Agenda 02-17-2026; 8-d - Proposed Additions to Animal Services Fee Schedule for Community Animal Clinic & Purchasable Collars & Leashes

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2 increased by over 60 percent over the past decade. As a result, an increasing lack of access to veterinary care affects millions of pet owners in the United States and thousands of pet owners in Orange County. Providing accessible veterinary care gives pet owners options that they may not have had otherwise, helping to prevent unnecessary surrenders and reducing the number of animals entering the shelter system. Animal Services has also identified a growing need for basic pet supplies at the time of adoption. A large number of adopters arrive without leashes or collars, which are essential for safely taking pets home. Historically, Animal Services has provided donated leashes and collars to meet this need. However, donations have not kept pace with demand. Introducing a modest fee for the purchase of these items will ensure that adopters have immediate access to necessary supplies while generating a small amount of additional revenue to support shelter operations and programs. Donated supplies will still remain available for adopters who choose not to purchase a collar and/or leash. As community need increases, Animal Services' goal is to continue expanding services within the financial and staffing means. In the future, staff hopes to offer additional lifesaving treatments and preventive care options that further support pet retention, promote the health and safety of animals, and improve the quality of life of Orange County residents. FINANCIAL IMPACT: At the beginning stages of the Community Animal Clinic, it is difficult to accurately estimate a financial impact. In the first several months of operation, clients paid approximately $4,500 for Clinic services. During this time, the Clinic engaged clients slowly in order to work through operations, and many clients were those most in need and unable to provide payment. Since then, Animal Services has begun engaging more clients and more financially- secure clients. Animal Services is also partnering with local nonprofits to provide spay and neuter services for animals through the Clinic. A modest estimate would be that the Clinic will bring in approximately $6,000 in service fees from January 1, 2026, through June 30, 2026. This revenue will help offset supply, medication, and staffing costs associated with Clinic operations and will contribute to the program's goal of becoming self-sustaining. Additional modest revenue is anticipated from the sale of collars and leashes, which will also support shelter operations and community programming. Donations and grant funding will further offset costs. The Clinic has thus far received over $20,000 in donations and $79,552 in grant funding to support operations. ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: This item supports: • GOAL 2: HEALTHY COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE 3. Provide social safety net programming and the resources needed for our most vulnerable community members (e.g., veterans, unhoused people, foster children, older adults, etc.). OBJECTIVE 7. Invest in services and programs that improve the health and quality of life of the community. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve the proposed fees for the Community Animal Clinic and the sale of goods for collars and leashes for addition to the approved fee schedule for Animal Services, allowing Animal Services to retain the authority to waive fees in situations where doing so would benefit the health and/or welfare of community members and their pets.