200 S. Anaheim Blvd.
Suite 162
Anaheim, CA 92805
Tel: (714) 765-5139
Fax: (714) 765-5280
www.anaheim.net
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
City of Anaheim
PLANNING AND BUILDING DEPARTMENT
DATE: MARCH 24, 2026
FROM: PLANNING AND BUILDING DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: AGREEMENT FOR PROVISION OF OC ANIMAL CARE
SERVICES (MAY 31, 2026 THROUGH MAY 30, 2031) AND
NOTICE OF INTENT (JULY 1, 2026 THROUGH JUNE 30,
2027)
ATTACHMENT (Y/N): YES ITEM # 17
GOVERNMENT CODE § 84308 APPLIES: NO
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council, by Motion, take the following actions:
1. Approve the Agreement for Provision of OC Animal Care Services between County of Orange and City of Anaheim for a five-year term commencing May 31, 2026 through May 30, 2031 (Agreement) with the City responsible for paying the County the Net Cost of providing agreed upon Animal Care Services specified in the Animal Care Notice of Intent approved annually; and
2. Approve the Animal Care Notice of Intent (NOI), in substantial form, for Animal Control Services, Animal Care Special Services, Animal Care Shelter Services, and Barking Dog Complaint Services for the period of July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, at an estimated cost of $5,788,082 plus a 10% contingency, and authorize de minimis changes that do not substantially change the terms and conditions of the Agreement, as determined by the City Attorney’s Office.
DISCUSSION:
Agreement
Since 1989, the City of Anaheim has contracted with the County of Orange to provide animal care services, including field, shelter, and licensing services. On April 12, 2016, the City Council approved the current “evergreen” agreement, which allowed the agreement to roll over year-to-year with uninterrupted service and is effective until May 30, 2026. A separate Participation Agreement was also approved at that time which defined the roles and responsibilities between the County and City for the funding and construction of the regional animal shelter in the City of Tustin and allowed cities to pay their proportional share or over a ten-year period ending in 2026.
OC Animal Care Services Agreement and Notice of Intent
March 24, 2026
A subcommittee of the Orange County City Managers Association representing all cities participating in OC Animal Care (OCAC) Services exists to facilitate communication between OCAC and the city managers and staff of participating cities regarding financial and operational matters of OCAC. This subcommittee (currently Fountain Valley, Lake Forest, Placentia, Yorba Linda, and Villa Park) supported by OC Animal Care staff, reviewed the proposed framework for the new agreement and provided input on behalf of participating cities.
Five key changes are included in this new agreement: consolidating remaining provisions related to the Participation Agreement into a single contract structure; establishing a defined five-year term; improving financial transparency through stabilized billing practices and enhanced monthly reporting; providing service category flexibility that would allow cities to opt in or out of certain service components; and providing a mechanism for new cities to participate if regional service capacity expands. OC Animal Care has also committed to improving communication and operational transparency with contract cities through enhanced reporting and collaboration throughout the contract term.
The Orange County Board of Supervisors approved the master agreement on February 24, 2026.
Notice of Intent
The NOI is the annual process, unchanged between the current and new agreements, wherein the County provides estimated net costs for services to the City for next fiscal year commencing July
1. The NOI represents a projection based on the most recent service utilization and revenue data available. The City’s costs are ultimately based on actual services provided by the County, less actual revenues generated.
The services provided include Animal Control Services, Animal Care Special Services, Animal Care Shelter Services, and Barking Dog Complaint Services.
Approval of the new agreement for OCAC Services and the NOI ensures continuity of animal care and shelter services consistent with state and federal statutes and Title 8 of the Anaheim Municipal Code.
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
The estimated cost is included in the Planning & Building Department’s proposed FY 2026/27 General Fund budget.
Respectfully submitted,
Heather Allen
Planning and Building Director
OC Animal Care Services Agreement and Notice of Intent
March 24, 2026
Attachments:
1. Agreement for Provision of OC Animal Care Services between County of Orange and City of Anaheim
2. Animal Care Notice of Intent (Exhibit B to the Agreement for Provision of OC Animal Care Services between County of Orange and City of Anaheim)