Primary Department: Public Health Services
Primary Department Head/Elected Official: Leah Barton - Executive Director
Secondary Department: N/A
Secondary Department Head/Elected Official:
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA
Type of Request: Grant - Application
Project ID (if applicable): N/A
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable) : N/A
MWBE Contracted Goal (if applicable): N/A
MWBE Current Participation (if applicable): N/A
Justification for 0% MWBE Participation Goal: N/A - Goal not applicable to request
Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): N/A
Justification for 0% Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): Grantor does not allow indirect cost capture
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
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Request by Public Health Services for approval to submit an application to the Petfinder Foundation for grant funds in the amount of $2,000, with no required match, for the 2026 Cat Enrichment Grant.
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Background and Discussion:
Veterinary Public Health, a division of Public Health Services, provides veterinary care and adoption services for homeless pets, a low-cost pet clinic for the public, zoonotic disease surveillance, responsible pet ownership education, as well as animal control services in neighborhoods throughout unincorporated Harris County.
Expected Impact:
Grant funding will enhance the daily care and well-being of cats in our shelter by expanding enrichment opportunities that reduce stress, encourage natural behaviors, and improve overall mental and physical health. By providing targeted enrichment items and activities, we anticipate increased adoptability, shorter lengths of stay, and improved outcomes for cats in our care throughout 2026.
Alternative Options:
The alternate options for this funding would be to use our existing funding to continue providing the services listed above, but in a limited capacity.
County Strategic Plan Goal: 4. Improve physical and mental health outcomes across all communities.
County Strategic Plan...
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