Consent-Community Services # 6.
Board of Supervisors
Animal Services
- Meeting Date:
- 09/10/2024
- Brief Title
- Accept grant funding for a "Clinic in a Can"
From:
Leslie Lindbo, Director, Department of Community Services
Staff Contact:
Stephanie Amato, Animal Services Director, Department of Community Services, x5286
Supervisorial District Impact:
Countywide
Subject
Accept grant funds in the amount of $337,000 from the UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program to purchase a "Clinic in a Can" veterinary workstation; approve the purchase of the "Clinic in a Can;" approve the related Shelter Services Agreement with UC Davis and authorize the Director of Community Services to execute the agreement in substantially the form provided, subject to final approval by County Counsel; authorize the Animal Services Director to explore options to re-purpose the current veterinary services trailer known as the Big Fix Rig; adopt budget resolution increasing the Department of Community Services, Animal Services Division FY24-25 appropriations and grant revenue by $369,700; and approve amendment to the FY24-25 authorized equipment list to add the "Clinic in a Can." (No general fund impact) (Lindbo/Amato)
Recommended Action
- Accept grant funds in the amount of $337,000 from the UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program to purchase a "Clinic in a Can" veterinary workstation;
- Approve the purchase of a "Clinic in a Can" veterinary workstation;
- Approve the related Shelter Services Agreement contract with UC Davis and authorized the Director of Community Services to execute the agreement in substantially the form provided, subject to final approval as to form by County Counsel;
- Authorize the Animal Services Director to explore options to re-purpose the current veterinary services trailer known as the Big Fix Rig;
- Adopt budget resolution increasing the Department of Community Services, Animal Services Division FY24-25 appropriations by $369,700; and
- Approve amendment to the FY24-25 authorized equipment list to add the Clinic in a Can purchase.
Strategic Plan Goal(s)
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Thriving Residents |
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Collaborative Community |
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County Mandated Service |
Reason for Recommended Action/Background
Yolo County Animal Services (YCAS) is committed to improving outcomes for animals in shelter care, which includes implementing humane veterinary services and a cost-effective spay/neuter program. It is because of this mission and also because of our continued collaboration with UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program that an opportunity to improve the YCAS veterinary services has arisen. UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program has received funds from the California for All Animals (CA4AA) program to provide two jurisdictions with funds to purchase a 40-foot "Clinic in a Can" veterinary workstation (Clinic). This Clinic will arrive fully designed and equipped with the required medical equipment for veterinary services and will immediately replace the current veterinary Big Fix Rig parked at the YCAS campus.
YCAS continues to face increasing challenges in providing high quality veterinary care with existing facilities. The Big Fix Rig is approximately 20 years old and has limited surgical and recovery space for large dogs, creating inefficiencies and challenging working conditions for staff. Shelter intake numbers have steadily risen post-Covid, placing a strain on existing resources. This past year alone, more than 200 cats and dogs have been sent to local veterinary partners for spay, neuter, x-ray services and diagnostics. Currently, most large dogs must be sent out to private vet clinics for spay/neuter services because the surgical table and recovery space isn't large enough for big dogs in the Big Fix Rig. This is an added expense. The new Clinic would significantly improve and increase YCAS's capabilities, allowing space for large dogs, and benefiting both the animals in the shelter and the veterinary care staff. Much of the surgical equipment in the Big Fix Rig is nearing the end of its useful life, and the new Clinic is fully equipped with new surgical equipment.
YCAS continues to face increasing challenges in providing high quality veterinary care with existing facilities. The Big Fix Rig is approximately 20 years old and has limited surgical and recovery space for large dogs, creating inefficiencies and challenging working conditions for staff. Shelter intake numbers have steadily risen post-Covid, placing a strain on existing resources. This past year alone, more than 200 cats and dogs have been sent to local veterinary partners for spay, neuter, x-ray services and diagnostics. Currently, most large dogs must be sent out to private vet clinics for spay/neuter services because the surgical table and recovery space isn't large enough for big dogs in the Big Fix Rig. This is an added expense. The new Clinic would significantly improve and increase YCAS's capabilities, allowing space for large dogs, and benefiting both the animals in the shelter and the veterinary care staff. Much of the surgical equipment in the Big Fix Rig is nearing the end of its useful life, and the new Clinic is fully equipped with new surgical equipment.
Benefits of the Clinic in a Can
- Increased Medical Capacity: Having the Clinic will allow Animal Services to immediately expand and increase services to include routine exams, surgery and emergency care. The Yolo County Board of Supervisors has already approved funding for dedicated surgical veterinary staffing. With a fully staffed team and the required facilities in place, the Clinic will be immediately operational, enabling YCAS to provide enhanced veterinary care without delay.
- Reduced Euthanasia: Having an efficient and updated medical workstation will provide timely emergency veterinary care, which will reduce the need for euthanasia.
- Expanded Spay/Neuter Services: The Clinic will enable us to offer additional spay/neuter surgeries, reducing the number of unwanted litters and decreasing shelter intake. For example, YCAS performed 112 Trap, Neuter, Release (TNR) in 2023; staff believe that number could increase significantly with a more efficient workstation.
- Cost-Effective Solution: The Clinic offers a cost-effective way to expand services without the need for costly facility renovations. This allows for immediate animal care and increased community programs.
- Educational Opportunities: The "Clinic in a Can" is considered a "proof of concept" to gather data and provide valuable feedback on how these self-contained veterinarian clinics can be applied in similar situations. Furthermore, YCAS can increase educational initiatives, such as volunteer medical and internship programs with the addition of the Clinic. These programs would provide valuable experience for pre-vet students and encourage future involvement in animal welfare.
The Clinic will serve pets at the shelter and will not replace the 2A Project, approved by the Board of Supervisors at the February 27, 2024 meeting. The planned improvements for the 2A veterinary clinic, located at the former Probation Building (2780 E. Gibson Road), is currently under contract. Thanks to the Clinic in a Can, the 2A clinic can be used primarily for community-facing veterinary care services, such as low-cost spay and neuter, low-cost vaccination and microchip services.
Staff recommends accepting the grant funds to purchase the Clinic in a Can, install it and make the necessary improvements to the location pad. Those improvements are still being evaluated, but may include local permitting estimated at $7,700 and a $25,000 expense to improve the concrete pad where the Clinic will be located. Staff have identified the use of reserve funding to cover the cost. Staff reached out to the cities and UC Davis to inform the participating JPA jurisdictions of the potential use of funding.
The agreement with UC Davis (Attachment B) is essentially in final form and County Counsel is working on minor, final edits to the agreement. Staff are therefore seeking authority to make minor edits prior to finalizing the agreement for execution by the Director of Community services, as indicated in the Recommended Actions.
Staff recommends accepting the grant funds to purchase the Clinic in a Can, install it and make the necessary improvements to the location pad. Those improvements are still being evaluated, but may include local permitting estimated at $7,700 and a $25,000 expense to improve the concrete pad where the Clinic will be located. Staff have identified the use of reserve funding to cover the cost. Staff reached out to the cities and UC Davis to inform the participating JPA jurisdictions of the potential use of funding.
The agreement with UC Davis (Attachment B) is essentially in final form and County Counsel is working on minor, final edits to the agreement. Staff are therefore seeking authority to make minor edits prior to finalizing the agreement for execution by the Director of Community services, as indicated in the Recommended Actions.
Collaborations (including Board advisory groups and external partner agencies)
County Counsel
UC Davis, Koret Shelter Medicine Program
California for All Animals statewide animal shelter assistance program
Animal Services JPA members have been notified
UC Davis, Koret Shelter Medicine Program
California for All Animals statewide animal shelter assistance program
Animal Services JPA members have been notified
Competitive Bid Process/Vendor Performance
N/A
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal impact (see budgetary detail below)
Fiscal Impact (Expenditure)
- Total cost of recommended action:
- $ 369,700
- Amount budgeted for expenditure:
- $ 0
- Additional expenditure authority needed:
- $ 369,700
- One-time commitment:
- Yes
Source of Funds for this Expenditure
- Intergovernmental-Other
- $337,000
- Use of Fund Balance
- $32,700
Further explanation as needed:
The UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program has awarded Yolo County Animal Services (the Department of Community Services, Animal Services Division) with grant funds to purchase and transport the "Clinic in a Can" for up to $337,000. The additional costs for permitting and installing the "Clinic in a Can" is approximately $32,700, which will be funded with Animal Services use of Fund Balance.
Attachments
- Att. A. Clinic in a Can Plans
- Att. B. Contract
- Att. C. Budget Resolution
- Att. D. Changes to FY24-25 Authorized Equipment List
Form Review
| Inbox | Reviewed By | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | mrobertson | 09/03/2024 01:50 PM |
| County Counsel | Kimberly Hood | 09/04/2024 09:32 AM |
| Berenice Espitia | Berenice Espitia | 09/04/2024 02:38 PM |
- Form Started By:
- Patricia Valenzuela
- Started On:
- 08/27/2024 03:54 PM
- Final Approval Date:
- 09/04/2024