HomeMy WebLinkAboutCAO 21-12 cal 00 _ Report to
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Executive Committee
PICKERING Report Number: CAO 21-12
Date: November 12, 2012
From: Paul Bigioni
Director, Corporate Services & City Solicitor
Subject: Proposed changes to fee structure in Responsible Pet Ownership By-law
- File: S-3010-001-12
Recommendation:
1. That Report CAO 21-12 respecting changes to the fee structure for Schedule "A"
of the Responsible Pet Ownership By-law 6811/07 be received;
2. That the attached proposed schedule "A" of the Responsible Pet Ownership By-
law 6811/07 be enacted.
Executive Summary: A thorough review was undertaken to determine if the fees
currently charged under the Responsible Pet Ownership By-law 6811/07 were in line
with the fees charged by surrounding municipalities. Upon a detailed review, it is
recommended that the dog adoption fee be increased, that a non-resident fee be added
to allow Animal Services staff the discretion to accept surrendered animals from outside
of Pickering, and that an impoundment fee be created for animals impounded 3 times or
more.
Financial Implications: The increase in the dog adoption fee will assist in off-setting
the medical costs associated with preparing a dog to become part of the Animal
Services adoption program. The increase in the dog adoption fee and the addition of a
non-resident fee may also result in a slight increase in revenue. The proposed increase
in the fee structure aligns well with the City's Financial Management Corporate Priority.
Discussion: The City of Pickering, Animal Services Section actively adopts out cats
and dogs that are brought into our animal shelter. As of September 30, 2012 the
Animal Services Section has adopted out 208 cats and 14 dogs. High adoption rates
can likely be attributed to our positive image within the community, high standards of
care for all animals that are part of our adoption program and the ease of accessibility of
our 4 adoption sites. Currently, interested adopters can visit the animal shelter or
choose to visit any of our 3 local satellite adoption sites (PetSmart, Pet Valu and PJs
Pet Centre).
Report CAO 21-12 November 12, 2012
Subject: Proposed changes to fee structure in RPO By-law 6811/07 Page 2
In order to ensure that the health and welfare of every animal is in line with industry best
practices, the following procedures are done to all dogs and cats prior to them
becoming part of our adoption process:
• vaccinations (all adult animals also receive a rabies vaccine)
• deworming/flea treatment
• microchipping
• sterilization
• free City license for adopters residing in Pickering
• 6 weeks of free health care insurance
• information packages including; treats, leashes, toys, etc.
A review of other Durham Region municipally run Animal Shelters revealed that we are
currently providing adopters with an above average level of service.
Although Animal Services has established excellent partnerships within the veterinary
community, the medical costs associated with preparation of each animal for adoption is
continuously rising. In order for the City to off-set some of these increasing costs, we
are recommending that the dog adoption fee be increased from $150.00 to $200.00.
Over the last few years staff have also noticed an increase in calls from residents of
surrounding municipalities wanting to surrender their pet to us. Schedule A of the
Responsible Pet Ownership By-law does not currently allow us to accept these pets.
Staff recognize the need to offer this kind of assistance while realizing that it should not
be subsidized by the City's tax base. A $50.00 non-resident fee is being recommended
on top of the current $150.00 owner surrender fee currently charged to Pickering
residents. Surrendered animals are currently accepted at the discretion of Animal
Services staff. Upon the implementation of a non-resident fee, Animal Services Staff
would follow the current policy pertaining to surrendered animals and would not be
obligated to accept every animal submitted for surrender.
•
The following chart reflects the proposed changes being made to Schedule A of the
Responsible.Pet Ownership By-law:
Section By-law 6811/07 Proposed Changes Reason for Change
Schedule Adoption Fee Dogs Adoption Fee Dogs Cost recovery
A $150 $200.00
Schedule N/A Non-Resident Fee To accept owner
A $50.00 surrendered animals from
other municipalities
Schedule N/A 3rd or subsequent Deterrent for irresponsible
A impound occurrence pet owners
$125
CORP0227-07/01 revised
Report CAO 21-12 November 12, 2012
Subject: Proposed changes to fee structure in RPO By-law 6811/07 Page 3
Staff are recommending that the attached proposed Schedule A of the Responsible Pet
Ownership By-law 6811/07 be enacted.
Attachments:
1. Proposed Schedule "A" of the Responsible Pet Ownership By-law 6811/07
Prepared By: Approved/Endorsed By:
CY 1J awc� _ o , '
Lindsey Narraway U •aff-rly Thompson
Supervisor, Animal Services Manager, By-Law Enforcement Services
D . u,
Debbie Sh. •s
City Cler,
6 ,
Paul Bigio i
Director, e•rpo ate -rvices &
City Solicittr
Recommended for the consideration
of Pickering Ci Counci
I . , 29, Zo/2„
Tony Prevedel, P.Eng.
i Chief Administrative Officer
CORP0227-07/01 revised
Report CAO 21-12 November 12, 2012
Subject: Proposed changes to fee structure in RPO By-law 6811/07 Page 4
Schedule "A"
As amended by By-law No.
Cat/Dog Licence Fees
Details Fee
Unsterilized dog or cat $50.00
Unsterilized dog or cat with microchip $40.00
Sterilized dog or cat $20.00
Sterilized dog or cat with microchip $15.00
Replacement tag $5.00
Impoundment Fees
Impoundment of dog or cat wearing a current animal licence tag or is
microchipped
1st occurrence $40.00
2nd occurrence $75.00
3rd or subsequent occurrence $125.00
After regular working hours $120.00
Daily Care Fee: Every animal that is impounded is $15/day
subject to an additional charge for every day or part
of a day after the day the animal is brought into
impoundment
Impoundment of dog or cat not wearing a current animal licence tag or is
microchipped
1st occurrence $50.00
2nd or subsequent occurrence $75.00
3rd or subsequent occurrence $125.00
After regular working hours $120.00
Daily Care Fee: Every animal that is impounded is $15/day
subject to an additional charge for every day or part of
a day after the day the animal is brought into
impoundment
In addition to the fees detailed above, every owner of a See Cat/Dog
dog or cat not licensed for the current year who is a Licence Fees
CORP0227-07/01 revised
. Report CAO 21-12 November 12, 2012
Subject: Proposed changes to fee structure in RPO By-law 6811/07 Page 5
resident of the City is also required to pay the licence above
fees in addition to the impoundment fees
Service Fees
Owner Surrender Fees: Animal Services will only accept animals if space is
available at the shelter and if the animal can reasonably be expected to be
placed up for adoption. Animals will not be accepted for euthanasia. Pets are
screened carefully to avoid placing problem animals in new homes
Transfer of ownership of an animal $150.00
Non-Resident Fee $50.00
Pick up and disposal of deceased owned animals
Small - medium size $50.00
Medium - extra large size $80.00
Adoption Fees: Adoption fee includes up to date vaccinations and a free City of
Pickering animal licence. In situations where the animal is not sterilized before
adoption, a rebate will be offered upon proof of sterilization.
Dogs $200.00
Cats $100.00
CORP0227-07/01 revised