HomeMy WebLinkAboutReim Fees for Pet AdoptionsREQUEST:
SUBMITTED BY:
DATE:
Recommendation
CITY OF PALM DESERT
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
STAFF REPORT
PROPOSAL TO REIMBURSE THE FEES FOR PET ADOPTIONS
FOR PALM DESERT RESIDENTS WHO ADOPT ANIMALS FROM
THE RIVERSIDE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL
SERVICES SHELTER
Pedro Rodriguez, Senior Code Compliance Officer
September 23, 2010
By Minute Motion, that the City Council:
1. Approve reimbursement of the fees for pet adoptions for Palm Desert
residents who adopt animals from the Riverside County Department of
Animal Services Shelter.
2. Appropriate $16,500 from the General Fund Reserve to Account
No. 110-4230-442-3090.
Executive Summary
The City's current Animal Services Field and Shelter Contracts allow the Riverside
County Department of Animal Services (DAS) to provide all aspects of animal service
and care to Palm Desert residents. In response to a request from the City Council, Staff
is proposing an adoption program with Riverside County Department of Animal
Services, to reimburse Palm Desert residents who adopt from the Riverside County
Animal Services Shelter.
Background
Due to animal shelter overcrowding brought on by economic hardships, it is important
that municipal animal services care for and place 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 average, 300 dogs and cats at any one time. The average
monthly adoption rate of pets adopted by Palm Desert residents is approximately 15
animals.
Staff Report
Cost of Pet Adoption
September 23, 2010
Page 2 of 3
In response to a request by Councilmember Benson 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
to cover the cost of pet adoptions for Palm Desert residents who adopt from the
Riverside County Department of Animal Services Shelter. Reimbursement would be
made to individuals who present proof of residence and a paid receipt for having
adopted an animal from the shelter between October 1, 2010; and the end of the
2010/2011 fiscal year.
According to statistics provided by the Riverside County Department of Animal
Services, during calendar year 2009 a total of 166 pets were adopted by Palm Desert
residents. For calendar year 2010 year to date, Palm Desert residents have adopted
165 pets.
Based on the statistics provided by DAS and the different costs listed below for adoption
of dogs and cats, the average cost would be approximately $109 per dog and $90 per
cat. The approximate cost to fund this adoption program for Palm Desert residents
would be $16,500. Significant changes in the adoption rate would impact the estimated
budget, as could continuation of a temporary fee reduction currently offered by the
County.
The standard rates for Palm Desert residents to adopt an animal are as follows:
Dogs
$105 Dogs under the age of 4 months.
$113 Dogs over the age of 4 months.
$75 Dogs under the age of 4 months that are being adopted by a senior and/or
disabled person.
$81 Dogs over the age of 4 months old being adopted by a senior and/or disabled
person.
All dog adoptions include a flea treatment, first set of boosters, spay or neuter,
microchip, rabies vaccination, and dewormer. The license fee is included in the price
for dogs over the age of 4 months.
Cats:
$55 Cats adopted by seniors and/or disabled persons.
$85 Cats adopted by all others.
G:\Planning\Tony Becker\Staff Report cost of adoption fees.docx
Staff Report
Cost of Pet Adoption
September 23, 2010
Page 3 of 3
No license is issued for cats. All cat adoptions include a flea treatment, first set of
boosters, spay or neuter, microchip, rabies vaccination, and dewormer. For an
additional fee of $12, the resident may purchase a feline leukemia test (this is an option
only).
Fiscal Analysis
Funding for this adoption program is not included in the current budget. The total fiscal
impact would depend on the number of animals adopted by residents through the end of
the fiscal year. The recommended program would allow for adoption of up to 165
animals and would require that the full amount be appropriated from General Fund
Reserves. A temporary program offered by the County that reduces adoption fees to
$20 for dogs and $15 for cats could significantly reduce the cost of the proposed
program, but the duration of this temporary fee reduction is uncertain.
Submitted by:
d
Pedro Rodriguez
Senior Code Conn nce Officer Director of Community Development
Paul S. Gibson, Director of Finance
Approval:
M. Wohlmuth, City Manager
()in r
Department Head:
Lauri Aylaian
CITY COUNCIL4cTION
APPROVED v DENIM)
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Original on File with City erk's Office
G:\Planning\Tony Becker\Staff Report cost of adoption fees.docx