What the Weatherford contract would — and would not — do for Springtown’s animal control

Staff described specific limits and operational responsibilities embedded in Weatherford’s proposal and highlighted services Springtown would still have to provide.

Under the proposal discussed at the workshop, Weatherford would accept up to 400 domesticated animals for a $250,000 annual flat fee; the contract allows capacity to increase to 500 with a per-domesticated-animal overage charge. Staff also said Weatherford would charge $100 for each trap-neuter-return (TNR) feral cat for medical services covered beyond the flat fee.

Importantly for operations, staff said Weatherford would not pick up animals in Springtown; the city would be responsible for transport and for the initial vet check and state-mandated stray-hold period before transfer. Christina told the council that Weatherford would accept legal holds for up to 60 days at $10 per day but otherwise would not perform rabies quarantine services — those would remain with Springtown and represent an ongoing cost.

Council members highlighted other contract risks: Weatherford’s pricing history of ~5% annual increases with other partner agencies, the prospect of Weatherford prioritizing its own jurisdiction if capacity is constrained, and the city’s lack of control over who brings TNR animals into their service area (which could count against Springtown’s contracted capacity). "They will not be coming to Springtown to pick up animals. We will bring them," staff said, underscoring the transport burden.

The council asked staff to seek interim and local alternatives rather than finalize a long-term interlocal without clearer terms on transport, legal holds, and what constitutes a major surgery that would be billed back to Springtown.