To: Board of Supervisors
From: Ben Winkleblack, Animal Services Director
Report Title: Ratify Application and Accept $4,000 Subaru Loves Pets Grant
Recommendation: Recommendation of the County Administrator
RECOMMENDATIONS:
RATIFY the Animal Services Director’s application for and acceptance of the Subaru Loves Pets Grant in the amount of $4,000 for mobile adoption events and shelter animal adoptions.
FISCAL IMPACT:
No County General Fund match is required. Upon Board authorization, revenue and appropriations of $4,000 will be deposited into the Animal Services Animal Benefit Fund.
BACKGROUND:
The Subaru Loves Pets Grant Program, sponsored by Diablo Subaru of Walnut Creek, supports local animal welfare efforts including community adoption events. On March 27, 2026, the Animal Services Department submitted an application prior to the program deadline of March 31, 2026, and prior to receiving Board authorization, necessitating ratification. The grant was awarded on August 5, 2026, in the amount of $4,000, to fund mobile events and shelter animal adoptions in October 2026.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
If not approved, the County will forfeit the $4,000 award, and the Animal Services Animal Benefit Fund will not receive these funds. While the Department will continue its animal adoption efforts, the grant funding would have expanded the Department's reach through additional mobile adoption events and targeted marketing promotions in October 2026. Without these funds, the Department's capacity to conduct supplemental outreach activities will be reduced.