Columbus Council approves three‑year contract with PAWS Humane to run animal control; transition to begin Feb. 1

The Columbus City Council voted Jan. 7 to contract with PAWS Humane (also referred to in the meeting as "Paul's Humane") to operate animal sheltering and field services for the consolidated government.

Councilors approved a management agreement negotiated by city staff and PAWS’ representatives. The contract lists an annual service budget request from PAWS in the neighborhood of $3.29–3.30 million (the parties discussed $3,292,536 and rounds to $3.3 million during the meeting). The agreement is written for a three‑year term with an option to extend for two additional years and includes capital and operating items PAWS identified as necessary to meet industry standards.

Key terms and services in the approved draft include:

- Facility and operations: PAWS will manage day‑to‑day shelter operations and field services in compliance with applicable federal, state and local law. The city will lease the shelter property to PAWS for $1 per year and transfer certain city‑owned vehicles and equipment for PAWS use; vehicles are to be returned if the contract ends within three years.

- Budget and scope: PAWS asked for approximately $3.3 million covering personnel, operating expenses and medical/animal care. Requested one‑time capital improvements (example items: kennel doors, outdoor shading, soundproofing) were budgeted near $100,000.

- Intake, adoption and fees: PAWS will accept strays and surrenders; adoption and impound fees will remain under PAWS’ control and be retained by PAWS. City registration and permitting fees remain the city’s revenue. PAWS may waive adoption or impound fees at its discretion for hardship or promotion purposes.

- Public‑health and legal responsibilities: PAWS will enforce state and city quarantine requirements and respond to cruelty or rabies investigations. The agreement requires PAWS to maintain records and submit quarterly reports to a city contract administrator. Records will be kept for a minimum period (contract specifies at least three years) and are subject to Georgia’s Open Records Act.

- Performance goals and reporting: PAWS committed to life‑saving practices and a target live‑release rate; the agreement references industry best practices and national guidelines (e.g., Association of Shelter Veterinarians, National Animal Care & Control Association). The contract also requires audited financial statements within six months of PAWS’ fiscal year end.

Transition and staffing: The council authorized PAWS to assume operational control no later than Feb. 1, 2025; PAWS and city staff will run a transition team to keep the shelter operational while PAWS assesses which existing city shelter employees it will retain. The city said it will attempt to place employees the nonprofit does not retain in other city roles where feasible.

Oversight and transparency: Council designated that a city contract administrator will oversee the agreement with PAWS. During debate Council members asked that oversight be transparent and that city records and reports be available to audit and public review. On Jan. 7 council also approved designating the internal auditor as overall contract administrator to supervise the transition and periodic performance reporting; the auditor will have quarterly inspection rights and be entitled to receive reports from PAWS.

Why this matters: The contract moves municipal animal control out of direct city operation and into management by a nonprofit. The arrangement transfers much of the daily responsibility — intake, care, adoption and euthanasia decisions — while the city retains regulatory roles (licensing, certain fees) and oversight through the designated administrator.