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Dog-control revenue rises with outreach but county warns kennel and clerical contracts still short of cost
Summary
Yamhill County Animal Control told the budget committee that licensing compliance improved after an amnesty period and increased outreach, but the office projects a shortfall for next year: increased kennel fees, clerical contract costs and limited beginning balances mean the program remains at risk without higher compliance or new revenue
The county—s animal-control representatives told the budget committee that licensing compliance has improved after targeted outreach, an amnesty period and reminders, but program revenues are still insufficient to fully fund clerical licensing administration and kenneling contracts.
Voluntary compliance and outreach
After reinstating courtesy reminder postcards and running a licensing amnesty from December through January, animal-control staff reported an increase in license sales (from 97 in November to 205 in April), and the amnesty produced 627 license purchases. The office has also tested software options to make online licensing easier and started regular social-media reminders.
Remaining gaps
Despite improved compliance, the program forecasts a budget shortfall for 2025-26. The county contracts with Homeward Bound Pets to administer licensing and clerical work at roughly $90,000 a year and pays local kennels (notably Newberg) for impound and care. The animal-control budget manager said current projected revenues do not fully cover the combined clerical and kennel contracts and may leave about $107,000 short unless compliance rises or the county covers the gap.
Policy options discussed
Commissioners and animal-control staff discussed alternatives: increased licensing enforcement, partnerships with veterinary clinics to encourage licensing at time of rabies vaccination, renegotiating kennel terms, or increasing launch and facility fees where applicable. Staff warned that requiring veterinary reporting would impose administrative burdens and that federal or state restrictions constrain use of some funding sources.
Why it matters
Licensing funds operate as a special-revenue program; licensing compliance affects animal-control capacity, humane care funding and enforcement of dangerous-dog statutes. The committee must weigh options: increase enforcement and fees, rework contracts, or provide county support for programs currently funded by licensing revenues.
Next steps
Animal-control will continue outreach, evaluate clerical software pilots and return to the committee with negotiated kennel terms and software cost-benefit analysis. The committee may consider whether to supplement the program from other county funds or pursue policy changes to increase voluntary compliance.
