FINAL MCACC TASK FORCE REPORT TO BOS 5-4-2015.PDF

Maricopa County Animal Care & Control
AD HOC TASK FORCE FINAL REPORT
At the direction of the Board of Supervisors, an ad hoc task force committee was formed to review the service level and processes
of the Animal Care & Control Department. At the invitation of the County Manager, thirty (30) key stakeholders comprised of
volunteers, concerned citizens, rescue operators, shelter professionals, representatives from veterinary associations and business
owners, participated in a kick-off meeting on October 28, 2014. There was active, open discussion of the department’s strengths
and identification of areas for review and improvement.
Due to the level of public interest, an online portal was established to post task force meeting notes, agendas and presentations.
Citizens were able to subscribe to the site, www.citizensforpets.org and receive notifications when new information was posted.
Visitors could submit a comment or suggestion to members of the task force. All submissions were provided to the members prior
to each meeting date for review and consideration. A total of 444 public comments were posted to the site during this time.
Based on the discussion items from the initial meeting, three (3) subcommittees were formed reviewing processes, services,
marketing and funding. The subcommittee members met on a biweekly basis starting on November 12, 2014. During the first
meeting, each subcommittee selected a chairperson to lead and focus the group’s efforts. Key staff was assigned to prepare notes
from the meetings and to provide current process information, reference material, organizational history and any other support
needed by the members as they worked through the areas of interest.
Once each subcommittee had formalized their recommendations, the task force was reconvened on Thursday, April 30, 2015. At
that time, the Chairs each presented how the recommendations from their group were organized and the focus of the presentation
to the Board of Supervisors. As a result of their commitment to the process and through their intense efforts, a total of 35
recommendations with 108 strategies were formed.
Staff has been proactive in working to implement several of the recommendations. Approximately 50% of the recommended
strategies have been or are in the process of being implemented. Although the members share a common passion and
commitment to animal welfare, members have shown varying levels of consensus on which recommendations and strategies will
be most successful given the competing priorities for limited resources. For some items in the Process & Service subcommittee, a
prioritization vote was held and those results have been included.
Below is a list of recommended actions being submitted to the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors for review and
consideration.
Page 1 of 16

Maricopa County Animal Care & Control
Animal Welfare – Medical Care
Recommendations Action Items / Strategies Status & Information
1. Improve overall medical a) Hire 6 additional veterinarians and 6 veterinarian technicians. To Current staffing is 5 vets & 14 vet techs. Industry
treatment to the animals include the increase cost of medical supplies with more source recommends 13 vets and 45 vet techs
under the care of the procedures being performed. * based on operational volume.
shelters. i. Perform a basic physical check at intake with an eye for
Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs). Estimated annual staffing cost for additional
ii. Have a vet tech to assist with intake process during clinic staff is $901,890. *
periods of high traffic.
iii. Establish a formal pain management protocol at intake as Vote = 19 approved, 0 opposed.
well as after any procedure.
iv. Establish a formal protocol for identifying abnormal Staff supports a second shift in the clinic. This
conditions and ensuring intake staff are adequately will yield faster response times, higher quality
trained and educated. care and clinic turnaround times; thus moving
v. Ensure a formal pain medication protocol is published more animals through the shelter.
and followed; especially after Spay & Neuter procedures.
vi. Designate veterinary staff to review trauma cases in a v. In January 2015, an independent group of
timely manner. veterinarians reported that a review of MCACC’s
vii. Perform surgery on healthy animals before sick animals pain management protocols were appropriate.
to prevent cross-contamination.
viii. Clean ears and trim the nails of every animal during
surgery. b) $17,680, cost of Bortetella for East location,
b) Provide all animals at intake with 4-in-1 (DHPP for dogs) and included in FY 16 budget proposal (Vaccine
Bordetella. already provided for at West location).
c) Ensure adequate supplies for E-room – a table that can be easily c) All items are provided with exception of
disinfected, a good light source, a universal microchip scanner, stethoscope due to noisy environment of
hair clippers, stethoscope, a variety of needles, syringes, muzzles shelter. This was confirmed by an internal
and restraint equipment. County Audit in 2014.
d) Provide booster vaccines to puppies and animals staying longer d) Currently, booster vaccines are only
than 3 weeks. administered to puppies.
e) Reminders to staff and volunteers to report
e) Ensure medication in the pill form is ingested. seeing expelled pills to vet staff –
Completed Jan. 2015.
f) Re-treat animals with flea/tick preventative if in residence longer f) Target Implementation 7/30/2015.
than 3 weeks.
*In the Process & Service subcommittee, 19 members were given 12 Yes/Green & 12 No/Red stickers to assign as they deemed appropriate on 30 cited recommendations.
Page 2 of 16

Maricopa County Animal Care & Control
Animal Welfare – Medical Care (continued)
Recommendations Action Items / Strategies Status & Information
2. Allow all underweight, underage, geriatric, Current feeding protocols were reviewed to ensure enhanced nutrition a) Reviewed Jan. 2015 –
injured and pregnant or nursing animals to needs are being addressed for those animals in need. Reminder email sent to staff
be given first priority for individual on Feb. 24, 2015.
kenneling and are fed upon arrival or are b) Feeding instructions added to
allow “free feeding” if appropriate. Kennel Kennel Cards at both
cards are to reflect the feeding frequency. locations 4/27/2015.
This includes larger feeding bowls for c) Larger feeding bowls were
litters that should help reduce food implemented for litters in
aggression. Nov. 2014.
3. Establish a minimum standard of comfort In the current remodeling project for the East shelter, additional shade Efforts are ongoing to improve the
for all animals – Shade screens, birthing structures are planned. standard or level of comfort for
boxes, bedding to keep the animals off the animals.
the concrete floors, appropriate heating Bedding, toys, treats, day foster program in use at East. Kuranda
and cooling, clean and sufficient food and beds/bedding at West. Vote = 9 approved, 0 opposed.
water.
4. Explore the benefit of providing iPads for Staff researched cost of service and iPads. Estimated cost for four (4) MS
clinic staff to enter data more efficiently Surface Tablets plus service is
and have the ability to quickly alert and Info. Technology team working to ensure proper compatibility with $7,800.*
communication with veterinarians when Tablets and Chameleon database. Vote = 0 approved, 3 opposed.
treatment is needed.
5. Impose an immediate and permanent There was discussion that on
moratorium on the killing of any animal average, 25 empty kennels are
(except for terminal medical reasons and needed for animals being brought
extreme aggression) when there are any in by field officers each night.*
empty kennels. Vote = 4 approved, 15 opposed.
6. Medically treat every animal as if it will live. Staff triages animals upon
All animals over 4 weeks of age are intake.*
vaccinated without exception, even sick or
fractious, before entering the main kennel Vote = 3 approved, 8 opposed.
area or being exposed to other animals.
*In the Process & Service subcommittee, 19 members were given 12 Yes/Green & 12 No/Red stickers to assign as they deemed appropriate on 30 cited recommendations.
Page 3 of 16

Maricopa County Animal Care & Control
Animal Welfare – Attention & Sanitation
Recommendations Action Items / Strategies Status & Information
1. Improve the level of animal a) Hire 6 additional Animal/Kennel Care Technicians to ensure a) Estimated annual cost is $272,100.*
attention, care and sufficient staffing to maintain an acceptable level of attention and
cleanliness of the shelters. sanitation. i. ACCEL solution is used at West
i. Purchase and use ACCEL cleaning solution at East shelter. location. Cost of $17,400 has been
ii. Establish a formal cleaning and disinfection protocol for submitted for FY16 budget.
outdoor areas at both shelters. ii. Cleaning and inspection process
iii. Conduct a refresher training to kennel staff bi-annually on Implemented Mar. 2015.
property cleaning techniques. iii. Implemented Mar. 2015.
iv. Develop a contingency plan for weekend cleaning as low iv. Implemented Jan. 2015.
staffing levels result in some kennels not being properly
cleaned. v. Current protocol – will spot check
v. Ensure food and water bowls are kept clean. more frequently.
vi. Direct staff to monitor animal and kennel conditions vi. With additional staff, this will be
throughout each day – a minimum of twice per day inspection possible.
process and spot clean as needed.
vii. Have floors, surfaces and mobile equipment (rolling trash vii. Current protocol – will spot check
cans, shopping carts, etc.) sanitized in a timely manner after more frequently.
contact with urine, feces, vomit or animals known or Vote = 6 approved, 0 opposed.
suspected to have infectious diseases.
viii. Investigate the feasibility of hiring a dedicated officer to viii. Under review.*
supervise inmates Monday through Friday at both East & Vote = 0 approved, 11 opposed.
West to perform cleaning tasks.
b) Establish formalized Closing Procedures with a signed Closing
Checklist to make sure animals are not locked outside overnight b) Formal Process & Checklist Implemented
and that kennel conditions are up to standard of comfort level. Apr. 2015.
c) Implement a checklist for morning and evening kennel care staff to
note basic animal conditions and any potential conditions of c) Implemented Nov. 2014.
concern.
d) Make Incident Reports more readily accessible to volunteers and d) Periodic communication of using Incident
staff. Encourage communication and completing these reports so Reports is needed due to high turnover of
management may be aware and take action as appropriate. volunteers. Communicated again /
e) Utilize Walkie-Talkies, hand-held or headsets, for better Implemented in Mar. 2015.
communication and coordination across facility. e) East & West facilities have and utilize two-
way radios – Implemented.
*In the Process & Service subcommittee, 19 members were given 12 Yes/Green & 12 No/Red stickers to assign as they deemed appropriate on 30 cited recommendations.
Page 4 of 16

Maricopa County Animal Care & Control
Animal Welfare – Behavior
Recommendations Action Items / Strategies Status & Information
1. Improve the quality of behavioral a) Staff conducting behavioral evaluations or assessments a) Staff certification to be completed by Nov.
assessments, the knowledge of should be certified on the SAFER model. 2015.
staff and volunteers, and the b) Establish and use an appropriate area with minimal b) Implemented Feb. 2015.
benefit of enrichment activities in distractions to conduct assessments.
order to better serve the animals c) Work on streamlining the logistics of the evaluation c) Logistic changes implemented Mar. 2015.
and promote more informed process; reduce time spent walking back and forth to
adoption decisions. retrieve animals. d) Ongoing.
d) Develop and require continuing education for staff.
e) Ensure supervisors are regularly observing the e) Implemented Nov. 2014.
assessments performed.
i. Locate a manager at the East location.
f) Have staff review ASPCA Guidelines on food guarding f) To be Implemented / Completed for staff
behaviors during evaluations. conducting evaluations by Jun. 2015.
g) Contract with a qualified professional on breed g) AZ Humane Society shared breeding protocol
characteristics and identification. with MCACC (field, clinic, shelter). Training to
h) Limit interactions of evaluators with dogs prior to be complete by Aug. 2015.
assessment. h) To be included in training – May be difficult
i) Educate staff and volunteers serving as adoption on high volume days.
counselors on how to use a personality test to better Vote = 17 approved, 0 opposed.
match animals with potential adopters. i) Under Review.
Vote = 2 approved, 0 opposed.
j) Institute an in-kennel enrichment program to help offset j) In Progress – Bedding, toys, treats, day foster
behavioral deterioration from being in a shelter program in use at East. Kuranda
environment. beds/bedding at West. Volunteer recruitment
ongoing.
k) Establish a Second Chance evaluation team at the West k) In Progress – Recruiting efforts ongoing.
shelter location.
*In the Process & Service subcommittee, 19 members were given 12 Yes/Green & 12 No/Red stickers to assign as they deemed appropriate on 30 cited recommendations.
Page 5 of 16

Maricopa County Animal Care & Control
Customer Service and Adoptions
Recommendations Action Items / Strategies Status & Information
1. Increase adoptions by a) Redesign Kennel Cards. a) To be implemented by Jun. 2015.*
enhancing service levels as i. Include behavioral information on card. Vote = 10 approved, 1 opposed.
well as by providing self- ii. Include size category on card. i. Information to be included by Jun.
service tools and information. iii. Add explanation as to why an animal is quarantined for biting 2015.
– What happened, who did the animal bite and were they ii. Size categorizes not defined by
provoked? members.
iv. Implement White “Off Hold” cards as soon as the stray hold iii. Under review – info may not be
period expires. Include “I’m off hold. Ask about me.” available or reliable.
b) Better Signage. iv. To be implemented by Jun. 2015
i. Post a large easy to read pricing menu in the lobby. Explore b) In Progress
cost of electronic boards. i. Pending.
ii. Add directional signage on walls and walkways to improve ii. To be implemented by May 2015.
self-service. iii. Under development.
iii. Create signage and handouts to assist visitors. Provide iv. Lost and Found Board repositioned
instructions on how to read kennel cards, explain color of Mar. 2015.
cards, the dates, and the color of Mylar collars (at West). v. Implemented - New customer service
iv. Post the Lost & Found Board in the areas of the lobby that representatives will address this need
makes the most sense for traffic flow. by Jun. 2015.
v. Explore ways to increase the visibility of small animals c) Additional staffing would be required to
housed at the West shelter. implement extended hours of operation.*
c) Establish operating hours to accommodate the most visitors –
Monday thru Sunday and open until at least 7:00 p.m. Vote = 5 approved, 0 opposed.
d) Have door greeters at each shelter location to help provide d) To be implemented by Jun. 2015.
customer service; what do the visitors need help with. e) Being monitored.*
e) Ensure the calls to the main call line are answered in a Vote = 4 approved, 0 opposed.
reasonable amount of time. The answer rate should not be less f) To be reviewed Dec. 2015 when 3rd Party
than 85%. Adoption Contract is reviewed. Goal is to
f) Develop a process for allowing a person to put a non-refundable have same policy at both locations.
deposit down in order to hold an animal. Currently not an option at West.
g) Strive to have all animals posted and visible online within 1-hour g) This is the standard protocol. An animal
of arrival at the shelter. without a photo is a rare occurrence.*
Vote = 1 approved, 6 opposed.
*In the Process & Service subcommittee, 19 members were given 12 Yes/Green & 12 No/Red stickers to assign as they deemed appropriate on 30 cited recommendations.
Page 6 of 16

Maricopa County Animal Care & Control
Customer Service and Adoptions (continued)
Recommendations Action Items / Strategies Status & Information
2. Increase the number of animals a) Direct staff to analyze the cost effectiveness to acquire a a) Under review* – Will consider Surplus
transferred, pulled by approved transport vehicle for animals – to move animals between and MCSO seizures.
rescues, and in the case of feral shelters as well as to other jurisdictions. Vote = 6 approve, 4 opposed.
cats, treated and released. b) To actively pursue developing transfer agreements with other b) Ongoing – several transfer agreements
jurisdictions that have a greater demand for adoptable animals. have proven successful.*
c) Establish a transfer protocol for long-timer dogs to West facility. Vote = 5 approve, 0 opposed.
Dogs housed at East typically have longer length of stay but in c) Under review – there are only 20
much smaller (inadequate) kennels. Kennels at West are larger adoptable kennels at West. West
with a quieter environment. houses multiple animals in most
d) Ensure staffing levels and space are adequate to support kennels. Long-timers almost always
transfer of “long-timer” animals at East to West.
e) Rescues that will take the mother animal along with puppies or must be alone in a kennel.*
kittens will be given priority selection. Vote = 6 approve, 4 opposed.
f) New Hope partners will not be turned down when requesting a d) Additional kennel/animal care
“guaranteed pull” of an animal. technicians have been recommended.
g) Return stray/semi-feral/feral cats back into the community from e) Implemented Jan. 2015.
where they came, after spaying or neutering them. Have f) Implemented Apr. 2015.
MCACC work with community stakeholders to develop related g) Under review – Sheltering of cats is a
procedures to address this item to minimize unnecessary non-mandated function.*
euthanasia. Vote = 3 approved, 3 opposed.
3. Review the 3rd Party adoption The current contract is the first time this type of contract was Standard protocol is to review contracts as
services contract to ensure developed. The contract / contracted services provided by HALO the end of the term approaches and prior to
performance and that the expires December 2015. The area highlighted by members pertains the Procurement Office opening a new
established terms best serves all to the preferential hold or the animal selection clause. proposal process.*
parties.
The public shall have first priority on adoption, foster, etc., for any Vote = 4 approved, 5 opposed.
County animal and shall be enforced with all New Hope partners as
well as the contracted 3rd party adoption provider.
*In the Process & Service subcommittee, 19 members were given 12 Yes/Green & 12 No/Red stickers to assign as they deemed appropriate on 30 cited recommendations.
Page 7 of 16

Maricopa County Animal Care & Control
Customer Service and Adoptions (continued)
Recommendations Action Items / Strategies Status & Information
4. Improve the euthanasia information a) All animals on the E-List should have photos posted. a) Implemented Mar. 2015.
(E-List) provided to the approved b) The notes associated with the classification of “BEHAV-Other” b) Implemented Mar. 2015.
rescue groups, i.e., New Hope should be listed.
partners. c) The final E-Lists should be published so the number of inquiries c) Implemented Jan. 2015.
from the New Hope partners could be reduced as those animals
are no longer available.
5. Increase the Return to Owner a) Use the HeLP map as introduced by Lost Dogs of AZ. a) Stray dogs picked up by field staff are
(RTO) to a minimum of 30%. posted on a geocoded map on the
website. An interactive map to allow
citizens who find an animal the ability to
post a picture and the location should
b) Assign / Hire a Lost & Found Coordinator to spend time be fully implemented in 8-10 months.
searching for owners and taking action on lost/found reports. b) Additional customer service staff is
being hired and will be able to assist
this effort starting Jun. 2015.*
c) Direct and hold staff accountable for in-field microchip scanning, Vote = 1 approved, 4 opposed.
ensure accurate data-entry, post signs. c) Current protocol – scanning is
performed at impound in the field and
on arrival to the shelter and prior
euthanasia or sterilization. Signs are
posted for found animals when
d) Install a large flat screen TV monitor in lobbies for people to permitted.
view “found animals”. d) Grant submittal to Maddie’s Foundation
for the screens and equipment needed
for implementation is expected Jul.
e) An adopted dog or claimed dog should leave with an ID tag on a 2015.
new collar at no charge. (Apply for ASPCA grant to pay for ID e) All adopted dogs and returned to owner
engraving machine). dogs leave with a license tag. Staff will
seek grant opportunities to obtain two
engraving machines and 10,000 ID
tags and collars per year.*
Vote = 0 approved, 13 opposed.
*In the Process & Service subcommittee, 19 members were given 12 Yes/Green & 12 No/Red stickers to assign as they deemed appropriate on 30 cited recommendations.
Page 8 of 16

Maricopa County Animal Care & Control
Customer Service and Adoptions (continued)
Recommendations Action Items / Strategies Status & Information
6. Decrease Owner Surrenders by The information center would be staffed by volunteers. The In Progress – Recruitment and training
having a Pet Retention Info Center decrease in surrenders would translate to decreased costs. efforts continue.*
operational Monday through Friday.
Vote = 4 approved, 2 opposed.
7. To consider modifying the current Members indicated this provides those animals with a greater Staff has concerns the current facilities do
policy and allowing animals chance at being found or adopted. not offer the capacity for additional hold
surrendered by people who have time. Further, this increases the risk of
had the dog for less than 30 days infection.*
(after finding the dog as a stray),
should be held for 72-hours. The Vote = 6 approved, 4 opposed.
animal should be categorized as a
“stray” rather than “Owner-
Surrender-Stray”.
8. Update and post all policies and This will help promote transparency. In Progress. Policies and procedures are
procedures online in a searchable being reviewed and will be posted once
format. finalized.*
Vote = 0 approved, 1 opposed.
9. Institute a LEAN management Under review – Staff is aware other
process approach to find departments have utilized this process.*
opportunities to improve service Vote = 0 approved, 3 opposed.
and operations.
*In the Process & Service subcommittee, 19 members were given 12 Yes/Green & 12 No/Red stickers to assign as they deemed appropriate on 30 cited recommendations.
Page 9 of 16

Maricopa County Animal Care & Control
Outreach and Marketing
Recommendations Action Items / Strategies Status & Information
1. Invest in a $1M, one-year, countywide a) Included in the initial cost is a redesign of the a) A marketing campaign would require a formal
mass media marketing campaign website to support campaign messaging and Request for Proposal process.
focused on the benefits of dog licensing. improve functionality with license processing.
i. In redesign, offer a dropdown selection option Per staff, a 20% licensing increase is projected to
for donations so citizens may designate how the yield $1.2 to $1.4M; thus covering the initial
Goal: To achieve a 20% increase in money is to be used. expenditure.
licensing compliance in the first year with b) Redesign licensing forms and printed materials to be
additional future benefit from renewals. more compelling with a Call for Action. b) Redesign of printed materials is targeted for
c) Explore options to make licensing easier and Jul. 2015.
convenient, i.e., at veterinarian offices, retail stores
specializing in pet supplies.
Page 10 of 16

Maricopa County Animal Care & Control
Outreach and Marketing (continued)
Recommendations Action Items / Strategies Status & Information
2. Increase annual volunteer hours by 20% a) Hire a 2nd Volunteer Coordinator. 1. Estimated annual staffing cost for addition
and improve overall retention rates. This i. Offer more volunteer training position is $56,600.
includes increasing pet foster families by classes/sessions (min. 2x each month). i. Implemented (sessions offered 2 to 3x
10% over the previous year. ii. Streamline volunteer training process – each month.
Reduce from 3 days to 2 day process. ii. To be completed by Jul. 2015.
iii. Develop online training and info tools.
Goal: To have over 50% of animals being iv. Post specific volunteer job descriptions, iii. To be completed by Jul. 2015.
fostered. Fostering increases kennel desired time commitments, needed skills, iv. To be completed by Jul. 2015.
capacity and decreases cost associated with and include volunteer testimonials.
animal care. v. Provide name tags for all volunteers. v. To be completed by May 2015.
vi. Establish a Docent/Peer partnering program. vi. To be completed by Jun. 2015.
Staff concurs that more volunteers and vii. Institute a recognition program – Volunteer of vii. To be completed by Aug. 2015.
more fosters allow for higher engagement the Month as well as for years of volunteer
with animals, the public and creates more service. viii. To be completed by Sep. 2015.
space in kennels and supports a higher viii. Host appreciation events. ix. Implemented Apr. 2015.
number of adoptions. ix. Conduct Brown Bag sessions with the
Director and education sessions with lead
Vet staff. 2. In progress by the Public Info Officer.
b) Expand recruiting efforts for volunteers and pet
fostering.
i. Contact high school volunteer community
service programs, sororities/fraternities,
retirement communities, veterans’ groups.
ii. Utilize County Newsletters, Adopt-a-Pet.com,
Volunteermatch.org, Phx Ch. 11, Scottsdale
cable channel, Fix.Adopt.Save Baby Shower,
etc.
iii. Encourage New Hope partners to assist with
volunteer efforts.
Page 11 of 16

Maricopa County Animal Care & Control
Outreach and Marketing (continued)
Recommendations Action Items / Strategies Status & Information
3. To have the Director establish regular a. Repurpose the CitizensForPets.org website to post In Progress – To be completed in July 2015.*
standing meetings with updates for which all subscribers will receive
stakeholders/concerned citizens to keep notification. Vote = 11 approved, 12 opposed.
lines of communication open, keep b. Continue to allow for recommendations or
apprised of issues, and for staff to share suggestions to be submitted through this site.
updates and seek buy-in on planned
projects.
4. Hire one additional Public Information Hire an Assistant Public Information Officer to improve Estimated salary and benefits of an additional PIO
Officer staff member. media response, formation of a Speakers’ Bureau, $80,000.
story development and promotion of MCACC
programs.
5. Authorize the Director to grant an By granting and promoting an amnesty period from Requires Board approval.
amnesty period to allow owners to come accruing fines from a previous lapse in license renewal
up to date on the pet license. will encourage licensing compliance.
6. Establish an annual Public Relations A formal plan drives performance goals. This plan In Progress.
Marketing Plan. should include proactive media outreach, adoption
promotions, and standing up an effective Speakers’
Bureau.
7. Have staff sign up and participate in the Under Review – Staff strives to increase ZERO
“Just One Day” nationwide campaign on euthanasia days. In 2014, the East shelter did not
June 11, 2015 – www.justoneday.ws. perform euthanasia on 30 different days; the West
This teaches shelters how to empty their shelter had a total of 7 days. Staff continues to
kennels; receive free marketing tools, strive for a 90% Live Release Rate (LRR).
get tips and pointers on how to motivate
their community and helps to raise
morale.
*In the Process & Service subcommittee, 19 members were given 12 Yes/Green & 12 No/Red stickers to assign as they deemed appropriate on 30 cited recommendations.
Page 12 of 16

Maricopa County Animal Care & Control
Budget and Funding
Recommendations Action Items / Strategies Status & Information
1. Approve a licensing fee increase. License Data from 2014: Raising fees as recommended estimates an
Altered Dogs = 259,851 +$1 = $259,851 increase of $686,349 if levels remain.
Altered Dogs from $17 to $18 p/yr.
Unaltered Dogs from $42 to $48 p/yr. Unaltered Dogs = 33,529 +$6 = $201,174 If marketing plan is approved and 20%
increase in each category is realized, the
Senior Rate from $6 to $9 Senior = 75,108 +$3 = $225,324 estimated revenue is an additional $137,263
(for first 2 animals) in the first year.
1a. Consider exploring the institution of a
breeder and stud licensing fee.
2. Review and consider different approaches to a) Increase the department’s expenditure limit. Annually – To be discussed and reviewed
funding strategies. b) Look for ways to increase the allocation from the with the Office of Management & Budget
general fund to be more in line with the US Humane and County Leadership during each budget
Society’s recommended standard of $8 p/capita. review.
Current per capita expenditure for Maricopa County
estimated at $4.
c) Consider granting debt forgiveness on the loan to
construct the West shelter for 3 to 5 years, with the
caveat it would not go against the department’s
expenditure limit. The annual debt payment is $1.4M.
d) Conduct a feasibility analysis of establishing a Special
Taxing District.
e) Evaluate the potential for a bond initiative for a new
East valley shelter.
3. The East shelter facility is inadequate and Direct staff to develop a consolidated list of all the issues A Capital Improvement Plan is to be
substandard. A new shelter is needed the with the East shelter and use this information as a developed.
East valley. supplement to a budget / capital improvement request,
i.e., difficult to sanitize, HVAC system not efficient or
effective, kennels are too small, watering and feeding
systems need to be improved, etc.
Page 13 of 16

Maricopa County Animal Care & Control
Budget and Funding (continued)
Recommendations Action Items / Strategies Status & Information
4. Address the need for additional and Explore constructing 1 or more separate metal-framed The current East remodeling project will
separate kennel space for newly arrived buildings with 30 kennels each at 15x2’ to be used for provide 16 additional kennels for post-op
animals (puppies & kittens), animals isolation and quarantine areas. recovery. Implementation is expected Fall of
recovering from surgery, create an isolation 2015.
and quarantine ward at both the East and
West locations. As a short-term action, staff should consider splitting the Staff asserts the current layout prevents
isolation and special needs kennels on an east/west axis disease transmission for B-Wing, which is
instead of a north/south axis to minimize cross-traffic in used to house quarantines, strays, holds
current isolation area. Cats are housed in areas shared and adoptable. Any change would only
with dogs, putting cats at high levels of mental stress. expose a different population.
5. Construct a proper bathing / grooming The current area is not sufficient. A larger, better station has not been
station at the East shelter location. constructed due to current space
constraints.
6. Increase the number of grant submittals and Hire a grant writer to serve the department. Estimated annual salary and benefits for a
awards each year. grant writer is $75,000. There may not be
enough animal related grants that are not
already being pursued to justify the position.
7. Explore ways to increase the number of Studies have shown that for every 2 Spay/Neuter Under review. MCACC and Friends of
Spay & Neuter Vouchers; to include procedures, it decreases the shelter population by 1 AC&C are continuously seeking
introducing the option of Low Cost animal. opportunities to increase funding for spay
Vouchers. and neuter. Low cost vouchers are labor
intensive. Staff recommends the focus
remain on the no-cost voucher program.
8. Develop other satellite adoption sites. With the success of the satellite office in the Petsmart Ongoing – MCACC New Hope partners
Scottsdale location, additional locations should be have multiple locations across the valley.
researched with possible partnership with 3rd party
agents.
Page 14 of 16

Maricopa County Animal Care & Control
Budget and Funding (continued)
Recommendations Action Items / Strategies Status & Information
9. Consider a mandatory micro-chipping Microchips help lost pets get returned to their owner. Under review – Average cost to the
program. department is $8.50 for the microchip.
Some members support the cost being passed along to
the adopters, while others believe it should be included in Estimated annual cost for just materials is
the licensing fee. $85,000.
10. Research the feasibility of establishing a 3rd With limited resources available within the department, a 3rd party collection agreement under review.
party contractual agreement for the 3rd party agreement may prove beneficial. MCACC utilizes current County resources to
collection of fines and fees. pursue unpaid fees and bad checks.
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Maricopa County Animal Care & Control
ACTION REQUESTED:
To accept the final report and recommendations subject to further analysis and prioritization.
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