“As an animal shelter agency, we are required to sterilize any animal that comes through the facility,” said Dawn Steph, director of environmental and neighborhood services.
While the city did hire a new veterinarian in January, the city utilizes contracts with other agencies as it does not have the capacity to conduct them in-house, Steph said.
Under the new agreement, Sugar Land will be given access to the Fort Bend County Animal Shelter’s surgical suite. According to Steph, the city will be responsible for transporting animals to and from the Fort Bend shelter and will provide the veterinarian necessary for sterilization and emergency services; meanwhile, Fort Bend County will be responsible for providing supplies, medications and the surgical suite.
The initial term of the agreement is for five years with an option to renew again for another five years.
There is no cost to either the city or the county, Steph said.
