To: Board of Supervisors
From: Diana Becton, District Attorney
Report Title: Nonfinancial Agreement and Related Terms of Use with Canine Companions for Independence, Inc.
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Purchasing Agent or designee to execute, on behalf of the District Attorney, a nonfinancial agreement and related terms of use with Canine Companions for Independence, Inc. for the provision of a facility dog to offer comfort and assistance to victims during interviews, in-court testimonies and other traumatic situations.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Although Canine Companions for Independence, Inc. is providing the dog at no charge to the District Attorney’s Office and the requested action is for a nonfinancial agreement, the DA’s Office will be responsible for feeding and medical veterinary care for the dog. The estimated annual cost for the care and feeding of the facility dog is approximately $5,000 which the DA’s Office will be fully reimbursed by the California Office of Emergency Services Victim and Witness Assistance Grant.
BACKGROUND:
The District Attorney’s Office will partner with Canine Companions for Independence, Inc. to provide a trained facility dog for use during interviews and trials.
Approval of this nonfinancial agreement will enable the District Attorney’s Office to offer access to the trained facility dog. This nonfinancial agreement includes limited liability and indemnification under which the County agrees to hold Canine Companions for Independence harmless from any claims arising from the facility dog’s involvement
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
Without executing the nonfinancial agreement and the related terms of use with Canine Companions for Independence, Inc., the District Attorney’s Office cannot obtain the facility dog.