TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute a grant agreement, and any documents necessary, to accept and expend grant funding in the amount of $10,000, from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, for five days of dog play group training for staff and volunteers at the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department, Animal Care Services Bureau; and
Increase appropriations in the General Fund (GF) in the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department (PR) by $10,000, offset by grant revenue. (District 5)
DISCUSSION
The Parks, Recreation and Marine Department, Animal Care Services Bureau (ACS), submitted a grant application to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), in the amount of $10,000, to pay for five days of training for staff and volunteers. Recently, ACS was notified of the grant award.
The grant funding will provide for the cost of the training that will be provided by Dogs Playing for Life (DPFL). DPFL is an innovative training program that was founded by professional trainer Aimee Sadler and involves having multiple shelter dogs play together in groups. The program demonstrates both the practical efficiencies of play groups for the organization, as well as the emotional and behavioral benefits for the animals. Play groups have proven to be a critical enrichment and assessment tool for shelters. The curriculum, taught by a visiting DPFL Team, involves multiple days of onsite training for shelter staff and volunteers, including a classroom presentation for participants, the demonstration of safe-handling techniques, and the fundamentals of successful play group experiences for all involved. The training will be held at the ACS Shelter.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Sarah E. Green on December 5, 2018 and by Revenue Management Officer Geraldine Alejo on December 10, 2018.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on January 8, 2019, to enable t...
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