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1 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br /> Meeting Date: February 17, 2026 <br /> Action Agenda <br /> Item No. 7-b <br /> SUBJECT: Animal Services' History and Presentation on Current Services and the <br /> Community Animal Clinic <br /> DEPARTMENT: Animal Services <br /> ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: <br /> Information on Animal Services History Elizabeth Overcash, Animal Services <br /> Presentation on Current and Proposed Director, 919-942-7387 <br /> Future Activities and Goals <br /> PURPOSE: To receive information on Animal Services' history and receive a presentation on <br /> current services and an overview of the new Community Animal Clinic. <br /> BACKGROUND: Orange County Animal Services began in 1953 with a single dog warden and a <br /> focus on rabies control. At that time, there was no adoption program, no volunteer program, and <br /> no focus on animal welfare. Over time, as concerns with animal welfare gained traction and canine <br /> variant rabies was eradicated, animal services priorities shifted to an increased focus on animal <br /> care and placement. An adoption program was created, and finding homes for pets became a <br /> central focus of sheltering. <br /> Between 1979 and 2004, the Animal Protection Society of Orange County (changed to Paws4ever <br /> in 2008) administered the County government contract to operate animal services and its open- <br /> admission animal shelter, providing rescue, health exams, humane care, nutritional food, disease <br /> and parasite control, and veterinary care for sick or injured animals arriving in its care. <br /> On July 1, 2004, Orange County assumed responsibility for providing animal services, and on <br /> June 1, 2009, Orange County Animal Services opened the current location on Eubanks Road in <br /> Chapel Hill. <br /> Over the last two decades, Animal Services has shifted its focus from simply placing animals to <br /> also supporting pet owners in the community and empowering families to keep their pets. To help <br /> with this, Animal Services offers several safety net resources, such as a pet food pantry, spay <br /> and neuter vouchers, and veterinary assistance. In March 2025, Animal Services opened the <br /> Orange County Community Animal Clinic, allowing staff to provide care to owned animals, further <br /> increasing the ability to support community members and keep pets with their families. <br /> Staff estimates that approximately 12,550 pet owners in Orange County may need low-cost <br /> veterinary services, which are now provided through the Community Animal Clinic. The goal is for <br /> this clinic to become self-sustaining through donations, grants, and payment by those clients who <br /> can pay. From July to December 2025, staff provided care to 122 pets through the Clinic. The <br />