A Message from Our Executive Director: Understanding the Recent Changes to Our Jurisdiction Contracts

 

Dear PAWS Supporters,

As many of you have heard, PAWS has recently made changes to our contracts with the individual jurisdictions we serve—and I wanted to take a moment to explain why.

 

For many years, PAWS has provided animal control services to multiple cities and the county while being severely underpaid for the true cost of what it takes to deliver those services. After careful consideration, I made the decision to begin renegotiating contracts individually with each jurisdiction. This approach takes into account the unique factors that impact each area, such as population size, median income, housing costs, and overall demand for animal services.

 

Our requested rate increases are not arbitrary—they’re based on real, rising expenses. Over the past few years, PAWS has seen substantial cost increases in areas like:

 

· Minimum wage and staffing costs

· Animal food and supplies

· Medications, vaccines, and medical care

· Transportation, utilities, and basic operational needs

 

To put things into perspective: From October 2024 through today, our team has responded to over 2,200 animal control-related intakes. Per county ordinance, we are legally required to board each of those animals for no fewer than five days—regardless of age, health, or condition. Now imagine this: The average cost to board an animal at a local facility is around $60 per day—and that doesn't include food, blankets, toys, or medical care. On top of that, the ordinance mandates we provide vaccines, preventatives, and any necessary medical treatment upon intake. That includes surgeries like amputations or eye removals, treatment for injuries after being hit by a car, or intensive care for neglected animals.

 

And we do it all—because it’s the right thing to do.

 

Here’s something else you may not know: PAWS is one of only two shelters in the entire state of Florida where animal control services are operated by the shelter itself, not a sheriff’s department or government agency. 98% of animal control services in Florida are government-run, and for good reasons. The cost and liability are enormous.

 

If you'd like to conduct your own research, I encourage you to look into the animal control budgets of our surrounding counties. You'll find that in nearly every case, these services are fully funded by local governments, with dedicated staffing, facilities, and resources that reflect the scope of the work being done.

 

Additionally, many of the surrounding counties' animal control budgets only cover personnel and operational expenses, such as salaries, vehicles, and enforcement—but do not include the cost of caring for the animals themselves. That responsibility often falls to a separate, government-funded shelter or partner agency.

 

In contrast, PAWS is responsible for both the enforcement and the full cost of care—including food, shelter, medical treatment, vaccinations, and rehabilitation—for every single animal that comes through our doors.

 

That said, PAWS is handling thousands of intakes with a fraction of that support. The math simply doesn’t work, and it’s putting the future of our organization—and the animals we care for—at serious risk.

 

I understand that these changes might feel overwhelming or even a little scary. But the truth is, PAWS can no longer continue absorbing such a massive financial deficit. This year alone, we are projected to lose close to $1 million due to animal control-related expenses.

 

We love our community and the animals we serve. This is not a decision we made lightly. But to stay open, to continue saving lives, and to be here for the animals and people who need us most, we must ask for and expect fair compensation.

 

If you have questions or would like to speak with me directly, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I welcome the opportunity to explain our side and work together to keep PAWS strong for the future.

 

Thank you for standing with us, believing in our mission, and helping us fight for animals every day.

 

With gratitude,

Tracey Kinsley,

Executive Director