SASKATOON — Saskatoon Animal Control Agency will be the city’s new partner in enforcing the Animal Control and Dangerous Animals Bylaw and Poundkeeping Services following a public competitive procurement process.
Independent oversight was also part of the process to maintain fairness in selecting a provider, which is part of the Animal Control Program provision of Bylaw Enforcement and Poundkeepting Services. The current contracts have existed longer, ending Dec. 31, 2023.
After consulting with existing proponents to ensure due diligence for best-value procurement, the city issued a new Request for Proposals for 2024 and beyond to seek qualified organizations to provide these services.
An independent third-party Fairness Monitor was also contracted and participated in the RFP process to ensure consistency and transparency in applying the city’s procurement policies.
After evaluating all proposals on non-price rate criteria, the city awarded the contracts for Bylaw Enforcement and Poundkeeping Services to SACA. The requirements included strategy, experience and qualifications.
The city was satisfied with SACA’s proposal to meet all mandatory requirements at the lowest cost. Both parties will enter into a four-year contract with an option to extend the agreement for two additional four-year terms.
SACA has been familiar with the community for nearly two decades and has successfully provided animal control services and Bylaw Enforcement duties in Saskatoon since 2004. There will be no interruption in service to the public or animals in need of Poundkeeping Services.
Effective Jan. 1, 2024, SACA will operate Poundkeeping Services from the same City of Saskatoon-owned facility at 5028 Clarence Avenue South. As with the current contract, animal adoption services will be the contractor’s responsibility if animals are not claimed after the allotted time at the pound.
The city is grateful to Saskatoon SPCA, the current provider, for their many years of Poundkeeping Services and their contributions to the community and the welfare of animals in Saskatoon.
An information report outlining the full details of the procurement process will be presented to the Standing Policy Committee on Planning, Development and Community Services at its June 7, 2023, meeting.
