Board Authorizes Animal Services Department to Propose New Fees

County supervisors on Tuesday authorized the Department of Animal Services to review its fee structure and return with recommendations on possible increases in rates charged for impounding, vaccinating and licensing dogs and cats.

Agency officials noted that fees have not been amended in four years, despite inflationary growth regionally and nationally.

“The department has made every effort to maintain the reduced fees for adoption,” animal services Director Rob Miller said in a proposal submitted to the board. “However, increases in shelter occupancy have resulted in increased costs that may be partially offset by minor increases in the current fees.”

The Department of Animal Services was among a number of county agencies that started the 2015-16 fiscal year in a deficit, requiring additional appropriations from the general fund.

Officials have been engaged in a series of campaigns over the last few months intended to encourage pet adoptions to free up space at county shelters in Jurupa Valley, San Jacinto, Thousand Palms and Blythe.

The county’s flat-rate fee for adopting a homeless cat is $75 and $95 for any dog. Those rates, which include the cost of vaccination, microchipping and licensing, are often reduced to promote adoptions.

Last weekend, the county participated in a region-wide effort to “clear the shelters,” providing pets for deeply discounted prices.

--City News Service, photo courtesy of the Riverside County Animal Services