To: Board of Supervisors
From: Ben Winkleblack, Animal Services Director
Report Title: Animal Benefit Fund Contracts with Animal Fix Clinic, Vets in Vans, Inc., and Contra Costa Humane Society
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
RATIFY the Animal Services Director’s execution of contracts with (1) Animal Fix Clinic in an amount not to exceed $60,000 to provide spay/neuter, vaccination, and microchipping services, (2) Vets in Vans, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $20,000 to provide mobile veterinary medical assistance; and (3) Contra Costa Humane Society in an amount not to exceed $80,000 to provide shelter intervention program services, for the period January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Use of restricted Animal Benefit Fund donations totaling $160,000 for the period January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026. No impact to the County General Fund. 100% Animal Benefit Fund, restricted funds.
BACKGROUND:
The Animal Benefit Fund was established in 1998 to accept donations from individuals, businesses, and animal welfare organizations to support animal health and welfare projects beyond what is funded by departmental or County general revenue.
On April 19, 2016, the Board of Supervisors delegated authority to the Animal Services Director to accept and solicit monetary donations on behalf of the Department pursuant to Government Code Section 25355, with the requirement to file a quarterly report with the Board describing the source and value of each gift.
On December 8, 2020, the Board adopted Resolution No. 2020/326 authorizing the Animal Services Director to implement four Animal Benefit Fund programs beginning FY 2021-22:
• Medical Assistance Program - Veterinary care for animals in County jurisdiction or shelter care, beyond mandated care, to support adoption readiness or keep animals out of the shelter.
• Humane Education Program - Supports humane education at the shelter and in the community, including behavioral assistance to help owners keep their pets and reduce surrenders.
• Shelter Intervention Program - Provides resources to keep animals in their homes by assisting families in crisis, including spay/neuter, behavioral support, fence repair, and grooming.
• Spay/Neuter, Vaccination, and Microchipping Program - Increases affordability and access to these services countywide through partnerships and mobile programs, with a focus on underserved areas and community cats.
In June 2025, the Department launched an annual competitive RFP process for Animal Benefit Fund community partnerships, concluding in November 2025 with awards to three organizations for January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026:
• Animal Fix Clinic - Spay/Neuter, Vaccination, and Microchipping Program ($60,000)
• Vets in Vans, Inc. - Medical Assistance Program ($20,000)
• Contra Costa Humane Society - Shelter Intervention Program ($80,000)
The Department is seeking Board ratification of these contracts to ensure compliance with California Government Code Section 26227 per County Counsel direction and intends to bring Animal Benefit Fund grantee contracts forward for Board approval on an ongoing basis.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
Failure to ratify these contracts may result in the Department's inability to disburse Animal Benefit Fund grants to community partners, disrupting services that support animal welfare, reduce shelter intake, and provide low-cost veterinary care to Contra Costa County residents. Additionally, without Board ratification, the Department would not be in compliance with California Government Code Section 26227.