Costa Mesa City Officials Approve Contract with Priceless Pets Rescue for Animal Sheltering and Adoption Services
After a long effort of trying to consolidate animal sheltering, adoption, and medical care services in Costa Mesa under a single provider, city officials have finally approved a five-year contract with the nonprofit Priceless Pets Rescue. The organization, which has been overseeing animal adoptions in Costa Mesa since 2018, will now earn up to $480,000 annually to provide full-service animal sheltering and adoption services.
The City Council approved the service agreement in a 5-1 vote, making Priceless Pets the sole animal care provider in Costa Mesa until June 2029. This decision comes after a request for proposals was issued in June 2023, with Priceless Pets and Newport Center Animal Hospital being the only two respondents. Newport Center Animal Hospital, which had been providing clinical services for the city, withdrew its bid in November, leaving Priceless Pets as the only viable option.
City staff negotiated with Priceless Pets to pay above the original $25-per-animal agreement, offering $30,000 a month for the organization to serve as Costa Mesa’s animal control intake center on an emergency basis. The organization will also provide adoption services for the city and subcontract with Newport Mesa Animal Hospital for veterinary care and sheltering of animals brought in.
The new contract will see Priceless Pets earning $33,000 per month until the five-year contract takes effect on July 1. The organization will be required to secure a standalone facility in Costa Mesa, complete with areas for intake, isolation, quarantine, and a fully staffed veterinary suite.
While some residents expressed concerns about the lack of accountability in the contract and questioned the involvement of a council member’s wife in Priceless Pets, city officials defended their decision. Becca Walls, chair of the city’s Animal Services Committee, stated that Priceless Pets was the best option after assessing various sheltering options and care providers.
Mayor John Stephens praised the thorough reporting on animal service efforts and outcomes, highlighting the low euthanasia rate under Priceless Pets’ care. He credited the efforts to bring in Priceless Pets and the establishment of the Animal Services Committee for the successful partnership.
Overall, the approval of the contract with Priceless Pets Rescue marks a significant step towards improving animal care services in Costa Mesa and ensuring the well-being of domesticated animals in the city.