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Council authorizes five‑year animal control contract with San Diego Humane Society
Summary
The council approved a five‑year agreement with San Diego Humane Society to provide animal control, shelter services, field response and community outreach beginning Oct. 1. Staff said the contract terms fit within the current budget and included quarterly and annual reporting commitments.
The City Council authorized the city manager to sign a five‑year agreement with San Diego Humane Society to provide animal control and shelter services beginning Oct. 1, 2025.
CAO Cortez Martinez told the council the city lacks in‑house capacity for animal sheltering and animal control operations and has historically contracted with other jurisdictions. The proposed agreement covers field services (animal control response), sheltering, licensing and community outreach; staff noted the Humane Society would provide routine patrols, an after‑hours response for emergencies and participate in community events such as the city’s Bark in the Park.
Juliana Tettlow, Senior Director of Government Relations for San Diego Humane Society, said officers will be dispatched from their field operations and that the organization currently fields more than 60 field officers. Tettlow also said the society will provide quarterly and annual reports to the city and is willing to make presentations to council as requested.
During public comment, one resident urged the city to choose Humane Society over county animal services and cited county euthanasia concerns. Council members asked for twice‑yearly reporting and annual presentations; staff confirmed the contract includes reporting requirements and that Imperial Beach would retain temporary kennel capacity as part of the local arrangement.
The council adopted Resolution 2025‑047 authorizing the agreement by unanimous vote.
