Title
a. Authorize the Director of Health to accept a $190,030 award from The Regents of the University of California Davis Campus School of Veterinary Medicine on behalf of its Koret Shelter Medicine Program in connection with the California for All Animals statewide animal shelter assistance program; and
b. Authorize the Director of Health to sign the services agreement to receive the grant award effective November 9, 2022 to November 8, 2023 and provide deliverables consisting of intake and euthanasia statistics from 2017-2021 and one final report upon completion of the award.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Authorize the Director of Health to accept a $190,030 award from The Regents of the University of California Davis Campus School of Veterinary Medicine on behalf of its Koret Shelter Medicine Program in connection with the California for All Animals statewide animal shelter assistance program; and
b. Authorize the Director of Health to sign the services agreement to receive the grant award effective November 9, 2022 to November 8, 2023 and provide deliverables consisting of intake and euthanasia statistics from 2017-2021 and one final report upon completion of the award.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
California for All Animals is a five-year project to improve the lives of at-risk animals in the state and provide much-needed resources to shelters that serve this vulnerable population. This unique state-funded initiative was made possible in 2021 when California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed budget legislation that includes $45 million in one-time support for a statewide Animal Shelter Assistance Program, an augmentation to $5 million earmarked earlier that year.
Animal Services joined California for All Animals in order to continue to seek guidance, and assistance in support as programs are developed and expanded. The department has already benefited from a partnership with the UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program Bootcamp in 2018 to streamline cat-related policies and procedures. In May of 2022, Animal Services received a $5,000 Welcome Grant.
Animal Services submitted a proposal for $190,030 to California for All Animals for its Spring Grant Request period. The funding categories for this grant focused on four categories: Outcomes (Adoptions, Foster, Return to Home and Community), Field Services and Animal Control, Care of the Animals in the Shelter, and Community Support.
Animal Services submitted requests in all areas, with a focus of “Resource Building”:
Outcomes (Adoptions, Foster, Return to Home and Community): $82,940.00
Waived RTO Fees and Rescue Program Coordinator
Animal Services focused on the two key areas that were important to getting more animals out of the shelter alive. Reduced fees for owners will encourage owners to reclaim their pets that end up in the shelter; therefore, reducing the need for further resources inside the shelter. Our rescue partner program also services to move over 700 animals each year and is a program we would like to expand and grow by moving this current City funded position to a County funded position.
Care of Animals In the Shelter: $51,300.00*
Digital X-Ray Machine
Animal Services sees animals weekly that could use X-Rays to help diagnose the next step for them. Often, we are unable to afford to provide that at local vet clinics due to cost. We also often reach out to local rescue groups to assist with X-Rays but then get delayed in finding transportation and animals are left sitting and waiting. Having an on-site X-Ray machine will allow for quicker diagnosis, reduce care of animals waiting, and further improve the quality of care provided to sheltered animals. This request also includes gowns, shields, and badges for staff who operate the X-Ray machine.*Please note this portion of the request was reduced by $20,000 to exclude any construction costs needed for this new “X-Ray Room”.
Intake Management (Community Support): $22,150.00
Cat Deterrents, Mediation Center Support, Front Office Scanners and Website Redesign
Animal Services had several areas that needed upgrades and improvements in order to further assist the community. Cat Deterrents will be provided to residents experiencing cat issues which is the number 2 complaint at Animal Services. The number one complaint is barking dogs and the Mandell Gisnet Center offers a mediation program where involved parties will be referred to at no cost due to this request. Front Office Scanners from the front office staff will further improve workflows and also continue to move Animal Services towards less paper utilization. A website redesign, which will include Spanish translation is needed to create a more user friendly and mobile website that is easy for users to navigate through. It currently is not user and mobile friendly.
Field Services and Animal Control: $33,640.00**
Portable Scanners, Trail Cameras, Infrared Thermometers, Bark Collars, Zip Line Trolleys, Dog Houses, XL Dog Traps, ACO mobile computers and office equipment.
Our Animal Control Officers (ACOs) are committed to helping pet owners in the community be successful with their pets so they do not need to end up in the shelter. The items in this request; bark collars, zip lines, and dog houses will be provided in the field as needed to help pets and their owners. Portable scanners, trail cameras, infrared thermometers and XL dog traps are tools that ACOs will be able to use in the field to assist with workflow efficiencies and with animals in the field. New mobile computers and office equipment are needed to increase efficient workflows as well to provide a workable space for report writing and case management.**Please note that this portion of the request was increased by $20,000 to also include computers and office equipment for Field Services.
The funds awarded equal $190,030 and will be used by Animal Services, both City and County staff as applicable. This grant award program is to be completed by August 31, 2023. Disbursement of the grant funds will be upon execution of the agreement.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Office of the County Counsel reviewed and approved this action as to legal form.
FINANCING:
There is no impact on the General Fund resulting from the acceptance of this award. This Agreement is funded by California for All Animal Program and the UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program grant. The Department will manage grant expenditures within existing appropriations and will evaluate the need to seek an increase at mid-year.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
Check the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives:
☐Economic Development:
• Through collaboration, strengthen economic development to ensure a diversified and healthy economy.
☐Administration:
• Promote an organization that practices efficient and effective resource management and is recognized for responsiveness, strong customer orientation, accountability and transparency.
☒Health & Human Services:
• Improve health and quality of life through County supported policies, programs, and services; promoting access to equitable opportunities for healthy choices and healthy environments in collaboration with communities.
☒Infrastructure:
• Plan and develop a sustainable, physical infrastructure that improves the quality of life for County residents and supports economic development results.
☐Public Safety:
• Create a safe environment for people to achieve their potential, leading businesses and communities to thrive and grow by reducing violent crimes as well as crimes in general.
Prepared by: Cynthia Burnham, Animal Services Administrator, 769-8796
Approved by:
______________________________Date:_________
Elsa Mendoza Jimenez, Director of Health, 755-4526
Attachments:
Board Report
Agreement