HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011 + Animal Humane Society Contract Animal Humane Society
and
Oak Park Heights, MN
Letter of Understanding for Impound Housing Services
2011
1. The Animal Humane Society (AHS) agrees to provide the following services:
a. Housing for stray or abandoned animals that are retrieved or legally seized by your
municipality's community service officer (CSO) or animal control officer (ACO), or for
stray animals that are brought into the shelter by a citizen and verbal permission is
given by your agency via phone for intake. Housing includes kennel space, daily
cleaning, food and water.
b. Medical care in the form of vaccination following our standard vaccination protocols, as
well as treatments for sick or injured animals impounded during regular business hours.
c. Euthanasia services as deemed necessary by an AHS veterinarian. These services may
be provided at the end of the legally required holding period or in the case of a medical
situation that requires immediate euthanasia.
d. Adoption services as deemed appropriate by AHS veterinary staff. The animals will be
evaluated for these services at the end of the legally required holding period.
e. Euthanasia services and body disposal as deemed appropriate by AHS veterinary staff.
The animals will be evaluated for these services at the end of the legally required
holding period.
f. Provide animal rabies quarantine or diagnostic service for stray felines or canines that
have bitten a person.
g. Hold animal for the legally required stray holding period, 5 days in MN, 7 Days in WI
or until reclaimed by owner within this holding period.
h. Charge a reclaim fee of $25 on behalf of the city of Oak Park Heights, which will then
be credited to the quarterly invoice. Invoices ending in a balance credit will be paid out
at the end of each billing cycle rather than rolling over into the next quarter. In the
instances where a reclaimant cannot pay the full amount, the fees owed to AHS will be
collected first.
2. AHS expectations:
a. The AHS is not responsible for sick or injured animals that are left after hours. Outside
treatment must be sought for these animals by the animal control officer or community
service officer prior to leaving the animals at the AHS facility when veterinary staff
members are not on duty.
b. AHS has the sole authority to disposition all animals that have not been reclaimed upon
the expiration of the legally designated holding period.
c. AHS will not accept feral cats seized under municipal authority by your city's CSO or
ACO.
3. The City of Oak Park Heights agrees to:
a. Adhere to the drop off procedure set forth by the AHS including animal housing at the
shelter and paperwork. Drop off procedures and paperwork training for community
service or animal control officers will be provided.
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b. Adhere to state laws and local ordinances that apply to the handling of stray or
abandoned animals and the seizure and return of animals to their owners.
c. Direct citizens where to take stray animals when not receiving permission for
impoundment at the AHS.
d. Seek care for injured or sick animals prior to drop off in the event that it is after hours
and/or AHS veterinary staff is not on duty.
e. Pay the designated fees for each animal cared for from your municipality. AHS will
charge a standard stray holding fee of $130 per canine or feline and a $40 fee per
"other" domestic animals (rabbits, guinea pigs, birds etc.) not reclaimed by its owner.
AHS will charge a $10 administrative /processing fee to the village for each animal
reclaimed by its owner in place of the stray holding fee. In these instances AHS will
charge the owner reclaim fees. Fees for animals seized by the municipality (such as
rabies quarantine) may vary due to the differing nature of their holding periods and
services required.
f. Adhere to building access rules and assure that the service access door is closed and
locked after use in an after hours drop off.
g. Ensure that the municipality's CSO /ACO uses his/her discretion in the field as to
whether or not to impound an animal. AHS is not responsible for those decisions.
h. Be available to members of your community to resolve their concerns related to the
actions of your ACO /CSO officers and your municipality's procedures, policies and
requirements.
i. Release AHS from all liability of claims resulting from or related to providing impound
housing services. The City of Oak Park Heiizhts accepts responsibility for the
CSO /ACO while in the course of impounding animals at AHS.
4. Administration
a. AHS will bill the municipality at the end of each quarter on a fiscal calendar year.
Billing will be mailed in the first month following the end of the quarter. Payment is
expected within 30 days of receipt of billing.
b. AHS will assigp a contact person who should be contacted in the event of any problems,
concerns or to receive feedback regarding the program.
c. Any billing disputes must be raised within 10 days of receipt of billing.
This agreement is based on a one year commitment, which is renewed annually from the date your
administrator signs the agreement below. This agreement can be ended at anytime by either party with
a 30 day notice.
This agreement is entered into on the o27 day of Born. 2011 by
Janelle Dixon, President CEO Signed on behalf of City Authority
Animal Humane Society
47/i o• n of of .04/ C
Printed Name and Title
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