Animal Control/Shelter Contractual Services

Emmet County, Michigan has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) #EC-07-2025 #16 for Animal Control/Shelter Contractual Services, seeking a qualified vendor to provide comprehensive animal sheltering and control services beginning January 1, 2026. The selected vendor must be a licensed animal protection facility capable of housing up to 30 contract animals per day, offering 7-day lodging and accepting animals from citizens and law enforcement. Key deliverables include performing euthanasia services, maintaining 24/7 secure animal intake, and providing monthly reporting on animal management. The contract term is three years with options to renew for two additional one-year periods, with proposals due by 3:00 PM EST on October 27, 2025, and an anticipated award in November 2025. Evaluation criteria will comprehensively assess vendor experience, qualifications, staffing capabilities, cost structure, references, and proper licensing. The vendor must propose a fixed annual fee covering up to 1,000 animal care days, with additional per diem rates for exceeding that threshold, and will be responsible for fee collection, facility maintenance, and public education efforts.

The RFP does not specify explicit set-aside designations or restrictions on respondent organizations, suggesting the opportunity is open to a broad range of qualified animal control and shelter service providers. The vendor will be expected to provide boarding for the County Sheriff's K9 (up to 28 days annually) and host two dog license events per year. While no incumbent vendor is mentioned, the county will reimburse veterinary services with prior approval, paying only actual costs. The vendor must maintain detailed records of animal intake, origin, and disposition, with payments structured in twelve equal monthly installments. Though a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the contract will require the vendor to manage a comprehensive animal control service with potential annual costs reflective of housing up to 1,000 animal care days, veterinary services, and operational expenses associated with sheltering, euthanasia, and public education initiatives.