Title
Approve and authorize the County Purchasing Agent or designee to execute an Assignment and Assumption Agreement between Paws Helping People, Inc. dba Unchained (“Unchained”) and The Equine Healing Collaborative, Inc. (EHC) assigning from Unchained to EHC the rights and obligations of a Standard Agreement with the County executed on September 16, 2025, for the Dog In Residence Canine Training and Care Academy and Canines Teaching Compassion for youth at the Juvenile Hall.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
Approve and authorize the County Purchasing Agent or designee to execute an Assignment and Assumption Agreement between Paws Helping People, Inc. dba Unchained (“Unchained”) and The Equine Healing Collaborative, Inc. (EHC) assigning from Unchained to EHC the rights and obligations of a Standard Agreement with the County executed on September 16, 2025, for the Dog In Residence Canine Training and Care Academy and Canines Teaching Compassion for youth at the Juvenile Hall.
SUMMARY:
The County of Monterey Probation Department (“Probation”) entered an Agreement with Paws Helping People, Inc. dba Unchained on September 16, 2025, for the Dog In Residence Canine Training and Care Academy and Canines Teaching Compassion for youth at the Juvenile Hall for the term of January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026. The Agreement was amended on July 1, 2026, to update the Scope of Services to include additional support and dog handling services and to increase the Agreement’s amount by $5,000 for an updated Agreement amount not to exceed $53,000.
Unchained was acquired by EHC as of July 2026. To ensure continuity of services under the existing Agreement, Probation is requesting approval to execute an Acknowledgement and Consent to an Assignment and Assumption Agreement between Unchained and EHC.
DISCUSSION:
The acquisition of Unchained by EHC requires the formal assignment of all existing Agreements to the acquiring entity. Approval of the proposed Acknowledgement and Consent to an Assignment and Assumption Agreement will authorize EHC to assume all rights, responsibilities, and obligations previously held by Unchained under the current Agreement.
Approval of this action will ensure there is no disruption in services or payments and will allow EHC to continue providing the animal assisted therapeutic services which include the Dog In Residence Canine Training and Care Academy in conjunction with the Canines Teaching Compassion Program for youth residing at the Juvenile Hall.
There are no changes to the scope of services, service delivery, or funding associated with this action. This request is administrative in nature and is intended solely to recognize the corporate transition and maintain contractual continuity.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT/COMMITTEE ACTIONS:
The Office of the County Counsel has reviewed and approved the Assignment and Assumption Agreement as to legal form.
FINANCING:
There is no funding associated with the Assignment and Assumption Agreement. Funding in the amount of $53,000 for the actual service Agreement is supported by the State SB823 annual allocation and is included Probation’s Adopted Budget for FY 26-27, Appropriation Unit Unit 1001-255002. There will be no impact on General Fund Contributions associated with this recommendation.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
This recommendation supports the Board of Supervisors’ Strategic Plan goals of Well Being and Quality of Life, as well as Safe and Resilient Communities. Through the contracted services, youth receive animal-assisted therapy that promotes improvements in physical, social, emotional, and cognitive functioning while also encouraging personal responsibility and care for others.
_X__ Well-Being and Quality of Life
___ Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
_X__ Safe and Resilient Communities
____ Diverse and Thriving Economy
____ Dynamic Organization and Employer of Choice
Prepared by: Marcela Barbosa, Management Analyst II, Ext. 1100
Approved by: Jose Ramirez, Chief Probation Officer, Ext. 3913
Attachments:
Assignment and Assumption Agreement
Standard Agreement
Amendment No. 1 to the Standard Agreement