Agenda 11/10/2009 Item #16D 1
Agenda Item No. 1601
November 10, 2009
Page 1 of 3
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Recommendation to approve Domestic Animal Services support for local entities
offering low-cost solutions to animal-related issues in Collier County
Obiective: To mitigate the spread of zoonotic diseases and help reduce the pet overpopulation
problem in Collier County.
Considerations: Irresponsible pet ownership and pet overpopulation are community
problems, requiring a multi-faceted approach to solve them. Domestic Animal Services' main
function in addressing these problems is to protect residents and visitors from animal-related
injuries and zoonotic diseases through enforcement of the Animal Control Ordinance, with the
secondary purpose of re-homing lost and surrendered animals.
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Some local entities also work to solve animal-related issues through rescue efforts, offering 10w-
cost vaccinations and low-cost spay and neuter. The demand for low-cost alternatives to regular
veterinary care has been demonstrated to Domestic Animal Services by the overwhelming
response to the Spay Day USA events it coordinates annually. While local veterinarians have
captured a certain sector of the market and assist with assuring compliance of rabies vaccination
and licensing for their customers, a large portion of the estimated 175,000 dogs and cats in
Collier County remain unvaccinated, unlicensed, and unaltered. This untapped market is the
focus of the services provided by entities offering low-cost alternatives and is also the segment
of the animal population most significantly contributing to the potential spread of disease and to
overpopulation.
Domestic Animal Services finds a valid public purpose in promoting the services of such entities
during its regular interactions with the public. Examples of promotional activities may include,
but not be limited to:
· Public education that low-cost services are available during routine business such as calls
for Animal Control Officer service and interface with customers at the front desk, as well
as during targeted outreach events such as Animal Control Officer door-to-door activities,
special events, off-site adoptions, and Happy Tails TV Show
· Reciprocal links on local entity and DAS web sites
· Distribution oflocal entity literature during routine business and outreach events as above
· Coordination of targeted vaccination clinics and "Spay Days" for low-income or high-
DAS-interface neighborhoods
· Distribution of vouchers for free or discounted services to DAS customers
· Joint development and implementation of humane education programs
· Support for local entities seeking out grant opportunities
· Joint participation in special events and other community outreach efforts
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Domestic Animal Services will continue to encourage its customers to establish a relationship
with a local veterinarian and visit annually to ensure the best possible care for their pets.
Agenda Item f\lo. 16D1
November 10. 2009
Page 2 of 3
This action was reviewed and recommended for approval by the Domestic Animal Services
Advisory Board at their regularly scheduled meeting October 20, 2009.
Fiscal Impact: No Fiscal Impact is associated with this action.
Growth ManaQement Impact: No Growth Management Impact is associated with this action.
LeQal Considerations: This action has been reviewed by the County Attorney's Office and is
legally sufficient for Board action. - CMG
Recommendation: That the Board of County Commissioners approves Domestic Animal
Services support for local entities offering low-cost solutions to animal-related issues in Collier
County.
Prepared by: Hailey Alonso, Administrative Assistant, Domestic Animal Services
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1 ab.... I VI I
Agenda Item No. 1601
November 10, 2009
Page 3 of 3
COLLIER COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMiSSIONERS
Item Number:
Item Summary:
1601
Recommendation to approve Domestic Animal Services support for local entities offering
low-cost solutions to animal-related issues in Collier County.
Meeting Date:
11/10/2009900:00,A.M
Approved By
Kathy Carpenter
Executive Secretary
Date
Public Services
Public Services Admin.
10/23/2009 11 :39 AM
Approved By
Amanda Townsend
Operations Coordinator
Date
Public Services
Parks and Recreation
10/26/200910:19 AM
Approved By
Colleen Greene
Assistant County Attomer
Date
County Attorney
County Attorney Office
10:26'2009 10:47 AM
Approved By
Marla Ramsey
Public Services Administrator
Date
Public Services
Public Services Admin,
10/28/200911:14 AM
Approved By
OMS Coordinator
OMS Coordinator
Date
County Manager's Office
Office of Management & Budget
10/28/2009 1 :48 PM
Approved By
Sherry Pryor
Management & Budget Analyst
Date
County Manager's Office
Office of Management & Budget
10/28/2009 2: 25 PM
Approved By
Jeff Kiatzkow
County Attorney
Date
County Attorney
County Attorney Office
10/30/20093:40 PM
Approved By
John A. Yonkosky
Director of the Office of Management
Date
County Manager's Office
Office of Management & Budget
10/30/2009 3:46 PM
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