Indianapolis Animal Care Services extends veterinary contracts, approves $50,000 cleaning contract and $25,000 clinic add-on

The Indianapolis Animal Care Services board on Oct. 27 approved three contract-related measures aimed at keeping clinic and shelter operations staffed and funded.

The board voted to extend a veterinary services contract for one year to preserve access to an existing veterinarian who is stepping away from regular shelter duties. Staff said the contractor will still have remaining funds on the current contract — roughly 40% — that could be used if the veterinarian returns. The board also noted ongoing efforts to secure additional veterinary capacity from a mix of contracted part-time veterinarians and candidates for a posted full-time position.

Board members described the current mix of veterinarians under contract as limited. Staff said one veterinarian under contract provides about eight hours of service per month, another (Dr. Burchfield) is scheduled to provide up to twice-weekly visits next month…