Agenda 02/24/2026 Item #16A 4 (Resolution authorizing exemptions to the formal competitive process for the purchase of veterinary medication and medical supplies for Domestic Animal Services)2/24/2026
Item # 16.A.4
ID# 2026-198
Executive Summary
Recommendation to approve a Resolution authorizing exemptions to the formal competitive process for the purchase of
veterinary medication and medical supplies for Domestic Animal Services and approve expenditures on these
exemptions up to a maximum of $1,500,000 per fiscal year through Fiscal Year 2028 to enable Domestic Animal
Services to remain in compliance with the Collier County Animal Control Ordinance and to continue purchasing required
preventatives, medications, and veterinary medical supplies.
OBJECTIVE: To have the Board approve a Resolution authorizing expenditures for veterinary medications and
medical supplies under exemptions to the formal competitive process of up to $1,500,000 per fiscal year through Fiscal
Year 2028 to allow for continued and expanded veterinary service offerings at Domestic Animal Services.
CONSIDERATIONS: Collier County Procurement Ordinance 2025-34, Section Twelve, Subsection Two Exemptions
to the Competitive Process, identifies purchases of medications for the treatment of animals as an eligible exemption
from the competitive process under Exemption Category “L”. Domestic Animal Services ("DAS") requests the Board’s
approval to include veterinary medical supplies as part of the authorized medications for the treatment of animals by
approving the proposed Resolution. These supplies are essential for examination, treatment, and ongoing care of animals
in DAS custody. DAS procures these items from reputable veterinary and pharmaceutical suppliers, including Patterson
Veterinary Supply, Inc., Amatheon Animal Health, LLC, Zoetis Inc, MWI Veterinary Supply Co, Covetrus, Inc., and
Wedgewood Pharmacy, LLC. DAS seeks to expand the vendor pool with the approval of this Resolution.
DAS provides medical care for a diverse population of animals, including:
• Dogs and Cats (majority of intakes)
• Livestock (e.g., goats, horses, pigs)
• Exotics and Wildlife (in coordination with appropriate authorities)
While historical spending has remained under $1,500,000 per fiscal year for the purchase of veterinary medications and
medical supplies, several key factors support the need for expanded authority through Fiscal Year 2028:
• Rising intake volumes due to increased abandonment and owner surrenders.
• Enhanced Veterinary Standards.
• Escalating costs of veterinary pharmaceuticals and supplies, with some items doubling in price.
• Preventive Care Initiatives aimed at reducing disease outbreaks and improving long-term outcomes.
• Strategic Planning through Fiscal Year 2028 to accommodate market fluctuations and service expansion.
• Growth in community vaccine clinics, and spay and neuter services as defined within the recently Board
approved DAS Fee Schedule.
• Expansion of in-house capabilities, reduction in the reliance on outsourced veterinarian services,
implementation of improved care protocols, inventory controls, and procurement processes, and expansion
of care options available to the public.
Pursuant to Procurement Ordinance 2025-34, Section Twelve, Subsection Two, Exemptions to the Competitive Process,
DAS requests the Board find it is in the best interest of the County to purchase veterinary medicine and medical supplies
through the approval of the proposed resolution authorizing:
• Exemption from the formal competitive process for both veterinary medications and veterinary medical
supplies, and
• Expenditure authority through September 30, 2028, with flexibility to adjust vendors and expenditure limits
per vendor within the not-to-exceed total expenditure limit of $1,500,000 per fiscal year in accordance with
Procurement Services guidelines.
All purchases will remain subject to DAS’s Board-approved budget at the time of transaction and will not exceed the
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ID# 2026-198
Board-approved not-to-exceed amount. Procurement Services has already approved veterinary medication purchase
exemptions for several vendors; this resolution would extend such exemptions to include veterinary medical supplies,
streamlining operations and improving service delivery.
To strengthen purchasing controls and ensure cost-effective procurement, DAS has implemented VetCove (Board
Meeting May 14, 2024, Agenda Item 16.D.1), an online platform that provides real-time price comparisons across
DAS’s active vendor accounts. This tool enables DAS to consistently secure the most competitive pricing for
medications and veterinary supplies.
Approval of this resolution will empower DAS to expand its vendor network within VetCove, enhancing both
purchasing power and operational flexibility. Through VetCove’s real-time cost comparison tools, DAS can ensure
competitive pricing and make informed procurement decisions.
DAS will continue to work closely with the Procurement Services Division to issue necessary exemptions and execute
any required non-standard agreements with participating vendors. While DAS prioritizes the use of purchase orders to
maintain strong financial controls, it is important to note that some pharmaceutical vendors only accept credit card
payments at the time of purchase. In such cases, DAS will take all steps to ensure compliance with County procurement
policies and maintain transparency in purchasing practices. In addition, the Operations and Regulatory Management
("ORM") Division will oversee the DAS purchasing controls.
In alignment with Procurement Ordinance 2025-34, individual vendor exemptions for veterinary medications and
medical supplies will remain within the established $250,000 per fiscal year threshold. All exemptions and related
agreements will be approved and executed by the Procurement Services Division, ensuring compliance with County
procurement policies while supporting DAS’s mission to deliver high-quality, cost-conscious veterinary care.
Approval of this item and the proposed resolution will enable DAS to continue providing high-quality, cost-effective
veterinary care, support its mission to reunite strays with owners, and promote successful adoptions. It reflects a
proactive, fiscally responsible approach to animal welfare and public service.
The ORM Division staff will conduct a market analysis within a reasonable period prior to the expiration of the
proposed resolution and associated exemptions, and prepare a cost-benefit analysis to re-evaluate market conditions,
operational needs, and established controls to determine whether continuation would be in the best interest of the
County.
Develop and utilize partnerships that ensure government facilities meet public expectations.
FISCAL IMPACT: Funding for these expenditures is available across multiple Domestic Animal Services budgetary
programs, including but not limited to:
• Neuter/Spay Program
• Animal Care
• DAS Animal Care Operations
• Veterinary Clinic
GROWTH MANAGEMENT IMPACT: There is no Growth Management Impact related to this action.
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: This item is approved as to form and legality and requires a majority vote for approval.
- CMG
RECOMMENDATION(S): To approve a Resolution authorizing exemptions to the formal competitive process for the
purchase of veterinary medication and medical supplies for Domestic Animal Services and approve expenditures on
these exemptions up to a maximum of $1,500,000 per fiscal year through Fiscal Year 2028 to enable Domestic Animal
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Services to remain in compliance with the Collier County Animal Control Ordinance and to continue purchasing
required preventatives, medications, and veterinary medical supplies.
PREPARED BY: Brooke Roxberry, Management Analyst II, Operations and Regulatory Management Division
ATTACHMENTS:
1. DAS_Resolution_Medication & Supply
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