HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes 2025-082RESOLUTION NO. 2025-082
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM
DESERT, CALIFORNIA, RESCINDING THE CITY’S PET
REIMBURSEMENT POLICY AND ESTABLISHING A NEW
SPAY/NEUTER PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM WITH ANIMAL
SAMARITANS
WHEREAS, in September 2010, the City Council of the City of Palm Desert
established a Pet Reimbursement Program to assist residents with pet adoption fees
through the Riverside County Department of Animal Services; and
WHEREAS, in July 2014, the City Council expanded the program to include
reimbursements for vaccinations, spaying, neutering, and microchipping; and
WHEREAS, since that time, the City has provided reimbursements to residents for
eligible pet services to promote responsible pet ownership and reduce shelter
populations; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to streamline administrative processes and
provide residents with more consistent, accessible, and affordable spay/neuter services;
and
WHEREAS, Animal Samaritans, a nonprofit organization established in 1978,
operates the Coachella Valley’s first low-cost spay/neuter clinic and continues to offer the
most affordable and reliable sterilization services in the region; and
WHEREAS, the City wishes to partner with Animal Samaritans to provide 100%
cost coverage for spay/neuter procedures and microchipping for Palm Desert residents;
and
WHEREAS, Palm Desert residents residing within the jurisdictional boundaries of
the City are automatically eligible for participation in this program, consistent with Title 6
of the Palm Desert Municipal Code governing household pet limits; and
WHEREAS, Animal Samaritans will invoice the City monthly for reimbursement of
covered services, ensuring transparency, fiscal oversight, and administrative efficiency;
and
WHEREAS, the new partnership will fully replace the prior reimbursement system
and ensure City funds are applied directly to effective pet sterilization and microchipping
services that support animal welfare and reduce overpopulation.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Palm
Desert, California, as follows:
SECTION 1. That the foregoing Recitals are true and correct and are incorporated
herein by this reference.
SECTION 2. The existing Pet Reimbursement Policy, as established by
Resolution No. 2024-065 and prior amendments, is hereby rescinded effective December
11, 2025.
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SECTION 3. The City of Palm Desert hereby establishes the Animal Samaritans
Spay/Neuter Partnership Program, as outlined in Exhibit “A”, effective the same date.
SECTION 4. The City Manager, or designee, is authorized to execute any
necessary agreements or memoranda of understanding with Animal Samaritans and to
administer the program, including voucher issuance, financial tracking, and
reimbursement processing.
SECTION 5. IT IS HEREBY FURTHER RESOLVED AND ORDERED that this
Resolution shall become effective immediately upon passage and adoption.
ADOPTED ON DECEMBER 11, 2025.
EVAN TRUBEE
MAYOR
ATTEST:
ANTHONY J. MEJIA
CITY CLERK
I, Anthony J. Mejia, City Clerk of the City of Palm Desert, hereby certify that
Resolution No. 2025-082 is a full, true, and correct copy, and was duly adopted at a
regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Palm Desert on December 11, 2025, by
the following vote:
AYES: HARNIK, NESTANDE, PRADETTO, QUINTANILLA, AND TRUBEE
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
RECUSED: NONE
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the
City of Palm Desert, California, on ___________________.
ANTHONY J. MEJIA
CITY CLERK
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12/22/2025
Resolution No. 2025-082 Page 3
EXHIBIT “A”
Spay/Neuter Partnership Program Guidelines
Program Overview
The City of Palm Desert, in partnership with Animal Samaritans, provides 100%
cost coverage for spay or neuter procedures and microchipping for Palm Desert
residents. Covered services include labor, surgical medications, surgical
supplies, take-home pain medication, post-surgical pain relief injections, and
take-home e-collars.
Based on an average of all sterilization procedures performed (including male cat
neuter, small, medium, and large dog neuter; and female cat and dog spay
procedures), the current average cost for altering a pet is $215.00, plus $5.00 for
microchipping, for a total covered average of $220.00.
Eligibility Requirements
Palm Desert residents do not need to register for this program. Residency within
the City's jurisdictional boundaries automatically qualifies applicants for
participation. This policy ensures residents have direct and uninterrupted access
to services under the City’s partnership with Animal Samaritans.
- Applicants must provide proof of residency (valid ID, utility bill, lease, or
property tax bill).
- Dog owners must show proof of a valid dog license.
- The City will cover spay/neuter and microchipping services for up to four (4)
pets per residential address, consistent with the allowable number of
household pets under Title 6 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code.
- Vouchers must be redeemed within 60 days of issuance and presented at the
time of service.
Program Details
The City covers 100% of the cost of all eligible spay/neuter procedures and
microchipping performed at Animal Samaritans.
Vouchers will be embossed or crimp-sealed by the City to deter counterfeiting.
Pet owners will not pay any remaining balance for covered services unless they
elect optional procedures not included in the sterilization or microchipping
package.
Animal Samaritans will invoice the City monthly for reimbursement of services
rendered.
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Additional financial aid options through Animal Samaritans remain available for
non-covered services.
Program Administration
The City Manager’s Office shall oversee voucher issuance, program tracking,
and monthly reconciliation and payment processing with Animal Samaritans.
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