Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to execute a Renewal and Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. A-17223 with Society for the Prevention of Animals for Monterey County (SPCA) for the provision of all-inclusive spay/neuter clinics for domestic and feral cats of residents within Monterey County communities, and veterinary services to shelter animals on an as-needed basis only, adding $100,000 for a new total Agreement amount of $142,000 and extending the term three years for a new term of February 20, 2025 through June 30, 2028; and
b. Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to execute up to two future amendments to this Agreement where the amendments do not exceed 10% ($4,200) of the original Agreement amount, do not significantly change the scope of work, and the total Agreement amount does not exceed $146,200.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
a. Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to execute a Renewal and Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. A-17223 with Society for the Prevention of Animals for Monterey County (SPCA) for the provision of all-inclusive spay/neuter clinics for domestic and feral cats of residents within Monterey County communities, and veterinary services to shelter animals on an as-needed basis only, adding $100,000 for a new total Agreement amount of $142,000 and extending the term three years for a new term of February 20, 2025 through June 30, 2028; and
b. Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to execute up to three future amendments to this Agreement where the amendments do not exceed 10% ($4,200) of the original Agreement amount, do not significantly change the scope of work, and the total Agreement amount does not exceed $146,200.
SUMMARY:
The County of Monterey Health Department’s Animal Services Program (County) is responsible for providing animal control services in the unincorporated areas of Monterey County and City of Salinas (City) via a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) called Hitchcock Road Animal Services (Animal Services). Animal Services, with the County as the administering agency, operates an Animal Services Center located at 160 Hitchcock Road, Salinas, California that offers an array of services, including but not limited to animal sheltering, field services, volunteers and outreach, and licensing services.
Animal Services supports the community by offering low-cost spay/neuter opportunities for both feral cats and owned pets. To meet the ongoing demand, Animal Services collaborated with the SPCA in fiscal year 24/25 as they have the ability to provide mobile spay/neuter services within local communities as well as veterinary services for shelter animals at times when it may be needed through a contractual partnership. Renewal and Amendment No. 1 continues this partnership, allowing the SPCA to provide, on an as needed basis only, community spay/neuter services and veterinary services for shelter animals. This amendment is similar in nature to the one previously approved by the Board on August 12, 2025, for SNIPbus.
DISCUSSION:
Due to the high demand for affordable and accessible spay and neuter services, local veterinary clinics are currently unable to offer them to meet the demands of the community. This is also magnified by a shortage in veterinary staff both in the county and statewide. Due to this continuous need, Animal Services is looking to further increase opportunities and partners that can assist with providing affordable spay/neuter for pet owners within Monterey County communities. Animal Services has collaborated with the SPCA, a local organization that has the ability to provide mobile spay/neuter services within our communities, through a contractual partnership. In fiscal year 24/25, the SPCA provided 10 mobile spay/neuter clinics to pet owners in south county communities via contractual partnership with Animal Services. A total of 264 animals were spayed/neutered (211 cats and 53 dogs). Animals included came from primarily South County communities to include Bradley, Soledad, Greenfield, King City, Gonzales, Chualar, Lockwood, and San Ardo.
Animal Services has also identified that, at times, there may be a need for veterinary care or services for shelter animals. For example, this past summer, the Animal Services veterinary clinic was not fully functioning due to staff out on leave. A need for care was identified, before other veterinary agreements were in place. Animal Services reached out to the SPCA who was able to provide care for the animal in need. Animal Services would like to have a contractual partnership in place should that need arise again.
Through this Renewal and Amendment No. 1, the SPCA will provide, only as requested and approved by Animal Services, spay/neuter services and additional veterinary services for shelter animals for the duration of the Agreement. This Agreement is to maintain the contractual partnership in place should the need arise and funds become available.
This Renewal and Amendment No. 1 was presented to the Board later than anticipated due to extended discussions regarding the potential need for a Request For Proposal (RFP) process. Although an RFP was initiated, Contracts and Purchasing later determined it was unnecessary. The time spent on these considerations brought past the Agreement’s expiration date, resulting in the need for this Renewal and Amendment No. 1.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Office of County Counsel and the Auditor-Controller have reviewed and approved this Agreement as to legal form, and fiscal provisions, respectively. Risk Management has not approved the non-standard indemnity provisions.
FINANCING:
There will be no fiscal impact resulting from the approval of this action. Appropriations for this Agreement are included in the Health Department’s (4000-HEA018-8601) FY 2025-26 Adopted Budget.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
This agreement will create easier access to healthcare for underserved populations in the community, aligning with the Strategic Plan Goal of Well-Being and Quality of Life.
Mark a check next to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Plan Goals:
_X__Well-Being and Quality of Life
____ Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
____ Safe and Resilient Communities
____ Diverse and Thriving Economy
Prepared by: Cindy Burnham, Animal Services Administrator, 769-8796
Approved by: Elsa Mendoza Jimenez, Director of Health Services, 755-4526
Attachments:
Board Report
Amendment No. 1
Board Order
Agreement