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ANIMAL SERVICES PROGRAMCity CouncilNovember 18, 2025Public Works Department RiversideCA.gov2
BACKGROUND
1. Riverside County’s Department of Animal Services (DAS) has provided animal control field, shelter and intermittent licensing services to the City since 1995. 2. On April 15, 2010, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors approved the 20-year Shelter Service Agreement between the Couty of Riverside and City of Riverside. 3. Together, both agencies work to promote animal welfare, public health and safety, and quality of life within the City of Riverside. 4. On September 16, 2025, the City Council received an update on the Riverside County Department of Animal Services Field and Sheltering Agreement and authorized an increase to the Purchase Order. 1 2 11/6/2025
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DISCUSSION
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DISCUSSION4. From July 1, 2022 through December 31, 2024, the City of Riverside accounted for 24.6% of impounds in Riverside County. a. DAS developed hybrid cost recovery pricing. 1. Baseline Costs for County Operations Removed from the Total Shelter Costs, and Remaining Costs Distributed Between Contract Cities. Total # of Animals Impounded in 30 MonthsJuly 1, 2022 – December 31, 2024 TotalOtherCatsDogsJurisdiction17,2111,4424,31211,457Unincorporated Co. 13,6331,0876,0036,543Riverside7,9414813,0174,443Jurupa Valley3,840651,6342,141Perris2,2021157351,352Hemet2,0631338761,054Indio1,740934971,150San Jacinto1,31235448829Coachella Valley1,30586437782Cathedral City1,1070565542Blythe824161270393Eastvale649132222295Palm Desert599165170264La Quinta52367130326Other2304610183Rancho Mirage6771842Desert Hot Springs6610650Calimesa4322138Indian Wells55,3554,14719,45431,754Grand Total 3 4
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DISCUSSION5. The new agreement integrates the Animal Control Agreement and Sheltering Agreement.a. Field labor rates - 5% annual increase for FY25/26 - FY27/28b. Sheltering Fee –1. 17% increase in FY25/262. 44% increase in FY26/273. 20% increase in FY27/286. Staff met with the County Executive Office and the County agreed to re-evaluate the contract price if the City achieves a substantial reduction in the number of animals housed.
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DISCUSSION
7. City staff are implementing an Animal Community Program to reduce the number of stray animals in Riverside. New Community Animal Program Initiatives:1 – Engage with Community Partners 2 – City Increase Community Events to Decrease Shelter Intake3 – Marketing and Communication4 – Help reduce animal intake at the Shelter through Policy ReformPlanned Community Program:•Letter of Intent with the Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center •Providing animal microchip scanners at City libraries and fire stations•October 2nd – Animal Adoption Center at City Employee Appreciation Event•Project Paw-Some: Helping to Spay and Neuter One Riverside Animal at a Time•Sending letters to local veterinary offices and asking for a pledge to provide free spay/neuter to 2-3 pets a month•Home “Fur the Paw-lidays” Pet Adoption Pop Ups at vacant storefronts•Festival of Lights 5 6
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That the City Council:1. Approve the Agreement for Animal Field and Shelter Services with the County of Riverside, Department of Animal Services, for a total not-to-exceed amount of $16,804,518 for a term through June 30, 2028; 2. Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute the Agreement for Animal Field and Shelter Services with the County of Riverside, Department of Animal Services, including making minor and non-substantive changes and contract extensions; , subject to the availability of budgeted funds;3. Approve the Amendment to terminate the Agreement for Animal Shelter Services with the County of Riverside, Department of Animal Services through June 30, 2035;RECOMMENDATIONS RiversideCA.gov8
That the City Council:4. Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute the Amendment to terminate the Agreement for Animal Shelter Services with the County of Riverside, Department of Animal Services, including making minor and non-substantive changes; and5. With at least five affirmative votes, authorize the Chief Financial Officer, or designee, to record a supplemental appropriation in the amount of $816,000 available General Fund Reserves to the Non-Departmental, Public Works, Animal Control, Riverside County Animal Control Account. RECOMMENDATIONS7 8