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 Nine Lives Foundation for Participation in the San Mateo County Spay/Neuter Voucher Program
RECOMMENDATION:
title
Adopt a resolution authorizing an amendment to the agreement with Nine Lives Foundation for participation in the San Mateo County Spay/Neuter Voucher Program for the term of September 15, 2025 through September 30, 2030, and increasing the maximum fiscal obligation by $300,000, for a new not-to-exceed amount of $500,000.
body
BACKGROUND:
San Mateo County Ordinance Code Section 6.04.040 requires owners of dogs and cats to obtain and annually renew their animal license, with reduced fees for altered pets.
San Mateo County’s Spay/Neuter Voucher Program is funded in part through the allocation of $1 from every animal license paid in San Mateo County to the Animal Population Trust Fund. The Fund provides financial assistance to residents for spay/neuter surgery for their pets and feral cats through a voucher program. The voucher program has been in operation for more than 10 years and serves as an important component of the County’s efforts to promote responsible pet ownership, reduce unwanted litters, and manage the local animal population.
The Spay/Neuter Voucher Program provides reimbursement to participating veterinary clinics to help offset the cost of eligible spay/neuter procedures. On average, veterinarians are reimbursed between $80 and $110 per procedure toward the overall cost of surgery. This funding helps reduce the cost of sterilization for eligible residents and supports increased access to spay/neuter services throughout San Mateo County.
On January 13, 2026, the Public Health, Policy and Planning (PHPP) Director of Health entered into an agreement with Nine Lives Foundation to administer the Spay/Neuter Voucher Program for the term of September 15, 2025, through September 30, 2030, in an amount not to exceed $200,000. Nine Lives Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of domestic and feral cats and supporting responsible pet ownership through accessible spay/neuter services.
DISCUSSION:
The County is amending the agreement with Nine Lives Foundation to increase the funding due to increased demand for spay/neuter services in San Mateo County, particularly for domestic and feral cats.
In accordance with County Procurement policy, the Procurement Director or designee has recommended that the Board approve the waiver of the competitive process for the amendment pursuant to San Mateo County Ordinance Code Section 2.83.050(e).
The resolution contains the County’s standard provision allowing amendment of the County’s fiscal obligation by a maximum of $25,000 (in aggregate).
The County Attorney has reviewed and approved the amendment and resolution as to form.
It is anticipated that veterinary clinics participating in the County’s Spay/Neuter Voucher Program will provide spay/neuter services to 95% of eligible clients whose animals have a current rabies vaccination and valid County animal license.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
FY 2026-2027 |
FY 2027-2028 |
|
Percentage of eligible clients, with animals having a current rabies vaccination and valid County animal license, to whom veterinary clinics participating in the County’s Spay/Neuter Voucher Program will provide spay/neuter services |
90% of clients |
95% of clients |
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
The Spay/Neuter Voucher Program provides an important community benefit by increasing access to affordable spay/neuter services for San Mateo County residents’ pets, as well as for feral cats. Financial assistance helps reduce the cost of veterinary care for residents who may be otherwise unable to afford these procedures while reducing the number of unwanted animals entering local shelters and supporting long-term efforts to manage the community animal population.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The term of the amended agreement is September 15, 2025, through September 30, 2030. The amendment increases the maximum fiscal obligation of the agreement by $300,000 to an amount not to exceed $500,000 for the full term of the agreement through September 30, 2030. Funds in the amount of $75,000 have been included in the PHPP FY 2026-27 Adopted Budget; similar arrangements will be made for future years.
The agreement is funded 100% by the Animal Control and Licensing Trust Fund, funding for which is derived from the allocation of $1 from each animal license purchased in San Mateo County pursuant to San Mateo County Ordinance Code Section 6.04.350. There is no Net County Cost associated with this amendment.