Higher Fees for Pet Owners on County’s Radar

Pasco County Animal Services has been charged with a mission to save 90 percent of the animals that come into its shelter.

In order to do so, however, the agency says it needs more funding to pay for programs designed to increase its capacity to care for animals and also to reduce the county’s feral cat population.

That’s why Pasco County Commissioners will be presented with a new business plan for Animal Services when they meet Tuesday, Feb. 19. The plan calls for a number of new programs and also an increase in pet licensing fees by as much as $10 for dogs. (See the county's current fees here.)

Here’s what a memo from county staff to the commission has to say about the plan:

At the November 20, 2012 BCC meeting, staff informed the Board of County Commissioners that the Business Plan was being revised to examine the increase of fees to support the staffing and medical costs associated with the SAVE 90% Program. Implementation of the Business Plan will allow PCAS to move closer to the SAVE 90% Program and address the current and increasing animal capacity. An examination of current PCAS policies and procedures has also taken place.

With an emphasis on giving shelter pets a second chance to find forever homes, PCAS is introducing five initiatives to support the current animal capacity of 180 animals. The five initiatives which are succinctly described in the attached Business Plan are as follows:

1. Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Program

2. Change in Services Provided by PCAS

3. Animal Foster Care Program (County Employee Program)

4. Marketing Efforts and Mobile Adoption Vehicle

5. Increase of License Fees

Staff is offering the commission two options in regard to increased licensing fees. The first option would raise fees by $5 for sterilized dogs and $10 for non-sterilized dogs. The second would increase licensing fees by $10 across the board. Staff recommends the first option and says it will enable the county to care for 180 animals.

The commission is also expected to:

• Hold a public hearing on changes to the county’s animal services ordinance that would alter the rules for tethering animals and also change conditions and standards for kennels, breeders and pet dealers
• Hear a proposal to enable the libraries to adjust their hours
• Discussion about changes to the county’s curbside recycling program

The board meets at 9 a.m. Feb. 19 at the West Pasco Government Center, 8731 Citizens Drive in New Port Richey. Visit the county’s website to see the full agenda.

What do you think about the changes going on at Animal Services, Land O' Lakes? Share your thoughts in the comments section.