To: Board of Supervisors
From: Ben Winkleblack, Animal Services Director
Report Title: Contract with SAGE Veterinary Partners
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Animal Services Director, or designee, to execute a contract with SAGE Veterinary Partners, LLC in an amount not to exceed $900,000 to provide 24-hour emergency veterinary care for sick, injured, stray, abandoned, or neglected animals for the period of July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Approval of this contract funds emergency veterinary services up to $900,000 through June 30, 2029, supported by 60% City Contracts, 8% User Fees, and 32% County General Fund.
BACKGROUND:
The Animal Services Department has maintained a contractual relationship with SAGE Veterinary Partners, LLC since 2017, with the current agreement expiring June 30, 2026. Following a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) process completed on July 21, 2025, SAGE Veterinary Partners, LLC was selected as the awarded contractor. With Board approval, the new contract term will run from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029, with an option to extend for one additional year. Continuation of this contract ensures uninterrupted access to 24-hour emergency veterinary services for animals in the care of the Department, with a total payment limit of $900,000. The contract has been reviewed and approved as to form by County Counsel.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
Failure to approve this contract would significantly impair the Department's ability to provide emergency veterinary medical care for sick, injured, stray, abandoned, or neglected animals outside of regular business hours.