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
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT
Police Department/Animal Services
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Animal Services Unit (ASU) is in constant search for 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 would ensure that animals are in compliance with the local ordinance and state law while providing fully vetted animals for adoption. It improves the overall quality of life of the animal and provides a new pet for the family with the least fiscal impact. In an effort to support this ideology, the Petco Foundation has chosen to support the Killeen Animal Services by awarding the City of Killeen a grant for $45,000 from the Petco Foundation for the October 2016 grant cycle.
DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION
This first objective of this grant is to provide aid in preparing animals for adoption by funding the cost of vaccinations and spay/neuter procedures. The second purpose of the funding is to aid in the promotion of our adoption and vaccination programs. The third purpose of this funding is designated for the procurement of equipment that will help in the daily care of our animals. These three functions together will improve the health and quality of the animals we are presenting for adoption in a manner that will help draw attention to their needs while presenting our pets at their best to join with their new owners.
As this program is implemented and progresses, we intend to expand on our spay/neuter and vaccination program and prepare 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 $45,000 and requires no matching funds to be contributed by the city. The funds will be deposited into Account #249-0000-362-30-01. The grant term lasts until all funds are expended.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Council authorize the City Manager to receive the funding allocated by Petco Foundation for ASU's shelter’s adoption preparation program.