Legislation Details

File #: 26-2756    Version: 1 Name:
Type: Memorandum of Understanding Status: Passed
File created: 4/20/2026 In control: Commissioners Court
On agenda: 4/30/2026 Final action: 4/30/2026
Title: Request for approval of a Memorandum of Understanding between Harris County and Bissell Pet Foundation for the purpose of providing veterinary services by a licensed and insured high volume spay/neuter veterinarian to the Veterinary Public Health Division of Harris County Public Health, which operates Harris County Pets Resources Center, at no cost to the County.

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: Memorandum of Understanding

 

Project ID (if applicable): N/A

Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable): Bissell Pet Foundation

 

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): N/A - Not a grant item

 

Request Summary (Agenda Caption):

title

Request for approval of a Memorandum of Understanding between Harris County and Bissell Pet Foundation for the purpose of providing veterinary services by a licensed and insured high volume spay/neuter veterinarian to the Veterinary Public Health Division of Harris County Public Health, which operates Harris County Pets Resources Center, at no cost to the County.

end

 

Background and Discussion:

The shortage of veterinarians has impacted Harris County Pets by lagging surgeries, longer to care for animals in the shelter and owned animals seen in the public wellness clinic.

 

Expected Impact:

The services provided by the independent contractor will reduce the number of unaltered animals in Harris County, thus reducing the number of animals able to reproduce that contribute to the high stray animal population and improving the health of dogs and cats in Harris County.

 

Alternative Options:

Not approving this MOU would increase wait times for animal care and surgery for the animal residents of Harris County.

 

County Strategic Plan Goal: 4. Improve physical and mental health outcomes across all communities.

County Strategic Plan Objective: N: Improve the health behaviors of community members.

Justice/Safety Initiative (Goal 1):  Choose an item.

Infrastructure Initiative (Goal 2): Choose an item.

Economy Initiative (Goal 3): Choose an item.

Health Initiative (Goal 4): Choose an item.

Climate/Resilience Initiative (Goal 5): Choose an item.

Housing Initiative (Goal 6): Choose an item.

 

Additional notes related to the Strategic Plan:

 

Prior Court Action (if any):

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Location:

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Precinct(s): Countywide

 

Fiscal and Personnel Summary

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Grant Funds Applied for/Awarded (Total)

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Personnel(Fill out section only if requesting new Position Control Numbers (PCN)s)

 

Current Position Count for Service

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Total Personnel

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County Attorney’s Office Legal Review (for Harris County Code Items only)

CAO Reviewer Name and Title

 

CAO Review Completion Date

Click or tap to enter a date.

 

Anticipated Court Date: 4/30/2026

Anticipated Implementation Date (if different from Court date): 4/30/2026

 

Emergency/Disaster Recovery Note: Not an emergency, disaster, or ARPA related item

 

Contact(s) name, title, department: Corey Steele, Director of Veterinary Public Health, Public Health Services

 

Attachments (if applicable): Bissell Pet Foundation MOU