Agenda - 03-17-2009-13-1 Information Item 1

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Pet Co-Located Sheltering March 17th, 2009 Page 2 Trailer", abbreviated to CAMET. Several counties were initially offered a CAMET, and there are two located in the area, though both are several counties away. In the first half of 2008, members of Emergency Services and Animals Services created a presentation for all of the agencies that are partners in emergency sheltering with the goal of raising awareness for the concept, provoking initial questions and identifying any limiting agents for development of an Orange County CAMET. The original presentation was shared with the County Manager's office, both school systems, the Health Department, Social Services Department and the Orange County Chapter of the American Red Cross. While all of the representatives posed questions, all indicated that their operations would to allow such a practice. One of the major points of emphasis throughout these discussions was that in a co- located environment, the human living areas and the pet living areas are distinct and separate and are not co-mingled. Shelter clients with a pet are allowed structured visitation and are expected to care for their pet, but pets are not allowed in human living spaces. In addition, standards would have to exist for health and safety reasons that would prohibit certain categories of animals as well as those with health issues. The original presentation and a very brief report were provided to the Board on February 19th, 2008, and the Chairman indicated that the initiative would be put on a future agenda for feedback. In developing the budget for 2008/2009, Emergency Services requested two CAMET trailers in the budget at approximately $34,000 based on initial interest in the project by the Board as well as partner agencies. Neither of the CAMETs was in the final approved 2008/2009 budget. To follow up for Board feedback, Animal Services and Emerq~ency Services sent an update to the Board in the Manager's Memo on the August 19t , 2008, Board meeting. In that memo, several key actions steps were identified including: • Development of SOPs on basis of best practices • Acquiring an Orange County owned CAMET • Mobilization of human resources needed to operate a pet co-located shelter, which will include community volunteers as well as select County staff. • Training of County Staff and volunteers in the set up operation In addition, staff projected the fourth quarter of 2009 as the earliest target date for launching the co-location capability, presuming ongoing financial and planning support for the initiative.