Dublin, Pleasanton Animal Shelter Costs Rise After Livermore Pulls Out

DUBLIN, CA — The Dublin City Council will consider approving an agreement between Alameda County and the cities of Dublin and Pleasanton for animal shelter services. The agreement would allow the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office to continue operating the East County Animal Shelter for one year, with two optional one-year extensions. The agreement comes after Livermore withdrew from a cost-sharing agreement, leaving Dublin with a $175,592 budget shortfall for shelter services.

Historically, Dublin shared costs with Alameda County, the city of Pleasanton, and the city of Livermore. In July 2025, the city of Livermore withdrew from the shelter agreement, which increased Dublin’s operating costs from 14.72%, or $332,733, in the 2025-26 fiscal year to $471,347, 18.99% in the 2026-27 fiscal year.

Livermore began contracting with East Bay SPCA, saying the partnership would provide Livermore animals with specialized sheltering, veterinary care, and placement services. Livermore animals are taken to the East Bay SPCA facility at 4651 Gleason Drive in Dublin.

Under the proposed agreement, ACSO will continue to provide all shelter personnel, supplies, equipment, and care. However, the agreement will reduce the length of each contract from five years to one year, with two optional one-year extensions.

Dublin has contracted with the county for animal control and shelter services since it was incorporated in 1982, according to a city staff report. In 1992, Alameda County entered into an agreement with the cities of Dublin, Livermore, and Pleasanton to jointly fund construction of the East County Animal Shelter. In 1995, the cities and county determined that the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office was qualified to operate the shelter, and ACSO has operated the shelter since it opened in 1996.