Perry council approves one-year animal shelter agreement; staff warn boarding could be costly if owners do not reclaim animals

Perry — The Perry City Council on July 10 approved Resolution 2025-16, a one-year agreement that allows the Perry Police Department to board dogs overnight at a private pet establishment in Willard when the city needs sheltering services.

City staff said Brigham City has stopped providing shelter services for non-Brigham residents, leaving Perry to find an interim solution. Under the agreement, the vendor will accept animals brought by police through a separate entrance and charge $22 per day for boarding. "This is not for the public, and this is only for dogs," Scott, a city staff member, said. "It ... could get pricey for us. It's $22 a day."

Why it matters: Staff and councilors warned that costs could grow if owners do not reclaim animals or refuse to pay boarding fees. Council members discussed options including pursuing a regional shelter district with the county, licensing or registration programs, and possible privatized services. Staff described the contract as a short-term, one-year fix while conversations continue with county officials and neighboring cities.

Key points from the discussion: Mr. Barnhill told the council that Brigham City has indicated it will no longer provide animal shelter services for non-residents, prompting the need for a local agreement. Staff said the proposed Willard vendor will keep animals in a separate area because the vaccination history of incoming animals is unknown. Scott noted that the city ordinance requires a dog that bites a person to be quarantined for 10 days, and a different staff member said the statutory holding period for unclaimed animals may be 30 days, increasing potential shelter costs. Council member Blake Osler asked whether a registration or deposit program might offset the expense; councilors also discussed enforcement and whether regional cooperation could create economies of scale.

Vote and next steps: The council adopted the agreement by roll call after a motion by a council member on the floor and a second; Council member Young, Council member Walker, Council member Osler and Council member Tueller voted yes and the meeting record shows the motion passed unanimously. Staff said the county is aware of the regional sheltering problem and that county representatives have reached out; staff and councilors agreed to pursue discussions with the county and neighboring cities to find a longer-term solution.

The resolution and contract cover only police-initiated boarding (not public intake) and are intended as a temporary measure while a regional approach is explored.