Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Colleen Chawla, Chief, San Mateo County Health
Tamarra Jones, Director, Public Health, Policy and Planning
Subject: Amendment to the Agreement with PetData, Inc. for Animal Licensing Services
RECOMMENDATION:
title
Adopt a resolution authorizing an amendment to the agreement with PetData, Inc. to provide animal licensing services, extending the term two years through June 30, 2027, and increasing the amount by $480,000 to an amount not to exceed $1,096,827.
body
BACKGROUND:
San Mateo County Ordinance Code, Title 6, Section 6.04.040 requires pet licensing in all towns, municipalities, and unincorporated areas of the County. Dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies and licensed by three months of age or within 60 days of acquiring the animal. New residents of the County must license their dog or cat within 60 days. To increase animal licensing and rabies vaccination compliance in the County, the County contracts with a third-party vendor for animal licensing services.
In March 2022, Public Health, Policy and Planning (PHPP) completed a Request for Proposals process for animal licensing services. PetData, Inc. (PetData) was one of the responding bidders and was ultimately selected to provide these services.
DISCUSSION:
PetData has been providing animal licensing services to the County since 2008 and currently contracts with over 85 cities and counties throughout the country, including 26 jurisdictions in California.
PetData continues to offer fast and efficient licensing turnaround time, utilize vaccination data to locate previously unlicensed animals, develop methods to increase veterinarian participation, and participate in community outreach and education, all with the goal of increasing animal licensing and rabies vaccination compliance in the County. PetData offers a dedicated County customer service hotline for the public and an increasingly popular option to pay for a license online.
The resolution contains the County’s standard provision allowing amendment of the County’s fiscal obligations by a maximum of $25,000 (in aggregate).
The agreement and resolution have been reviewed and approved by the County Attorney as to form.
It is anticipated that approximately 40,692 animal licenses will be issued in FY 2025-26.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
FY 2024-25 Estimated |
FY 2025-26 Projected |
|
Number of animal licenses issued |
39,507 licenses |
40,692 licenses |
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
This contract supports equitable public health and safety by funding programs that reduce the risk of animal attacks and the spread of disease through accessible tracking and vaccination services. By improving pet identification and reunification efforts, it especially benefits communities where resources for lost pet recovery are limited. Additionally, the contract generates revenue to strengthen city and county animal control programs, with a focus on providing outreach and support in underserved areas. It also promotes responsible pet ownership through inclusive education and engagement efforts, ensuring all residents, regardless of income, language, or background, can participate in and benefit from animal licensing and welfare initiatives.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The term of the amended agreement is July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2027. This amendment increases the agreement amount by $480,000 to an amount not to exceed $1,096,827 for the five-year term. Amendment costs of $240,000 are included in the PHPP FY2025-26 Recommended Budget. Similar arrangements will be made for future years.
Because the Animal Licensing program is fully funded by revenues collected through animal licensing revenue, there is no Net County Cost associated with this agreement. The levels of service and payment provisions in this agreement are essentially the same as those in the prior agreement.