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Council approves contract with OC Animal Care after director outlines operations, 94.26% dog save rate
Summary
Monica Schmidt, director of OC Animal Care, described operations, staffing and a 94.26% dog save rate; council discussed euthanasia policy, volunteer engagement and spay/neuter programs and then voted to approve the contract with OC Animal Care.
Monica Schmidt, director of OC Animal Care, answered council questions on March 17 about shelter operations, staffing and humane care. Schmidt described operational changes since the pandemic, explained that the shelter is open daily for walk‑throughs and that veterinary staffing provides seven‑day coverage.
On clinical and behavioral decisions, Schmidt said euthanasia is a limited, humane option determined by a licensed veterinarian for medical cases or a behavior evaluation committee for egregious public safety cases. She told council the shelter’s dog save rate is 94.26% and described efforts to expand off‑campus adoption events, volunteer enrichments and a pilot "Dog's Day Out" program to increase visibility and adoptions.
Council members and residents asked about spay/neuter services, the possibility of city‑level cooperative no‑kill shelters, and contract length; staff indicated prior 10‑year agreements had been reduced to five years as construction financing terms changed. After discussion, the council moved, seconded and approved the item to enter into/renew the service agreement with OC Animal Care (roll‑call vote recorded).
