounded shall, before the euthanasia of that animal, be
released to a nonprofit, as defined in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue
Code, animal rescue, or adoption organization if requested by the organization
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before the scheduled euthanasia of that animal. The public or private shelter may
enter into cooperative agreements with an animal rescue or adoption organization.
The public or private shelter or organization must be approved by COUNTY prior
to the transfer of any animals. In addition to the required spay or neuter deposit, the
public or private shelter, at its discretion, may assess a fee, not to exceed the
standard adoption fee, for animals adopted or released.
19. Foster Care Placement: Certain animals may be placed in COUNTY’s foster care
placement program so to improve animal care, give certain animals a better chance
of adoption, and lift the spirits and morale of staff and volunteers.
20. Community Cat Program (“CCP”): CCP COUNTY shall determine a cat’s
eligibility for the CCP. If it is determined that a cat is eligible, the cat will be
spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and ear tipped. Once the cat has recovered, it will be
returned to place of origin.
21. Drue Enforcement Agency (DEA): COUNTY shall comply with all Drug
Enforcement Agency (“DEA”) regulations regarding storage, record-keeping,
inventory, use, and disposal o1’all controlled substances.
22. Staffing and Volunteers: COUNTY shall recruit and supervise all necessary
personnel for the office, kennel, veterinary and other areas of the Shelter. Staff shall
include all full or part-time personnel and shall include the recruitment, supervision
and assignment of volunteers in suitable Shelter-related activities. Personnel
employed at the Shelter in the performance of Shelter-related activities shall be
designated as COUNTY employees and all volunteers engaged in Shelter activities
shall participate in activities designated by COUNTY and shall be under the
auspices of COUNTY. Use of volunteers at the Shelter shall be determined by
COUNTY.
23. Missing Animals: COUNTY shall notify an appropriate law enforcement agency
immediately of any animal missing from the Shelter that had previously been
impounded and/or in protective custody.
24. CITY Access: COUNTY shall provide access to the entire Shelter to the authorized
representatives of CITY during Regular Service Hours or at such other times upon
written notice.
25. Livestock and Fowl Care: COUNTY shall provide food, care and shelter to
livestock and fowl, either at the Shelter or at another location, when such animals
cannot be cared for at the Shelter. Costs of housing any livestock or fowl, regardless
of Shelter location shall be charged to the owner of the animal, if known. If the
animal’s owner wishes to redeem the animal, the owner shall first pay all applicable
fees and charges at the Shelter; except as otherwise required by law, then and only,
will the COUNTY authorize release of the animal. COUNTY shall notify CITY in
writing when said expenses reach the amount of $5,000 or greater per incident.
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Such expenses Shall not exceed the amount of $25,000 per incident unless
authorized in writing by CITY.
26. R.E.A.R.S.: REARS is the system that has been developed to perform animal
rescue, evacuation, sheltering, care and welfare of domestic and livestock animals
within Riverside County during times of disaster or extraordinary emergencies. The
REARS Team is dedicated to carrying out the operational tasks of rescuing,
evacuating, sheltering and caring for animals during emergencies and is made up
of local government animal welfare staff and volunteers trained in animal rescue
and emergency animal care. This cadre of trained individuals is supervised, during
incidents, by Riverside County Department of Animal Services management staff.
27. Animal Disposal: COUNTY shall prohibit any animal whether dead or alive,
which has been impounded, in custody, or in quarantine at the Shelter to be given
away, disposed of, traded, sold or in any manner given over to another person,
organization or entity for experimentation, regardless of purpose. COUNTY shall
be responsible for the disposal of animal remains in its custody or control, subject
to applicable State laws.
28. Pet Support Services Program: The COUNTY's Pet Support Program services
are activities that go beyond providing housing for dogs and cats and have the effect
of keeping pets out of the Shelters and in homes and healthy environments. This
strategy allows the COUNTY to manage and reduce the flow of both owned pets
and stray animals into their care, which is accomplished by partnering with the
community and providing resources and solutions. Through the COUNTY’s pet
support services staff provides counseling to pet owners or connects them with
resources such as free pet food and supplies, medical vouchers, and other critical
resources all intended to help keep pets with their families. This human/pet
assistance program is funded almost entirely through donations and grants received
by the COUNTY.
This program has reduced the number of surrendered animals admitted to the
COUNTY’s care centers to those who have no other opportunity for rehoming. This
is reducing the costs that are associated with sheltering cats and dogs.
A. Components of Pet Support Services:
• Community Engagement is key to successfully employing this program, giving
the community an opportunity to foster, network animals, facilitate adoptions,
and to develop solutions to keep pets with their owners.
• The COUNTY encourages people who have found stray animals to attempt to
reunite the pets with their families. The COUNTY also encourages residents to
allow free roaming cats to remain where they live, as these are often pets or
community cats.
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• To reduce the relinquishment of owned pets, the COUNTY will provide
resources such as training, food, and supplies, or other support to help keep pets
in their homes.
• Public safety and animal welfare are a priority. Animals that pose a safety threat
will immediately and safely be admitted by the COUNTY, as will animals that
are sick or injured.
29. Healthy Pet Zone: COUNTY aids the public in times of crisis on a case-by-case
basis that includes access to veterinary care and temporary boarding. CITY must
refer public to COUNTY for program assistance.
30. Individual Animal Licensing Services: Adult dogs four months of age and older
are required by State law to have individual licenses. The CITY may request that
the Department enforce licensing requirements in the CITY as described in
ATTACHMENT A. The CITY may adopt the COUNTY’s fees for individual
animal licenses or set its own fees as permitted in ATTACHMENT A.
License renewal notices are mailed or transmitted by the Department to the animal
owner of record. The renewal and payment are received and processed on a fee-
per-license basis. A current license will be required before an animal will be
released to a resident of the CITY. Fees from licenses collected will be credited to
the CITY monthly in arrears.
The COUNTY’s animal licensing services include:
a. Issuing animal licenses for pets as requested by the CITY;
b. Processing license applications, payments, and information changes;
c. Issuing license renewal notices;
d. Assessing and collecting fees, penalties, and other financial remittances;
e. Maintaining a database for animal licensing, records of calls for service, and
actions taken; and
f. Maintaining the Rabies Vaccination Certificate tool database which scans
rabies vaccination data reported by private veterinary clinics to identify
unlicensed pets in our jurisdictions and generate compliance notices to pet
owners.
31. Kennel and Cattery Licensing: The Department's Kennel and Cattery Licensing
program provides staff to perform animal facility inspections and licensing to
animal-related businesses or organizations that require a license under COUNTY
Ordinance. Animal-related facilities are inspected annually to ensure the safety and
well-being of the animals as well as the health and safety of the public.
The COUNTY retains kennel license fees to offset the cost of annual inspections and related
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administrative costs. Staff time for licensing and inspections is not billed to the CITY. However,
investigations in response to complaints about activities at a licensed location are conducted by
Animal Control Officers based in the COUNTY’s animal shelters and are billed in accordance
with ATTACHMENT B, City/County Service Rates.
This program includes:
a. Annual inspection of any premise used by an animal-related business or non-
profit organization, including grooming shops, pet shops, boarding facilities or
breeding facilities, animal menageries, and all other places where animals are
maintained for profit or business activities.
b. Follow-up inspections of animal facilities as necessary.
c. Collection of license fees to offset the cost of services; and
d. Documentation and maintenance of records as necessary.
E. CONTRACT CITY REQUIRED SERVICES
1. Vaccination and Microchip Clinics: California Health and Safety Code Section
121690(f) states that every city and county, "shall provide dog vaccination clinics,
or arrange for dog vaccination at clinics." The Department holds periodic low-cost
rabies vaccination and microchip clinics at its animal care centers and in the
unincorporated areas of the County. Pursuant to this agreement and
ATTACHMENT A, CITY shall fund four (4) vaccination and microchip clinics,
within the CITY’s jurisdiction, per FY. The following services will be provided by
the COUNTY:
a. Providing or assisting in arranging for low-cost vaccinations and microchips;
b. Staffing low-cost vaccination and microchip clinics with medical personnel
and necessary support staff, subject to availability;
c. Licensing animals vaccinated at the clinic; and
d. Assisting jurisdictions in promoting these community-based clinics.
2. Spay/Neuter Clinics: Pursuant to this agreement and Attachment C, the CITY
shall fund x Spay/Neuter clinic(s), within the CITY’s jurisdiction, per FY.
a. To help fund these events the CITY may elect to contribute $5.00 per altered
and unaltered dog license to the Spay/Neuter Trust. Participation in the
Spay/Neuter Trust will allow the CITY to offer low-cost or free spay/neuter
programs for the CITY’s residents who wish to have their pets spayed or
neutered. The COUNTY staff will work with the shelter and mobile clinics to
assist qualified residents in obtaining spay/neuter services.
F. Records
Upon reasonable notice, the COUNTY will make available to authorized representatives of the
CITY, for examination, audit, excerpt, copy, or transcription, any pertinent transaction, activity,
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or other record relating to the Agreement. The CITY must ensure such records are handled in a
manner consistent with all applicable privacy laws and all laws related to the Public Records Act
(Government Code sections 7920.000 et. seq.).
Upon request, the following standard reports are available to the CITY from the COUNTY
monthly:
a. Dogs and/or Cats Impounded
b. Animals Returned to Owners
c. Dogs and/or Cats Abandoned
d. Special Admission Dog & Cat
e. Other Animals Impounded
f. Quarantined Dogs and/or Cats
g. Special Admission of Other Animals
h. Private Veterinarian (Outside Medical Expense)
i. Dead Animal Pick Up Requests
j. Types of Calls for Service
k. Location of Admission
In accordance with SECTION III, the COUNTY will provide up to 12 hours of staff time annually
for producing special reports to the CITY at no cost. Additional staff time will be charged to the
CITY at the current reimbursement rate for applicable staff time.
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ATTACHMENT A
FISCAL YEAR 25/26-27/28 SERVICE REQUEST
FOR THE CITY OF XXXXX
1. Services
The level of animal care center service that the CITY requests and the COUNTY agrees
to is (select the options below):
Field Services
If CITY elects to provide CITY Animal Control Services, CITY shall agree to
have CITY Animal Control Officers trained and implement the return in field
program as described in EXHIBIT A – A.8 8. Return of Impounded Animals.
The CITY shall provide the tools necessary to perform these duties. COUNTY
shall provide training to CITY personnel for this purpose.
Shelter Services
CITY’s Animal Services contact information:
Name:
Telephone:
Address:
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2. Field Services
The level of field service that the CITY requests and the COUNTY agrees to:
(select one of the three options below):
a. Standard Service Plan
b. Extended Service Plan (check all applicable boxes below)
c. Administrative Compliance (Post Hearing compliance checks)
CITY’s Animal Services Field contact information:
Name:
Telephone:
Address:
Standard Service Plan
COUNTY provides service to the CITY five (5) days/week – Mon.-Fri. – Nine (9)
hrs./day
7:30am-5:30pm
Extended Service Plan
COUNTY provides service to the CITY five (5) days/week – Mon.-Fri. – Nine (9)
hrs./day
7:30am-5:30pm
Weekend days and holidays (please identify days and
hours):
Humane Investigations – as needed Included billed hourly.
Administrative Investigations – as needed
(Potentially dangerous/vicious Dogs)
Included billed hourly.
Administrative Compliance (Post Hearing compliance checks)
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3. Animal Licensing
The CITY agrees to have the COUNTY provide individual animal licensing and
has adopted the COUNTY fees outlined Riverside County Ordinance No, 630.
The CITY agrees to have the COUNTY provide individual animal licensing and
has adopted the following license fees (please provide a copy of the applicable
ordinance or resolution):
Dog Licenses 1-Year Fee 2-Year Fee 3-Year Fee
Cat Licenses (Voluntary)1-Year Fee
Current license fees adopted by the CITY on
CITY’s Animal Licensing contact information:
Name:
Telephone:
Address:
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4. Outreach and Enforcement Services
Please make a selection for each of the options below:
i. Animal Facility Inspection and Licensing (Costs included in County costs
- not billed)
The CITY requests that the COUNTY license animal-related facilities
(including inspection) in the CITY.
No animal facility licensing services - the CITY will conduct its own licensing
program for animal-related facilities. (Please provide contact information
below.)
CITY’s Animal Facility contact information:
Name:
Telephone:
Address:
A. Vaccination/Microchip/Licensing Clinic(s)
Based on the CITY’s population, the CITY, at the CITY’s expense, shall provide for a
minimum of XX vaccination/microchip/Licensing clinic(s) per fiscal year. The CITY
requests that the COUNTY provide or assist in arranging for clinics in the CITY,
utilizing Department personnel at the applicable rate for staff time.
The above requirement for CITY to fund Vaccination/Microchip/Licensing Clinic(s)
is acknowledged by the CITY
B. Spay/Neuter Clinic(s)
Based on the CITY’s population, the CITY, at the CITY’s expense, shall provide for a
minimum of X Spay/Neuter clinic(s) per fiscal year. The CITY requests that the
COUNTY provide or assist in arranging clinics in the CITY, utilizing Department
personnel at the applicable rate for staff time.
The requirement above to fund the number of Spay/Neuter Clinic(s) listed above
is acknowledged by the CITY
CITY elects to participate in the Spay/Neuter Trust to allow residents access to
low-cost spay/neuter services.
No participation in the Spay/Neuter Fund.
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5. Enforcement of COUNTY Ordinances
The CITY agrees to the enforcement of Ordinance No. 630 - Regulating the
keeping and control of dogs, cats, and other animals and providing for the control
and suppression of rabies with no exceptions.
The CITY agrees to the enforcement of Ordinance No. 630 - Regulating the
keeping and control of dogs, cats, and other animals and providing for the control
and suppression of rabies with the following pre-approved exception(s):
(please mark all that apply)
□Ordinance No. 630 - SECTION 12. - Mandatory Spaying and
Neutering. The CITY does not require the spay/neuter of:
o Dogs
o Cats
□Ordinance No. 630 - SECTION 13. - Mandatory Microchipping. The
CITY does not require microchipping of:
o Dogs
o Cats
□Ordinance No. 630 - SECTION 5 . – Number of dogs and cats. The
CITY allows for the following maximum number of animals per
household:
□Ordinance No. 878 - SECTION 5. – Noisy Animal Complaints. The
CITY will conduct CITY noise complaints.
CITY’s Noise Complaint contact information:
Name:
Telephone:
Email:
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6. Requested Additions to COUNTY ORDINANCES
Please list individual municipal code sections requested to be enforced by the
COUNTY. (Please ensure your municipal code contains adequate enforcement
authority.)
City Code City Code Section Title County County Not
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7. Annual/Amended Service Request Approval
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ATTACHMENT B
COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL SERVICES
CITY/COUNTY SERVICES RATES
A. Billing Period
These billing rates are effective from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 202X.
B. Billing Rates
Based on CITY’s needs and System Impact
Shelter Services:
Field Services
Additional Administrative Services
Leadership Attendance at meetings in excess of contract Insert hourly for
Production of reports in excess of contract allowance Insert Analyst Hourly
Animal Control Officer in excess of contract allowance –
Investigations/court appearances
Insert Officer hourly
Spay/Neuter Trust
Spay/Neuter Trust $5.00 per animal
.
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ATTACHMENT C
Rates Methodology
Cities are financially responsible for the care of animals impounded within the City’s
jurisdiction and the County is responsible for the care of animals impounded within the
County’s jurisdiction. When a city contracts for services, it can save by sharing resources
with the County and other contracted cities.
The existing County/City contract rates model is complex, and administrative staff, county
and city, are required to invest a significant amount of time preparing, reviewing,
discussing and justifying billing for each of the contract cities, monthly. The current
methodology also does not allow the agencies to budget for the cost of shelter services
provided since they are based on the incoming animals and length of stay. The
unpredictability of these shelter costs can cause a burden on contracting cities, making it
hard for them to budget and pay timely. This can also cause a burden on the County in
collecting these revenues. It also does not incentivize the agencies to promote animal
licensing, spay or neutering of the animals, adoptions or other revenue generating
activities within their jurisdictions.
The County has gone away from a per animal methodology for shelter services and
developed a “Piece of the Pie” billing methodology, where each city’s contribution is
based on its proportional impact to the County shelter system. The impact is calculated
using a variety of factors. By distributing costs based on actual usage and demand, this
approach ensures fair allocation of expenses while promoting engagement and efficient
resource management. Animal Control and Sheltering costs are generally driven by:
Field Services Shelter Services
To simplify the methodology these drivers were categorized into three (3) cost pools:
a. Shelter Costs to house and care for the animals;
b. Animal Control Field Services Costs (as applicable); and
c. Split costs that were allocated between the two primary categories are
based on either the ratio of the shelter category costs to field category costs
or based on statistics provided by Animal Services for its call center.
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1. SHELTER COSTS DISTRIBUTION
The costs of providing Shelter Services were determined by using three
different allocation areas, based on the RCDAS FY 24/25. These allocation
areas were weighted based on the impact to shelter resources:
a. Average Impound numbers (number of animals that come into the shelter
for each city and the unincorporated areas of the County – Animals/month
based on 30 months or the length of the contract if less than 30 months).
(30% impact weight)
b. Average Length of stay (LOS) for animals per city and the unincorporated
areas of the County – LOS/month based on 30 months or the length of the
contract if less than 30 months.
(50% impact weight)
c. On the human population of a city.
(20% impact weight)
Within each of the allocations, spilt costs are included. The cities and the County were
assigned a percentage of the cost based on their statistic or number and the ratio to the
total.
2. FIELD SERVICES DISTRIBUTION
The costs of providing field services were allocated based on the minimum
number of officers required – Officer + Vehicle
a. Total field service costs are divided by the total number of officers to find
the annual cost per unit.
b. Overtime, overtime holiday, and vehicle lease are excluded from the total
field services costs for cities.
c. Vehicle charges are added per officer vehicle, field leadership vehicle and
licensing vehicle.
Only those cities who opt for Animal Control Officer Services will be allocated their piece
of the costs. Within each of the allocations, spilt costs are included.
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3. SPLIT SERVICES DISTRIBUTION
These costs consist of Administration, Facilities, and Support, each uniquely
supporting either shelter or field operations and were split between Shelter and
Field based on the ratio of the budgeted amounts identified as either shelter or
field.
By using the piece of pie methodology, with the three different allocation areas, and then
weighted based on a city’s impact to shelter resources, cities will be charged for their
proportion of the total County animal shelter costs incurred during the fiscal year as
illustrated below.
EXAMPLE:
Hypothetical animal sheltering services budge to distribute: $20,000,000
Total Average Impounds weighted @ 30% of costs = $6,000,000
Total Average Kenneling Days weighted @ 50% of total costs = $10,000,000
Total Population weighted @ 20% of costs = $4,000,000
City A has 2.9% of the average total impounds/yr.
City A has 2.5% of the average of Kenneling days/yr.
City A has a population that is 7% of the total served pop. (County + all contract Cities)
City A: (0.029 * $6,000,000) + (0.025 * $10,000,000) + (0.070 * $4,000,000) = $704,000
City A’s future FY cost = $704,000
Payments of $176,000 made quarterly which will be reduced by any licensing revenue
For the contract term. City A’s animal shelter budget shall follow the following three (3)
year 4% fixed-rate schedule:
$704,000.00 for fiscal year 2025-2026 (contract year 1)
$732,160.00 for fiscal year 2026-2027 (contract year 2)
$761,446.40 for fiscal year 2027-2028 (contract year 3)
4. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
A. Medical Costs
Medical costs (excluding spay/neuter surgeries) provided by the County’s medical
staff are included in shelter costs to establish each city and the County’s rate for
sheltering and are not billed separately or in addition to that rate. The County
reserves the right to send any animal to a private veterinary facility for examination,
68
treatment, and/or hospitalization as the County deems necessary in its sole and
absolute discretion. All expenses incurred by the County for outside medical
services, for animals from a City, will be billed to the City.
B. Billing for “Legal Hold” and Other Shelter Services:
Because the Piece of the Pie Methodology is based on average intakes, Dogs and
cats that are housed for a “legal hold” and other shelter services are not billed
separately. The length of stay data (from intake to disposition) for each animal will
be collected for future contract negotiation purposes and can be available to a city,
upon request. Legal hold animals are held in accordance with applicable statutory
guidelines, and/or at the sole and absolute discretion of the County based on
pending or anticipated criminal, civil, or administrative action.
C. Capital Improvements
Each year this contract is in effect, the County may submit to the contracted cities
during the regular budget process a request for any needed capital improvements
to the Shelter. Any such request shall include a description of the requested
improvements and an estimate of their cost. Contracted cities shall give good faith
consideration to each request; however, it is understood that capital
improvements are subject to overall city budgetary priorities and funds availability,
and a city shall in no event be obligated to contribute to such capital
improvements. If an emergency arises relating to Shelter maintenance during the
term of this contract, the County shall advise the contracted cities within forty-
eight (48) hours so that the cities may decide whether to take appropriate action.
D. Level of Field Service
a. Level of Service Specified. The County shall provide all enforcement
services at the minimum level based on an average number of calls to that
city.
b. Variation in Level of Service . Variations in the level of service shall be made
by amendment as provided for in Section XI of this Agreement, and under the
following terms.
i. If City requests an increase in the level of service to be provided
under this Agreement, County agrees to provide such increased
level of Service as soon as practicable.
ii. The level of service, however, may not be reduced to below the
minimum level, as determined by County, required to ensure public
and officer safety.
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E. Cost Offsets
A contracted city will receive credit from the County for all applicable redemption
fees collected from or on behalf of the owner of an animal that is claimed from the
custody of the Department, up to the maximum amount billed to the city for that
animal. The Department reserves the right to waive fees when appropriate in the
Department's sole and absolute discretion.
A city will not receive any credit for adoption fees (whether paid by an individual
or an organization).
F. Revenues
Revenues are applied to reduce the costs for shelter and field services.
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Riverside County
Animal Service Contract
City Council Study Session
July 10, 2025
71
Riverside County Animal Services Contract
•Partnership with Riverside County Department of Animal Services (DAS)
•FY’ 2015 –2024: Cost Comparison & Animals Sheltered
•New Contract & Rates
o “Piece of Pie” Methodology
o Contract Components
o Cost Comparisons with CV Municipalities
o Palm Desert Costs FY’ 2025 -2028
•Exploring Supplemental Animal Services Programs
•Additional City-Initiated Efforts
•Next Steps
07/10/2025 City Council Study Session 272
Partnership with Riverside County
Department of Animal Services
(DAS)
The County has been a responsive, engaged
partner as we’ve worked through the
proposed animal services agreement.
From the outset, the County’s CEO and COO
have approached the process with a spirit of
collaboration and solution-finding.
The new leadership at DAS has also
demonstrated a sincere commitment to a
new, service-oriented approach.
07/10/2025 City Council Study Session 3
Timeline
•May 7, 2025 –Initial meeting with County CEO and COO
•May 27, 2025 –City staff received draft contract and
materials
•June 3, 2025 –Staff met with DAS to review the draft
and ask questions
•June 10, 2025 –Letter to DAS Director requesting
further discussion on:
• New rates and billing methodology
• Unanswered questions from June 3
• City new licensing rate delays from County vendor
•June 11, 2025 –CEO and COO held follow-up meeting
with CM and ACM
• Staff submitted consolidated list of questions about:
–Contract terms and invoicing
–Methodology
–Staffing (new officer) and field communication
•June 12, 2025 –COO contacted CM directly to
coordinate
•June 12, 2025 –CM update to City Council
•June 23, 2025 –Joint meeting held with COO and DAS
leadership
•June 24, 2025 –New DAS Field Services Officer
proactively visited City Hall and met with Code staff
73
Animal Services Contracts -Field Services (w/OT)
Contract YR 2015-2017 2018-2020 2021-2024
Year 1 $ 146,027 $ 141,171 $ 235,920
Year 2 $ 153,851 $ 145,007 $ 309,163
Year 3 $ 145,777 $ 143,101 $ 293,696
Ext. (July-May)$ 292,641
07/10/2025 City Council Study Session 474
07/10/2025 City Council Study Session 5
501 499
619
582
471 471
257
326 310
185
FY 15 FY 16 FY 17 FY 18 FY 19 FY 20 FY 21 FY 22 FY 23 FY 24 (11
MO)
Number of Animals Annually Sheltered -FY 15/16 –FY 24/25
# of Animals
75
Animal Services -Sheltering Costs & No. Animals
2015-2017 2018-2020 2021-2024
Contract Year TTL Cost # of
Animals
TTL Cost # of
Animals
TTL Cost # of
Animals
Year 1 $ 62,808 501 $ 73,006 582 $ 46,260 257
Year 2 $ 62,606 499 $ 59,082 471 $ 74,604 326
Year 3 $ 77,647 619 $ 59,082 471 $ 52,008 310
Ext. (July-May)*$ 133,987 185
07/10/2025 City Council Study Session 6
*Billing shifted from intake-based charges to outcome-based billing, allowing for more accurate
cost tracking aligned with when the animal is adopted or leaves the shelter.
76
07/10/2025 City Council Study Session 7
471
209
283
289
165
794
1525
1938
1229
3526
2
7
7
5
21
FY 20/21
FY 21/22
FY 22/23
FY 23/24
FY 24/25
(11 MO)
No. Dogs & Cats, Days in Shelter, & Average Days
Avg Days Shelter Days Animals (Dogs & Cats)
77
81 69 96
52
128
214
193
113
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
FY 21/22 FY 22/23 FY 23/24 FY 24/25 (11 mo)
Number of Dogs & Cats Sheltered Annually
Dog Cat
07/10/2025 City Council Study Session 878
07/10/2025 City Council Study Session 9
52
113
1650
1876
32
17
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 2000
Dogs
Cats
FY 24/25 (July –May) Cat & Dog Shelter Numbers
Avg Days Shelter Days Number
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New Contract & Rates
1.Field Services Rates
•Labor Rates to be increased 5% for each year of the contract
2.Animal Shelter Rates
•Based on “Piece of the Pie” Methodology
•Addition of 38 positions ($4.56 million) to improve live outcomes, and
modernize care
o Animal Care Staffing –13 positions
o Enhanced Foster/Adoption Teams –14 positions
o Intake-to-Placement Program Support –9 positions
o Media/Marketing Team Expansion –2 positions
07/10/2025 City Council Study Session 1080
Piece of the Pie
Methodology
How It Works
•Instead of using flat rates or per-animal charges,
the model assigns each city a proportional
“slice” of the total cost (not geographic shelter).
Allocation Factors
📍Number of Impounds
⏳ Average Length of Stay (LOS)
⏳Population Served
•Encourages local programs that can reduce
impounds and length of stay
Ongoing Oversight
•⏳Service demands reviewed annually to ensure
fairness and accuracy
07/10/2025 City Council Study Session 1181
County Board of Supervisors –
Model Options Considered
Option A: Full Cost Sharing Model
•Cities and the County share 100%
of total shelter costs
•Including fixed baseline costs
(e.g., staffing, facilities)
•City-specific impacts (e.g.,
impounds, length of stay)
•Palm Desert Cost: $330,874
07/10/2025 City Council Study Session 1282
County Board of Supervisors –
Model Options Considered
Option B: County Baseline Model
(Selected)
•County baseline operational costs are
removed.
•Remaining costs allocated to cities
based on impounds, length of stay, and
population.
•Recognizes some sheltering operations
are required regardless of city contracts.
•Palm Desert Cost: $256,652
07/10/2025 City Council Study Session 1383
Contract Components
1.Two options for field services
A.Standard Plan –Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM
B.Extended Plan –Monday –Sunday, 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM
2.Shelter rates increases (38%) are phased over 3 years
3.Adoption of county regulations for enforcement County Ordinance No. 630
4.Quarterly billing and annual reconciliation based on impounds, LOS, and population.
5.Cities are required to:
A.Fund vaccination and microchip clinics within the city, and
B.Fund spay/neuter clinics within the city.
5.Consider contributing $5.00 per licensed animal in the city to offer low-cost or free
spay/neuter programs for city residents.
07/10/2025 City Council Study Session 1484
Coachella Valley Cities –Shelter Costs
07/10/2025 City Council Study Session 15
Municipality FY 24/25
Projected Costs
FY 25/26
Shelter Costs
% Increase
Palm Desert $ 186,286 $ 256,652 38%
Cathedral City $ 285,594 $ 452,190 58%
Coachella $ 317,474 $ 474,700 50%
Desert Hot Springs $ 7,210 $ 108,654 1407%
Indian Wells $ 3,159 $ 18,886 491%
Indio $ 399,998 $ 751,839 88%
La Quinta $ 84,016 $ 203,126 139%
Rancho Mirage $ 36,624 $ 120,374 229%
85
Palm Desert 3-Year Contract Costs
07/10/2025 City Council Study Session 16
FY 25/26 FY 26/27 FY 27/28
Shelter Services $198,014 $233,196 $256,652
Field Services $293,960 $316,186 $331,996
Total $491,974 $549,383 $588,648
Included in the Fiscal Year 25/26 adopted budget, $620,000 was approved for animal services,
which includes five Spay/Neuter and/or Vaccination Mobile Clinics, potentially leaving a surplus of
approximately $110,000.
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Exploring Supplemental Programs
To Be Brought Back for Future Council Consideration
1.Spay and Neuter Vouchers
•🏥Issue RFP to local veterinary clinics
•💵Offer free or reduced-rate sterilization services
•⏳Expand access for families and residents on fixed incomes
•🐾Help manage the local animal population
2.Licensing Improvements
•✅Streamline process for vets to issue licenses
•⏳Eliminate reimbursement vouchers
•💡Improve convenience for all residents
07/10/2025 City Council Study Session 17
🎯Goal:
Promote responsible pet ownership and reduce shelter intake by streamlining
services and cutting administrative time.
87
Additional City-Initiated Efforts
Supporting Pet Ownership & Reducing Shelter Intake
🐾Microchipping Programs
•📍Use GIS to target high-impound neighborhoods
•📅Host outreach events in priority areas
•⏳Boost reunification rates & reduce shelter stays
⏳Community Education & Outreach
•👵Senior Planning Workshops
Partner with senior centers and HOAs to help plan for pet care in emergencies
•🐶Responsible Pet Ownership Workshops
Topics include care, microchipping, spay/neuter, behavior, licensing, legal responsibilities
•⏳⏳Community Outreach
Direct support and education in areas with high shelter intake
Assist in marketing of adoption, and adoption events
07/10/2025 City Council Study Session 1888
Data Sharing &
Tracking
Enhancements
with RCDAS
(In response to 3/28/2024 Study
Session)
🛰Electronic Logging of Field Pickups
•Replace paper logs with GIS-based tracking
•Utilize City-developed app or County’s ESRI system
🏠Resident Drop-Off Address Reporting
•Monthly reporting of addresses
•Supports verification of service area & GIS mapping
📊Improved Invoicing & Reporting (Quarterly Updates)
•Clear breakdown of invoice & billing methodology
•Reference guide for impound and outcome service
types
•Detailed trip sheet explanations (incl. overtime)
•Excel-based ID logs for better tracking & analysis
•Ongoing track-and-trace system for animals in care
07/10/2025 City Council Study Session 1989
Next Steps
📅August 28, 2025 –City Council Meeting
✅Consider a 3-Year Contract with (RCDAS), including:
•Field Services –Standard Plan:
Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM –5:00 PM
•Clinics (included in FY 25/26 Budget)
•2 vaccination & microchip clinics
•3 spay/neuter clinics
•Spay/Neuter Trust Fund participation:
•$5 per licensed animal for low-cost or free spay/neuter programs for Palm Desert residents
•Approximate annual cost: $7,500 (1,500 animal licenses)
•County Animal Regulations
•Staff already working on an amendment to animal regulations
•City Council consideration Fall 2025
07/10/2025 City Council Study Session 2090
Page 1 of 1
CITY OF PALM DESERT
STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: July 10, 2025
PREPARED BY: Shawn Muir, Community Services Manager
Brad Chuck, Public Works Superintendent
SUBJECT: STUDY SESSION: OVERVIEW OF CITY TREE PRUNING AND
MAINTENANCE
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive information about the standard practices used by the City to maintain its urban forest,
including information requested regarding wildlife impacts with subject matter expert input.
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS:
The City Council requested that staff review current tree pruning and maintenance practices to
consider their impact on wildlife and habitat. Specifically, input from the University of California,
Riverside – Palm Desert was requested. Staff will provide an overview of current practices
utilized to manage the City’s urban forest and convey information shared by the subject matter
experts.
Legal Review:
This report has been reviewed by the City Attorney’s Office.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with this presentation, as no formal action is requested.
Funding for tree maintenance is included in the Public Works Department, Housing Authority,
and Desert Willow Golf Course annual budget for Fiscal Year 2025/26.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Presentation
91
92
TREE PRUNING &
MAINTENANCE
PALM DESERT
CITY COUNCIL
STUDY SESSION
JULY 10, 2025
93
TREE PRUNING
PRACTICES
CITY OF PALM DESERT
City Council Request:
•Review current pruning practices
•Assess impacts to wildlife
•Solicit expert input
•Determine whether changes are needed
94
PALM DESERT’S
URBAN FOREST
•12,100 trees citywide
•Over 120 different species
•Estimated value of $53.6M
95
CURRENT PRUNING &
MAINTENANCE
PRACTICES
•Annual palm and date pruning
•Hardwood tree pruning at least once
every three years
•Special focus on parking lots,
playgrounds dog parks, high-traffic
areas
•Proper irrigation and pruning is critical
for public safety and longevity of the
tree
96
ENVIRONMENTAL AND
WILDLIFE
CONSIDERATIONS•Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA)
•California Fish and Game Code §§3503, 3503.5,
and 3513
•Tree Care for Birds and Other Wildlife Best
Management Practices (BMPs)
Lissette A Rios, M.E.M
Urban Biologist / ISA Certified Arborist, WE-15480A
Certified Associate Ecologist (CAE), ESA-213290
97
ENVIRONMENTAL AND WILDLIFE
CONSIDERATIONS
•Assessment and posting for
migratory birds
•Ground level and aerial pre-work
inspections
•Tree worker training for
identification of wildlife signs
698
WILDLIFE PRESENCE
•Tree marked with sign
•Report logged in tree
management software
•Tree maintenance is delayed
until nest is no longer active
799
NATURALISTIC PRUNING
AREAS
•Baja Park
•Cahuilla Hills Park
•Desert Willow Circle
•Entrada del Paseo
100
PALM DESERT POLICIES AND
RESOURCES
9
Palm Desert
Municipal Code
Title 24
Environment and
Conservation
City of Palm Desert
Landscape
Maintenance Guide
ISA standard
techniques for
hardwood and palm
pruning
101
UNIVERSITY
OF
CALIFORNIA –
RIVERSIDE
PALM
DESERT
CAMPUS
Lynn C. Sweet, PhD
Assistant Research
Ecologist & Principal
Investigator
Fan palms provide critical habitat for birds and other wildlife
increasingly threatened by development and drought.
Palm tree skirts offer valuable shade and support family activities
like bird watching in our parks.
There are concerns about wildlife-human conflicts and the
importance of maintaining clean, safe park environments.
Balancing habitat preservation with public use ensures parks
remain welcoming for both wildlife and the community.
Arborists and landscape architects can best advise about
balancing the need for community safety and health with the equal
needs for natural areas, shade, recreation and habitat.
10102
PUBLIC SAFETY
•Tree Health
•Reduce instances of broken branches
•Poor root systems
•Dead plant material
•Weather Events
•High winds
•Rain
•High-Sensitivity Areas
•Parks & playgrounds
•Parking lots
•Riparian areas
11103
CONCLUSION
•Palm Desert maintains its urban forest in
accordance with ISA standards
•Proper maintenance is critical for public
safety
•Designated areas for limited pruning to
provide wildlife habitat
•Continue to balance wildlife, safety, and
recreation in public spaces
104