Council approves three‑year animal control contract with San Mateo County; members urge improved local outreach

The East Palo Alto City Council voted to approve an updated animal control services agreement with San Mateo County (Peninsula Humane Society) covering the period from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029. Councilmember Dinan had pulled the item for discussion and described constituent concerns about long response times, limited spay‑and‑neuter outreach, and the distance to Peninsula Humane Society’s shelter in San Mateo and Redwood City (field services are dispatched from Coyote Point). Dinan said residents expect better on‑the‑ground outreach and more readily available services.

Assistant city staff and County representative Laurie Morton Fizel responded with utilization and program data: in the past 12 months Peninsula Humane Society reported caring for 689 animals from East Palo Alto (178 dogs, 275 cats, others and wildlife) and 562 field service calls inside the city; the county also reported a voucher program that has funded roughly 370 spay/neuter surgeries involving East Palo Alto animals this year and a low‑cost vaccine clinic network. City staff clarified the city’s FY 2026‑27 fiscal impact is $689,683; staff estimated approximately $2,454,279 across the three‑year contract term per the county cost allocations.

Council members said they supported moving forward with the contract while pressing county staff to increase local outreach, consider a satellite substation closer to East Palo Alto, and explore periodic mobile clinics for vaccinations and spay/neuter services. After discussion and public comment the council approved the contract by roll call vote.