Agenda 05/27/2025 Item #16A19 (Budget Amendment of $1,500,000 for Domestic Animal Services)5/27/2025
Item # 16.A.19
ID# 2025-1453
Executive Summary
Recommendation to authorize a Budget Amendment of $1,500,000 for Domestic Animal Services (DAS) to address
increased operational expenses, including veterinary services, temporary labor, and necessary equipment and supplies,
ensuring continued compliance with state statutes and industry standards.
OBJECTIVE: To secure the necessary funding for Domestic Animal Services (DAS) to maintain essential veterinary
care, ensure adequate staffing, and cover critical operating expenses required to support the department’s mission and
operational needs through the end of the fiscal year.
CONSIDERATIONS: The amount requested is for the remainder of the year to ensure the proper care and support of
the animals in DAS custody. Since the beginning of the fiscal year and years prior, DAS has been heavily reliant on
budget amendments- one-time funding, as needed, which is necessary but unsustainable.
These delays impact essential care, medical needs, and operating supplies. DAS is operating below industry standards
for an animal shelter. As a managed admission shelter, DAS is legally required to take in every stray animal in the
county, and the owner surrenders as capacity allows. In calendar year 2024, that was roughly 5,000 animals. Adequate
and stable funding is necessary to meet responsibilities effectively and to provide immediate and constant care.
The in-house surgical veterinarian resigned in the summer of 2024, leaving DAS reliant on outside agencies for legally
required spay and neuter procedures and other surgical services. Florida law mandates that all adopted pets be sterilized,
and without an in-house surgical team, DAS must contract private veterinarians and nonprofit organizations to meet this
requirement. Additionally, DAS lacks in-house laboratory and X-ray capabilities, meaning that animals requiring
advanced diagnostics in emergency and urgent situations must be sent to veterinary partners. Certain cases requiring
specialized treatments must be referred to outside veterinary providers. These veterinary pieces are necessary to ensure
timely and humane medical care, but they come at a significant and increasing cost.
The rising cost of veterinary care nationwide has further strained DAS's budget. The cost of veterinary services,
medications, and supplies has steadily increased due to inflation, workforce shortages, and higher demand for services.
DAS has experienced substantial fluctuations in veterinary outsourcing costs, from approximately $420,000 in FY23 to
$255,000 in FY24, and is projected to reach $500,000 in FY25. To clarify the fluctuation in veterinary outsourcing
costs, the higher expense in FY23 resulted from the need to outsource a large portion of veterinary services. In FY24,
costs decreased significantly due to DAS having a full in-house veterinary team, which minimized the need for external
support. The projected increase for FY25 reflects the current gap in in-house staffing, once again requiring outsourced
services to ensure the medical needs of the animals are met.
DAS operates in a high-volume environment where staffing levels must align with industry standards to ensure
appropriate care, welfare, and safety for animals and personnel. Industry best practices recommend specific staff-to-
animal ratios to provide quality care, cleaning, enrichment, and medical attention. Without full-time employees (FTEs)
at the necessary levels, DAS must rely heavily on temporary labor to sustain daily operations. Temporary labor
expenditures have increased from approximately $398,000 in FY23 to $435,000 in FY24 and are projected to reach
$750,000 in FY25, reflecting both the cost of maintaining appropriate service levels and the competitive labor market.
This request for additional funding is to cover essential animal supplies, including food, medical care, and enrichment,
to ensure the well-being of the animals in DAS custody. Providing adequate nutrition is critical, especially as intake
remains steady and food costs continue to rise. Medical care includes vaccinations, parasite prevention, routine
treatments, and urgent veterinary care for sick or injured animals. Without sufficient funding, the ability to provide
timely and appropriate medical intervention is compromised, potentially leading to worsened health conditions and
extended stays in the shelter.
Additionally, enrichment is a critical component of animal welfare, helping to reduce stress, prevent behavioral
deterioration, and improve adoptability. This includes items such as toys, treats, and interactive activities that provide
mental stimulation and comfort during their time in the shelter. Inadequate funding for enrichment can lead to increased
stress and behavioral issues, making finding homes for these animals more challenging. Ensuring adequate resources for
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5/27/2025
Item # 16.A.19
ID# 2025-1453
food, medical care, and enrichment is not optional—it is necessary to meet our obligation to the animals and the
community.
DAS continues to implement cost-saving measures, including reviewing all purchases, postponing non-essential
expenses, and maximizing existing resources and transfer partners. However, additional funding is necessary to sustain
industry standards and maintain compliance with state laws. Critical veterinary services, staffing levels, and animal care
operations will be severely impacted if this request is not approved.
FISCAL IMPACT: A budget amendment in the amount of $1,500,000 is required to transfer General Fund (0001)
reserves to the DAS operating cost center (0001-155410) to address the ongoing operational expenses at DAS outlined
in the table below. These expenditures are anticipated to be recurring, and as such, the amount will be treated as an
adjustment to the FY 2025 compliance base utilized to calculate the division's FY 2026 compliance with the Board’s
Adopted Budget Policy.
Category Amount
Temporary Labor $513,600
Medical Supplies $269,200
Animal Supplies $117,200
Veterinary Care $600,000
Total $1,500,000
GROWTH MANAGEMENT IMPACT: There is no growth management impact associated with this item.
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: This item has been reviewed by the County Attorney, raises no legal issues, is
approved as to form and legality and requires majority vote for approval. -JAK
RECOMMENDATIONS: To authorize a Budget Amendment of $1,500,000 to ensure DAS can continue providing
essential animal care services, remain compliant with Florida law, and uphold best practices in animal welfare.
PREPARED BY: Meredith McLean, Director, Domestic Animal Services
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Budget Amendment Form - Reserves 5.19.25
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