Monday the city announced it will continue to operate its animal pound services permanently out of this facility on Gershaw Drive after two requests for proposals from animal welfare groups did not satisfy operational requirements.--NEWS PHOTO BRENDAN MILLER
bmiller@medicinehatnews.com
The care for un-homed animals by licensed providers, assistance of veterinary technicians and volunteers will now be run by the city and not a third-party animal welfare group.
On Monday the city announced it will operate the facility permanently after staffers were not satisfied with two requests to operate the animal pound service from other animal welfare organizations.
In May, the city announced it will not be renewing its contact with APARC for pound service and began assembling requests for proposals for potential third-party operators.
It began operating the service on an interim basis on June 7 following the end of the APARC contract while waiting for ROPs.
However, since that time only two groups submitted requests to operate the pound but both were rejected by city staff.
“We received two proposals through the RFP process, but no submission fully satisfied the operational requirements within the budget of the project,” said James Will, director of parks and recreation. “Fortunately, the city has been operating this service successfully during this temporary period, so we feel confident in taking on the operation.”
According to the media release, the public can expect the same care standards for animals, and as operations evolve the city plans to provide public education opportunities regarding the animal pound services.
Staff at the facility will also undergo online licensing in the next couple of months, while volunteer opportunities will also be expanded upon.
The city says it will continue to maintain its partnership with the SPCA and local veterinary clinics, as well as other animal services like grooming, daycare and cremation for the provision of services.
The facility, located near the airport at 3184 Gershaw Dr., is closed Mondays for meet-and-greet and adoption appointments, and is open from Tuesday to Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.
When cats and dogs are brought into the facility, staff check for identification tags or microchips and contact their owners.
If the animal is unable to be identified, a photo is posted on the Animal Pound Services’ Facebook page.
Animals are held for 72 hours until an owner can claim them, while animals held longer than this time period are assessed by Animal Pound Service to determine the best course of action.
APARC was awarded a contract to operate the facility in 2016 and a new contract was awarded through a request for proposal process in 2022 for a three-year period. Earlier this year APARC was notified that its agreement with the city would not be extended.
In 2024, the city moved operations to a converted air hangar near the airport on Gershaw Drive following the need for ventilation work and other upgrades at the former APARC facility on S. Railway Street.
Lost or found animals can be reported by calling Municipal Bylaw Enforcement at 403-529-8481.
