Brief

Councilmember Monica Rodriguez introduced a motion in April 2026 directing the City to address pet ownership policy, retail pet supply operations, and animal services facilities. The motion passed the Arts, Parks, Libraries, and Community Enrichment Committee in May and was adopted by full Council on June 5, 2026 by a 10-0 vote with 5 abstentions. The Department of Animal Services submitted a response document in September, which was referred to the Arts, Parks, and City Facilities Committee for further review.

Full summary

Councilmember Monica Rodriguez, seconded by Bob Blumenfield, introduced a motion in April 2026 directing the Department of Animal Services to explore establishing pet supply retail operations at each of its six shelter locations, with any revenue generated flowing back into shelter operations. The motion also asked the Department to evaluate leasing space to a third-party vendor as an alternative model. The goal is to give new adopters convenient access to essential supplies at the point of adoption while generating additional revenue for the shelters. The Department of Animal Services responded in September 2026 with a detailed feasibility assessment signed by General Manager Gabrielle Amster. The report supports the concept in principle but identifies significant practical obstacles to immediate implementation. The existing shelter facilities were not designed for retail operations and already lack sufficient storage space for day-to-day needs. Most locations offer limited room for merchandise display, though the East Valley and North Central shelters were flagged as possible candidates for evaluation. The Department also lacks the staff to run retail operations without pulling personnel away from animal care, intake, adoption, and medical services. Additional hurdles include the need to establish a procurement process through the General Services Department, secure a dedicated funding source, and potentially obtain City Council approval by resolution to use Animal Welfare Trust Fund money for a new program. The report outlines two paths forward. The Department could operate retail directly, which would require new staff, a procurement framework, and a startup budget. Alternatively, it could lease space to a third-party vendor, similar to how the Zoo Department uses a contracted concessionaire or how Pasadena Humane runs an online shop with in-shelter pickup. Either path, the Department says, requires a months-long feasibility study covering each shelter's space, local adoption volume, community purchasing patterns, staffing costs, legal requirements, and viable business models. The Department recommends developing a pilot program at one or two locations before any citywide expansion. The motion cleared the Arts, Parks, Libraries, and Community Enrichment Committee on May 26, 2026, and was adopted by the full Council on June 5 by a vote of 10-0 with 5 abstentions. The Department's September report was referred to the Arts, Parks, and City Facilities Committee, where the file is currently pending. No feasibility study has been formally commissioned yet.

Activity (8)

• 2026-09-11 Department of Animal Services document(s) referred to Arts, Parks, and City Facilities Committee.
• 2026-09-10 Document submitted by Department of Animal Services, dated September 8, 2026.
• 2026-06-09 Council action final.
• 2026-06-05 Council adopted item, subject to reconsideration, pursuant to Council Rule 51.
• 2026-06-02 City Clerk scheduled item for Council on June 5, 2026.
• 2026-05-26 Arts, Parks, Libraries, and Community Enrichment Committee approved item(s) .
• 2026-05-21 Arts, Parks, Libraries, and Community Enrichment Committee scheduled item for committee meeting on May 26, 2026.
• 2026-04-14 Motion referred to Arts, Parks, Libraries, and Community Enrichment Committee.

Documents (6)

• 2026-09-08 Report from Department of Animal Services · report
• 2026-06-09 Council Action · council_action
• 2026-06-05 Speaker Card(s) · speaker_card
• 2026-05-26 Report from Arts, Parks, Libraries, and Community Enrichment Committee · report
• 2026-05-26 Speaker Card(s) · speaker_card
• 2026-04-14 Motion · motion

Council votes (1)

• 2026-06-05 Adopted — 10-0-5 · Regular