Animal shelter bill would jump 36% to $340,789 as Livermore's exit leaves three agencies splitting the cost

Pleasanton's bill for sheltering animals impounded in the city is set to climb to an estimated $340,789 this fiscal year, up about 36% from last year, now that Livermore has left the partnership that runs the East County Animal Shelter in Dublin.

The City Council is asked Tuesday, Nov. 17, to sign a fresh contract with the county and Dublin that would keep using the shelter on Gleason Drive. The item is on the consent calendar, where routine matters are typically approved together in a single vote unless a council member pulls one for discussion.

A smaller group splitting the bill

Alameda County, Dublin, Livermore and Pleasanton agreed in 1992 to pay jointly for the building, and the county Sheriff's Office has operated it since its 1996 opening, according to a city staff report. Pleasanton owns a 17% stake in the building.

Livermore withdrew effective July 1, 2025, which leaves three agencies sharing operating costs. Each agency's portion is based on how many live animals it sent to the shelter the year before. Of the 2,148 live animals taken in during 2025, 295, or 13.73%, came from Pleasanton. Pleasanton's share was 11.10% the year before.

The shelter's net operating budget has also grown, from about $2.03 million in 2024-25 to nearly $2.48 million this year. Pleasanton's estimated cost has gone from $202,445 two years ago to $250,906 last year and $340,789 now. Because the county sends quarterly bills for what the shelter actually spends, the final figure could come in higher or lower.

Staff said the money is already in the police department's budget, and major maintenance is billed separately.

One year instead of five

The previous agreement expired June 30, and the Sheriff's Office has kept providing shelter services under the old terms while the agencies negotiated. The new deal would cover a single year, backdated to July 1, with two optional one-year extensions, instead of the five-year term used before.

Capital repairs would be split by each agency's ownership share in the building rather than by the number of animals each sends.

The shorter term is meant to buy time while the agencies work through the shelter's pricing structure, ownership interests and responsibility for major maintenance, according to the report, and staff will bring any changes back to the council. Dublin's council approved the agreement Oct. 6. The county Board of Supervisors is expected to take it up after Pleasanton acts.

Services covered include intake, boarding, veterinary care, spay and neuter surgery for dogs and cats, and euthanasia. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at the council chamber, 200 Old Bernal Ave.

Sources

pleasantonca.api.civicclerk.com

pleasantonca.api.civicclerk.com