Title
Consider a memorandum/resolution authorizing the City Manager to accept grant funding from the Petco Foundation for the Police Department’s Animal Services Unit adoption preparation program.
Summary
AGENDA ITEM
Petco Foundation - Think Adoption First
DEPARTMENT
POLICE DEPARTMENT
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Animal Services Unit (ASU) is in constant search of new ideas to improve on the adoption process. Over the past several years, ASU has made several efforts to acquire additional funding to cover the cost of spay/neuter and vaccination for the adopted animals at the shelter. This ensures that animals are in compliance with the local ordinance and state law by providing fully vetted animals for adoption. It also improves the overall quality of life of the animal and provides a new pet for the family with the least fiscal impact. In furtherance of this ideology, the Petco Foundation has chosen to support the Killeen Animal Services by awarding the City of Killeen a grant for $50,000 from the Petco Foundation.
DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION
This grant will provide aid in preparing animals for adoption by funding the cost of vaccinations, spay/neuter procedures, and special medical care when necessary. A secondary purpose of the funding is to aid in the promotion of adoption programs. These two functions together will ensure our adopted animals are presented in a manner that draws the greatest attention to their needs, while presenting our pets at their best to join with their new owners.
As this program is implemented and progresses, ASU intends to spay/neuter and vaccinate as many animals prior to adoption as possible. When an animal cannot be vetted prior to adoption, a special voucher will be issued to the new owner that can be redeemed through pre-approved sources to have the required spay/neuter and/or vaccinations performed. This will ensure that each animal meets the standards required by ordinance and state law upon adoption.
FISCAL IMPACT
This grant funding has been approved in the amount of $50,000 and requires no matching funds to be contributed by the City of Killeen. The funds will be deposited into Account #010-0000-362.30-01. The grant term lasts until all funds are expended.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council authorize the City Manager to receive the funding allocated by Petco Foundation, which will be managed and tracked by the Animal Services Unit, in collaboration with the Finance Department, to aid the shelter’s adoption preparation program.