Animal Shelter Services &
Impounding Healthy Stray Cats
Peter Hoang
April 22, 2025
2City of Sunnyvale – Animal Shelter Services and Impounding Healthy Stray Cats – April 2025 • Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV) served as Sunnyvale’s animal services provider for 18 years (since April 19, 2007).
• On December 16, 2024, a fire severely damaged HSSV’s Milpitas facility, impacting operations.
• On January 28, 2025, HSSV notified the city of its intent to terminate services effective February 1, 2025.
• HSSV estimated a two-year repair timeline.
Background & Timeline
3City of Sunnyvale – Animal Shelter Services and Impounding Healthy Stray Cats – April 2025 • Following HSSV’s termination, DPS solicitedinformation from qualified service providers on an emergency basis (e.g., SVACA, Pets in Need, San Jose Animal Care Center, Tri-City Animal Shelter, Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA).
• Santa Clara County Animal Shelter's proposal was the most cost- effective, had the capacity to meet most of DPS's animal service needs, offered an extended contract term, and provided services closely aligned with those previously offered by the Humane Society. • Santa Clara County Animal Shelter was selected for emergency services starting February 1, 2025.
Emergency Procurement & Vendor Outreach
4City of Sunnyvale – Animal Shelter Services and Impounding Healthy Stray Cats – April 2025 • SMC 6.05.010 (updated in 2019) requires impoundment of all stray animals, including healthy stray cats, by Animal Control Officers. • Key Issue: The County can provide the same services that Humane Society provided, except for impounding healthy stray cats as required by SMC 6.05.010.
• Suspension allows time for staff to monitor the County’s performance and pursue a long-term vendor through formal procurement.
Why Suspend SMC 6.05.010?
5City of Sunnyvale – Animal Shelter Services and Impounding Healthy Stray Cats – April 2025 • Alternative 1: Adopt a Resolution to Suspend Enforcement of Sunnyvale Municipal Code Section 6.05.010 Related to Imposing an Affirmative Duty to Impound Healthy Stray Cats.
• Ensures uninterrupted animal services.
• Aligns with current emergency vendor capabilities.
• Alternative 2: Direct staff to pursue an alternative course ofaction. • Recommendation: Alternative 1, Adopt a Resolution to Suspend Enforcement of Sunnyvale Municipal Code Section 6.05.010 Related to Imposing an Affirmative Duty to Impound Healthy Stray Cats.
Recommendation