HomeMy WebLinkAboutReso 1999-19462 RESOLUTION NO. 19462
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA
VISTA AMENDING THE MASTER FEE SCHEDULE TO ADJUST
EXISTING FEES AND ESTABLISH NEW FEES FOR ANIMAL
SHELTER SERVICES
WHEREAS, animal control fees have remained relatively the same since 1993; and
WHEREAS, fees attempt to recover the cost of providing specified products or service
to the public; and
WHEREAS, the City proposes to amend the Master Fee Schedule to adjust existing
animal control fees and add new fees as appropriate; and
WHEREAS, a county-wide comparison of similar fees among agencies providing animal
control services was conducted; and
WHEREAS, the proposed fees reasonably recover costs without discouraging the
public from licensing, adopting or using other services provided by the City; and
WHEREAS, the cost of to provide animal control services are available for public
review by contacting the Police Administrative Services Manager,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Chula Vista
does hereby amend the Master Fee Schedule as set forth in Attachment A to modify existing
fees and add new fees.
Presented by Approved as to form by
Richard P. Emerson ny
Police Chief
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ATTACHMENT A
PROPOSED FEES
ANIMAL CONTROL SHELTER
A. LICENSES
Current Proposed # of Licenses Projected New
Fee Fee in FY 99-00 Revenue
1 Yr. Altered $9.00 $12.00 1,900 $5,850
2 Yr. Altered 12.00 Eliminate
3 Yr. Altered 14.00 23.00 1,000 9,000
1 Yr. Unaltered 18.00 25.00 800 5,600
2 Yr. Unaltered 24.00 Eliminate
3 Yr. Unaltered 28.00 50.00 300 6,600
Puppy 8,00 No change
Late Fee 3.00 5.00
5% Adjustment 50 (1,353)
Net Total 4,050 $25,000
Approximately 4,500 licenses are issued annually by the City. The annual cost of the
licensing program is $92,167 of which the City receives offsetting revenue from the
issuance of licenses in the amount of $61,000. Staff is recommending an increase
to the existing licensing fee schedule to recover most of the annual cost of the
program. Licensing services include the issuance of the license, monitoring and
maintenance of the database which enables animal control staff to continue
reunification services to pets and their owners. The increase in fees will generate an
additional $25,000 in revenue. As a result, the annual program cost of $92,167 will
be offset by approximately $86,000 in revenues for a net cost of $6,167. Current
licensing fees for altered are proposed to be increased by $3.00 for the first year
altered license and $9.00 for the three year altered license. Staff believes the
discount offered for purchase of a three year license will encourage owners to license
their pets for longer terms. The second year license is proposed to be eliminated
since it is infrequently used and therefore, not cost effective. In addition, unaltered
fees are recommended to increase by $7.00 for a one-year license and $22.00 for a
three-year license. These fees are set at a higher rate as an incentive for pet owners
to spay and neuter animals. The second year unaltered license is proposed to be
eliminated. In addition, the puppy license which is rarely purchased is proposed to be
eliminated.
B. IMPOUNDS
Current Proposed Est. # of Impounds Total Projected
Fee Fee in FY 99-00 Revenue
Dogs/Cats
1't Impound $20.00 $25.00 655 $3,275
2~ Impound 40.00 45.00 200 1,000
3'd Impound 60.00 65.00 100 500
Exotic/Livestock 20.00 30.00 5 50
Birds/Poultry 20.00 No change
Reptiles 20.00 No change
Rodents/Rabbits 20.00 No change
Total $4,825
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Impound and boarding costs per day
Currently the shelter charges an impound fee and boarding costs per day per animals
kept at the shelter. The existing impound and boarding charges vary depending on the
type of animals housed at the shelter. The fee varies according to the amount of time
expended by an animal control officer, kennel attendant and admin office assistant in
processing and caring for the animal. For example, the care and feeding of a dog or
cat is less expensive than the care and feeding of livestock. In addition, impound fees
for dogs and cats escalate for repeat offenders. The average cost of impounding an
animal is $68. The current fee is set at $20 with escalating amounts in increments
of $20 for second and third impounds. Staff proposes a $5.00 increase be applied to
all current fees with exception of birds/poultry, reptiles and rodents/rabbits, which are
proposed to remain the same. In comparison to dogs and cats and exotic livestock,
these animals require less space, staff time and food products.
C. Board (Per Day}
Current Proposed Est. # of Projected New
Fee Fee Boards Revenue
Dogs &Cats ~5.00 ~6.00 1,000 ~1,000
Livestock 5.00 10.00 8 40
Other Small Animals 5.00 No change
Total $1,040
In addition to impound fees, the animal shelter currently charges a per day board fee
for dogs and cats, livestock and other small animals. The current fee is $5.00. The
actual cost to provide the service is $41.00. increasing the current fee to recover full
cost of boarding per day is excessive and discourages owners from claiming their pets.
Therefore, the board per day fees are proposed to increase by $1.00 for dogs and cats
and $5,00 for livestock. The board per day fee for other small animals is proposed to
remain the same.
D. OWNER RELINQUISHMENTS
Est.
Dogs &Cats Current Proposed # of Projected New
Fee Fee Relinquishments Revenues
@ shelter w/license $5.00 ~ 15.00 1,575 $15,570
~ shelter w/o license
15.00 20.00 *UTD UTD
LIEi) shelter for
euthanasia 5.00 15.00 UTD UTD
Litter 5.00 15.00 UTD UTD
Exotic/livestock 5.00 15.00 UTD UTD
Other small animals 5.00 No change
In field
Relinquishments 25.00 35.00
5 % Adjustment (75) (750)
Net Total 5,000
*UTD - Unable to Determine
I ·
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Owner Relinquishment
Beginning July 1, 1999, legislation (SB 1785) will require shelters to hold
relinquishments for a minimum of three business days regardless of their adoptability.
This places a requirement to hold and care for not only the healthy, young adoptable
animals; but, also the older, sick and even aggressive animals for three business days.
In order to encourage pet owners to properly relinquish their animals, staff is proposing
that relinquishment fees remain low. The current fee for relinquishmerit of dogs and
cats is $5.00 with license and $15.00 without. Staff proposes the current fees be
increased by $10.00 to help offset some of the cost of providing this service. The
increase will help recover the disposal cost and associated supplies used in the
euthanasia process. Other small animals are proposed to remain at the same current
fee of $5.00. Animals relinquished in the field as proposed to those brought into the
shelter by the pet owner will increase by $10.00 to help offset the cost of the officers'
time in retrieving and transporting the animal to the animal shelter. Euthanasia
services will be provided for $15.00 which is $10.00 more than the current fee of
$5,00,
E. VACCINATIONS (Dogs & Cats Only)
Current Proposed Est. # of Projected New
Fee Fee Vaccinations Revenue
FVRCP/DHLPP 0 $3.00 655 $1,965
Rabies 0 5.00 655 3,275
Total $5,240
Vaccinations (Dogs and Cats only)
In an effort to protect shelter animals and control the outbreak of disease, shelter staff
currently vaccinates all cats and dogs on entry. Two vaccines are currently provided:
>- FVRCP - Is a 4 in 1 feline vaccine which protects cats from Rhinotracheitis, Callci,
Panleukopenia, Chlamydia Psittaci disease. These are the most common contagious
diseases cats contract in this area so we vaccinate all cats on entry to provide them
with initial protection.
>- DHLPP - Is a 5 in 1 canine vaccine which protects dogs against the common
contagious diseases of Distemper, Adenovirus Type 2, Leptospira Canicola,
Icterophaemorrhagiae, Parainfluenza and Parvovirus. All dogs receive this vaccine on
entry to provide them with initial protection.
There is a hard cost for each vaccine and a cost for the animal control officer or
attendant's time to vaccinate the animal. Vaccines routinely cost the public at least
$6.00 (at a vaccine clinic) and $8.50 and upwards to $30.00 at regular veterinarian
offices. Currently, the shelter is providing a free service to the public by not charging
for these vaccines. Staff recommends the implementation of a new fee to recover the
cost associated with vaccinations given to pets in addition to a new fee for rabies
vaccinations. By law all dogs over the age of 4 months must receive a rabies
vaccination. Prior to the issuance of an animal control license.
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F. VETERINARIAN FEES
Est. Total
Current Proposed % of Animals Projected
Fee Fee Examined by Vet Revenues
Exam 0 $10.00 10% $650
Daily Medication 0 Per Day 2.00 10% 260
Total $910
Veterinarian Fees
Animal control facilities are required to provide all animals veterinarian treatment while
boarded. On site veterinarian services were added as part of shelter enhancements
adopted on July 15, 1997. The City currently pays for an on-site veterinarian at an
hourly rate of $40 to care for the animals five days per week. All animals are
examined by the veterinarian at least once while boarded at the shelter. Additionally,
sick and injured animals are examined and treated by veterinarian staff as needed.
Staff proposes the implementation of veterinarian fees to recover City costs for
providing specialized care to these animals. The proposed $10.00 veterinarian fee
would be charged only as an initial exam fee for sick or injured animals and serve to
defray associated costs for the caring and treating of these animals. Additionally,
t~2.00 per day will be charged for animals requiring daily medication.
G. RETURNED TO OWNER (In Field Only)
Current Proposed Est. # of Animals Total Projected
Fee Fee Returned to Owner Revenues
All Animals 0 $25.00 50 $1,250
Return to Owner (In Field Only}
Often animal control officers will capture an animal in the field. The officers will, in
most cases, return the animal to the owner. Staff recommends thei Implementation
of a return to owner fee of (;25.00 after the second offense. The first return to the
owner will be done as a courtesy. During the first return staff will provide the
educational materials to aid the owner in caring for their pet. The fee will be used to
discourage chronic violators and recover staff time spent on animal impounds in the
field.
H. TRANQUILIZED ANIMALS
Current Proposed Est. # of Projected
Fee Fee Tranquilized Animals New Revenues
All Animals 0 830.00 10 8300
Tranquilized Animals
Animal control staff often tranquilize animals in the field which are aggressive or a
threat to public safety. A substance known as Telezol is used because it is a highly
effective and a safe tranquilizer; although, very costly. Tranquilization requires special
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equipment and special training. Most dogs are tranquilized because of aggression and
require more than one officer at the scene. Once the animal is taken to the shelter it
requires close monitoring by kennel staff. This fee will recover some of the cost
associated with tranquilizing an animal.
I. HOME QUARANTINE
Current Proposed J Est. # of Home Projected New
Fee Fee Quarantines Revenues
All Animals 0 $30.00 90 $2,700
Home Quarantine
The animal shelter currently does not charge fees for home quarantines. Quarantines
are mandated by state law and are currently done in home as a courtesy to the owner.
Staff recommends a fee be charged for these services to recover the cost of providing
the service. Quarantines are time consuming for all staff involved. An administrative
office assistant or animal control officer must first take a report and enter the
information into a data base. Follow-up calls and officer home site visits are required
for the observation of the animal and provision of educational manuals to the owner.
In addition, a quarantine form is required to be completed which includes a background
check on the animal to investigate any prior occurrences requiring quarantine. If a
victim is involved, animal control officers must also follow-up with the victim and
provide them with educational materials. It costs the City approximately $158. The
proposed home quarantine fee will partially recover the cost to provide quarantine
services.
J. PATHOLOGY
Current Proposed Est. # of Projected New
Fee Fee Pathology Reports Revenues
All Animals 0 $45.00 1 ~45
Pathology
Pathology reports on humane cases are mandated in order to determine cause of
death. Whereas Necropsy~ are free of charge, pathology reports are costly.
Pathology is an examination of a dead animal's body to determine the cause of
death. These exams are done at the County Veterinarian's office and there is a
charge of $45.00. The Animal Shelter is required to investigate and enforce all
State Anti Cruelty laws. When an animal has been neglected, beaten, poisoned or
maliciously killed, we often have to ask that a pathology report be done to
determine how the animal died in order to prosecute the case. Also, often we are
asked by citizens to determine the cause of death for a pet when the pet died in a
questionable manner. Staff proposes establishing a new fee to recover the cost of
a pathology report from the owner when possible.
i Necropsy - an examination of a dead animal's brain tissue to determine whether the rabies virus is
present. This exam is only done on biter dogs, cats or other mammals which are known rabies carriers.
This exam is required by law and is done at the County Veterinarian's office at no charge to the City.
I · ]
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K. Dangerous Dog
Current Proposed Est. # of Dangerous Projected New
Fee Fee Dogs in FY 99-00 Revenue
Dangerous dog or $50.00 per
potentially dangerous dog NC year over & 1 $50
above reg
license
Potentially Dangerous/Vicious Dogs
Legislation (Chapter 9 of Fd & Agr 31601) enacted in 1989, allows local agencies
to charge an additional registration fee for a dangerous/vicious dog. This is a
statewide regulation to protect the public from the threat posed by vicious and
potentially dangerous dogs. Potentially dangerous dogs are defined as follows:
a) Any dog which when provoked on two separate occasions within the prior
36-month period, engages in any behavior that requires a defensive action by
any person to prevent bodily injury.
b) Any dog which when unprovoked bites a person causing a less severe injury
than as defined in Section 1604.
c) Any dog which when unprovoked on two separate occasions within the prior
36-month period has killed, seriously bitten, inflicted injury, or otherwise
caused injury attacking a domestic animal off the property of the owner or
keeper of the dog.
L. SHELTER ADOPTIONS
Est. # of
Current Proposed Adoptions Projected New
Fee Fee in FY 99-00 Revenue
S/N Dogs $5.00 $50.00 175 ~7,875
S/N Cats 5.00 40.00 80 2,800
UN S/N Dogs 5.00 30.00 500 10,000
UN S/N Cats 5.00 30.00 300 7,500
S/N Rabbits 5.00 No change Minimal 50
Un S/N Rabbits 5.00 25.00
Other small animals 5.00 No change Minimal
Livestock 5.00 30.00 Minimal 25
SIN Deposit (Refundable 100
Male Cat 12.00 40.00 * (2,800)
Female Cat 20.00 40.00* (2,000)
All Dogs 25.00 40.00* (4,200)
· Mandated by State Law for unspayed or neutered dogs and cats
Net Total ~ $28,200
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M. OFF SITE ADOPTIONS
Payment
Current Proposed To Non-Profit Projected
Fee Fee Agency Revenue
Dogs 0 ~50.00 $35.00 $1,700
Cats 0 40.00 22.00 1,100
Rabbits 0 30.00 25.00 1,200
Total $4,000
Adoptions
The proposed adoption fees recover staff's time associated with the adoption of
animals and adoption programs. The fees suggested below are reasonable and
comparable to fees charged by other agencies. Based on the experience of other
agencies, staff does not believe the increase in the adoption fee will discourage
adoptions.
New Proqram and Fees
The goal of the adoption program is to place animals into permanent, responsible
homes. Staff is proposing implementation of the following adoption programs
which will increase the number of adoptions.
Off-Site Adoption Program
One way to increase adoptions is through an "Off Site" adoption program. The City
has several unique opportunities to make more animals available for adoption
through a cooperative program with Petco and PetSmart. Both of these companies
will accept spayed and neutered cats from the shelter for adoption at their stores.
There is no charge for the service, the only condition is that pets be spayed or
neutered. Their staff is trained to counsel potential adopters and 3rocess adoption
paperwork.
For dogs, staff has several opportunities each year to participate ~n "Adopt-A-
Thons" at local businesses such as Walmart, PetSmart, and Saturn dealerships. In
addition to a large annual adoption weekend at the Del Mar Fairgrounds and several
other locations throughout the county. These events are successful in helping
shelters get the necessary exposure needed to increase public interest and "display"
the adoptable pets. Again, the only condition at these events is that the animals
be spayed or neutered. Spay and neutering of animals is an expensive process.
The fees charged by veterinarians vary depending on the size of the animals. As a
result, staff is recommending the use of non-profit organization as a cost-effective
solution.
Pets Welfare Foundation of Chula Vista is a non profit organization established to be a
support group for the animal shelter. There goal is to help us increase adoptions,
decrease euthanasia and implement a progressive volunteer program. They are interested
in helping shelter staff implement an active off site adoption program by spay and
neutering pets so they are eligible for the off site adoption programs. The foundation will
take eligible unaltered animals and have them altered at a private veterinarian. The City
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will reimburse the non-profit agency for the cost of a spay/neuter from proceeds from the
sale of an animal at the altered rate. This is the most cost effective method to spay/neuter
pets eligible for adoption at off-site locations. All off site programs require spay and
neutering of pets before acceptance. The payment for this service to PETS Welfare will
be $22.00 for cats and $35.00 for dogs.
In addition to dogs and cats, rabbits are often requested at off-site locations. The
House Rabbit Society is a private, non profit rescue agency which has agreed to
spay and neuter rabbits for ~25. Rabbits would be sold at the altered rate of ~30 in
order to pay House Rabbit Society for 925 for spay/neutering.
Senior Adoption Program
Staff is proposing the implementation of a Senior Adoption Program. The goal is to
put seniors and companion pets together. Seniors over the age of 60 would be
allowed to adopt a spay or neutered pet over the age of 3 for 925 (half price). Pets
over 3 years of age are better companions for seniors. They are usually
housebroken, more settled and easier to handle. Senior homes usually provide a
stable, secure home for animals. We believe the revenues generated by this
program will be minimal, however, increased adoptions would be a benefit.
Other Proclrams
Other programs are currently in the development stage. 0pon completion of the
new animal control shelter, staff believes it will be in a better position to implement
a microchip program, and potentially a retail center for the provision of animal
goods. As these programs are further defined and developed, staff will return to
Council with the recommendation.
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PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Chula Vista,
California, this 18th day of May, 1999, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers: Davis, Moot, Padilia, Salas and Horton
NAYS: Councilmembers: None
ABSENT: Councilmembers: None
ABSTAIN: Councilmembers: None
ATTEST:
Susan Bigelow, City Clerk
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO )
CITY OF CHULA VISTA )
I, Susan Bigelow, City Clerk of Chula Vista, California, do hereby certify that the foregoing
Resolution No. 19462 was duly passed, approved, and adopted by the City Council at a
regular meeting of the Chula Vista City Council held on the 18~h day of May, 1999.
Executed this 18'h day of May, 1999.
Susan Bigelow, City Clerk