HomeMy WebLinkAboutJt Adoption/Spay & Neuter Event - Feb. 20, 2010CITY OF PALM DESERT
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
STAFF REPORT
REQUEST: PROPOSAL OF A JOINT ADOPTION / SPAY & NEUTER EVENT
WITH RIVERSIDE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL
SERVICES, TO BE CONDUCTED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE
CITY'S LOW COST VACCINE CLINIC FEBRUARY 20, 2010, AT
THE CIVIC CENTER PARK
SUBMITTED BY: Hart H. Ponder, Jr., Code Compliance Manager
DATE: January 14, 2009
Recommendation
By Minute Motion, that the City Council:
1. Approve a joint Adoption / Spay & Neuter Event with Riverside County
Department of Animal Services to be conducted in conjunction with
the City's low cost vaccine clinic February 20, 2010, at the Civic
Center Park; and
2. Authorize the expenditure of $6,623 from Account No. 110-4230-
442-3090, utilizing monies budgeted for Animal Services
contingencies.
Executive Summary
The City's current Animal Services Field and Shelter Contracts allow the Department of
Animal Services (DAS) to provide all aspects of animal service and care to Palm Desert
citizens. Staff is proposing a joint Adoption/Spay & Neuter Event with Riverside County
Department of Animal Services, to be conducted in conjunction with the City's low cost
vaccine clinic February 20, 2010, at the Civic Center Park.
Background
One constant related to municipal animal services and care is the timely placement of
adoptable animals into responsible, caring homes. The City of Palm Desert has
demonstrated its commitment by investing money and resources in the Coachella
Valley Animal Campus to assure that city and valley animals that need a home have a
safe harbor in the desert. The Coachella Valley Animal Campus houses, on an average
300 dogs and cats at any one time. The average monthly adoption rate is about 100
animals.
Staff Report
Adoption/Spay and Neuter Program
January 14, 2009
Page 2 of 3
In response to the direction given by the City Council to explore and recommend
programs designed to enhance animal care services to the community, and to assist in
the placement of animals deserving of a good home, Staff is recommending the funding
of a joint Adoption/Spay & Neuter Event with Riverside County Department of Animal
Services, to be conducted in conjunction with the City's low cost vaccine clinic February
20, 2010,at the Civic Center Park.
The City currently contracts with the Department of Animal Services (DAS) to hold a low
cost vaccine clinic twice a year within the city. The current cost to the City is $885 per
clinic. DAS has also offered from time to time an onsite spay & neuter service in
conjunction with the vaccine clinic. This service is offered to a pet owner by
appointment only to assure that the surgical process can be completed in the allotted
time, in conjunction with the vaccine clinic. This added service was conditioned on
availability of DAS's mobile unit, and the qualified personnel to staff it. Current
economic conditions have curtailed some animal care services that Riverside County
can fund. This program was offered as a courtesy, and is not a requirement of our
contract for services.
To date, all City sponsored events related to the Animal Care Program have been well
attended. To maximize this participation, Staff is recommending the subject event.
The activities would include the following:
Spay & Neuter Mobile Unit will be provided to the City at a cost of $5,623 for a 9-
hour event. The County can alter 20-25 animals during a 9-hour event.
A county adoption team will be present with a number of adoptable animals that
need a loving, responsible home. Once a potential pet owner has been approved
to adopt, the City program will allow up to a 40% subsidy of the total cost to
adopt a cat or dog. The current adoption fee for dogs is $95 and cats are $65.
This adoption amount includes spay/neuter, shots and license. A total amount of
$1,000 will be budgeted for the adoption program. The actual expense will be
determined by the number of dogs and cats adopted. A partial subsidy will help
assure responsible pet adoption by promoting the potential pet owner's monetary
investment in the pet being sought.
Animal education literature and qualified staff will be on hand to help educate
and answer any questions citizens may have about pet care and animal care
services the City may offer.
Low cost vaccines and licenses will be offered and will range from $6 to $9,
depending on the shot required.
G:\Planning\Janine Judy\Word Files\Code Animal Services\Spay & Neuter\Spay & Neuter SR - FINAL.doc
Staff Report
Adoption/Spay and Neuter Program
January 14, 2009
Page 3 of 3
Fiscal Analysis
To fund the proposed Adoption/Spay & Neuter Event, Staff is recommending using part
of an $11,907.70 contingency fund that was set aside for any additional expenses or
overages that may occur during fiscal year 2009-2010. If Animal Services expenses for
the fiscal year exceed the current contract, plus the contingency amount, Staff can
approach the City Council for the additional amount needed to fulfill the City's
contractual obligations with DAS.
Submitted by:
Hart Ponder, Jr.
Code Compliance Manager
Paul S. Gibson, Director of Finance
Approval:
M. Wohlmuth, City Manager
Department Head:
2
auri Aylaian
Director of Community Development
CITY COUNCILAC7TON
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