To: Board of Supervisors
From: Ben Winkleblack, Animal Services Director
Report Title: Contracts for 3 Doctors of Veterinary Medicine: Michelle Mehalick, Echo Cartagena, and Ruth Adams
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Animal Services Director, or designee, to execute contracts with Doctors of Veterinary Medicine Michelle Mehalick, Echo Cartagena, and Ruth Adams, in an aggregate amount not to exceed $515,000, for shelter veterinary services during the period from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, subject to approval of each contract by the County Administrator’s Office and approval of each contract as to form by the County Counsel’s Office.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Estimated FY 2026/27 contract costs are as follows:
• Dr. Michelle Mehalick: $235,000
• Dr. Echo Cartagena: $130,00
• Dr. Ruth Adams: $150,000
Total: $515,000, funded by 60% City Contracts, 32% County General Fund, and 8% User Fees.
BACKGROUND:
Shelter Medicine Veterinarians provide essential veterinary services for the Animal Services Department, including general medical care, urgent and emergency care, and spay/neuter services for both shelter animals and animals served through public programs. These services are critical to animal health and welfare and ensure compliance with applicable veterinary and public health standards.
Dr. Mehalick has been designated by the Department Director to provide operational oversight of the Shelter Medicine division pending the appointment of a permanent, full-time Chief of Shelter Medicine (Exempt). In this capacity, Dr. Mehalick is responsible for advising on medical care and treatment, animal welfare oversight, euthanasia decision-making, and program coordination, and for ensuring that all veterinary practices are conducted in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and departmental policies. Dr. Mehalick will also maintain responsibility for the facility's Veterinary Premises Permit and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) License, both of which are required for the lawful operation of veterinary services at the shelter.
Dr. Adams and Dr. Cartagena will continue providing general veterinary medical care, emergency care, and spay/neuter services.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
Failure to approve these contract renewals for FY 2026/27 would jeopardize the Department's Veterinary Premises Permit and DEA License, both of which are legally required to operate veterinary services at the shelter. The Department would also lose critical medical support needed to care for shelter animals and animals served through public programs.