City Council voted 4-0 to accept staff’s recommendation and contract with Companion Animal Care and Control in Oakdale for full animal control services beginning Jan. 1. Council Member John West moved the resolution; Council Member Mike Wiley seconded.

Staff told the council the city’s current arrangement — deputies responding to animal complaints and transporting dogs to a regional humane society — will end when the Animal Humane Society serving the area terminates agreements. The city presented two options: Isanti County Animal Care and Control in Ogilvie (about 44 miles away) and Companion Animal Care and Control in Oakdale (about 43 miles). Staff recommended the Oakdale provider because the company offers dangerous-dog services and avoids deputies making lengthy transports.

Under the approved arrangement the city will pay a monthly retainer of $200 ($2,400 per year). Staff proposed that call-out fees be added to the impoundment fee charged to dog owners at the time of pickup so the city does not pay call-out expenses except when owners fail to reclaim animals. Staff noted that if an owner does not pick up a dog and cannot be billed, the city could be responsible for those charges in limited cases.

Council discussed statutory constraints on assessing such fees to property tax bills: staff said utility-like assessments are not available for these fees because they relate to persons rather than property. The council approved a motion to reserve space with the Oakdale provider; staff said the provider requested a commitment by Oct. 31 to guarantee space.

Outcome: Motion to approve Resolution 2025-146 to contract with Companion Animal Care and Control (Oakdale) passed 4-0. Deputies will no longer transport impounded dogs to the humane society under the new arrangement.