TOWNSHIP OF ESQUIMALT STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: December 1, 2025 Report No. CSS-25-007
TO: Council
FROM: Judy Kitts, Director, Strategic Initiatives
SUBJECT: Animal Control Services, Contract Award
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That Council awards the contract to provide animal control services to the Township for a three-year period to Victoria Animal Control Services commencing January 1, 2026, with options to extend two additional years on mutual agreement.
Body
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The Township of Esquimalt’s contract for animal control services expired on February 28, 2025, and the current provider is providing services on a month-by-month basis.
A Request for Proposal was issued on October 10, 2025, and two submissions were received. Staff recommend that the Township enter into a new contract with Victoria Animal Control Services for a three-year term with option to extend two additional years on mutual agreement.
BACKGROUND:
Historically, the Township has contracted animal control services as addressing animal management issues involves expertise, specialized tools and equipment, and kenneling facilities, all of which are outside of the abilities and infrastructure of the Township. All communities in the region contract for animal control services with either CRD Bylaw and Animal Care Services (CRD) or Victoria Animal Control Services (VACS).
The Township’s current contract is with VACS, and while it expired on February 28, 2025, they are currently providing services on a month-by-month basis. A Request for Proposals for Animal Control Services was issued on October 10, 2025, and closed on November 7, 2025. The Township received proposals from VACS and the CRD.
VACS Proposal:
• Offered 65 hours per month to include response to calls and patrol hours as well as 32 hours per month of dedicated proactive patrol hours, for a total of 97 hours per month (our current service level).
• The proposal is submitted for a 5-year contract with no increase for the first year and then planned annual increases for the next three years combined to a total of 9.31%.
CRD Proposal:
• Offered 100 hours per month, which includes response to calls and proactive patrol hours.
• The proposal is submitted for a 5-year contract with no increase for the first year and then planned annual increases for the next three years combined to a total of 10.5%.
ANALYSIS:
Both the CRD and VACS submitted strong proposals that demonstrate extensive experience, proven capability, and deep knowledge of animal control and enforcement practices. Each contractor comes highly recommended and offers a track record of reliable service delivery. Both proposals outline comprehensive approaches to enforcement, community education, and animal welfare, supported by qualified personnel and established operational systems. While their fee structures differ slightly in hourly costs and inclusions, the overall costs are quite comparable when considering that VACS would remit the revenue collected, estimated to be $10,000 from the enforcement of the Animal Management Bylaw.
The proposals were evaluated using the following criteria that was identified in the RFP:
• Services Methodology & Task List, 30 points
• Experience and Capacity of the Proponent in Providing a Similar Services, 20 points
• Past Performance of the Proponent as Determined by References, 10 points
• Cost of Services, 35 points
Independent evaluations were completed by four staff members using the evaluation criteria. All staff members ranked VACS as the preferred proponent.
Based on the evaluation criteria identified in the RFP, staff recommends that the contract be awarded to VACS for the following reasons:
• VACS has been a trusted partner of the Township since 2012, consistently delivering exemplary animal control services to the community. Staff are not aware of any concerns regarding VACS’ performance.
• Continuity of service offers significant benefits to the public. Much of this work is relationship-based, and VACS has established strong community connections. They are familiar with many problem dogs and owners and are often able to identify suspected animals or individuals based on descriptions.
• VACS’ proposal is strong indicating the skills, experience, equipment, facility, and resources required to deliver animal control services in a safe and efficient way to the Township.
• VACS’ Senior Animal Control Officer is well-known in the community with strong positive working relationships with the Township’s Bylaw Officer and VicPD’s Esquimalt Division.
• VACS is located just 4 km from Municipal Hall, providing residents with a local and accessible service.
• Animal management services are frequently required by police when interacting with individuals who have pets. Since Victoria and Esquimalt share a police service, having the same animal management provider simplifies procedures for VicPD and enhances coordination.
Staff recommend that the Township enter into a new contract with VACS for a three-year term with option to extend two additional years on mutual agreement. The three-year term would align with their facility lease, which expires on December 31, 2028. This will allow the Township to consider any fee changes related to the facility changes.
OPTIONS:
1. That Council awards the contract to provide animal control services to the Township for a three-year period to Victoria Animal Control Services commencing January 1, 2026, with options to extend two additional years on mutual agreement.
2. That Council award CRD Bylaw and Animal Care Services the contract to provide animal management services to the Township for a three-year period (with option to extend two additional years on mutual agreement) commencing January 1st, 2026.
3. That Council does not award the contract for animal management services and provides alternate direction to staff.
COUNCIL PRIORITY:
Engaged and Healthy Community
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The costs outlined in this report will be reflected in the 2026 budget request. For 2026, animal control services are projected at $148,257. In 2025, animal control services were budgeted at $133,600. The primary driver of this increase is the significant rise in rental costs for the VACS pound facility under new ownership.
Additionally, VACS remits revenue collected, estimated at $10,000, from enforcement of the Animal Management Bylaw. This revenue is not factored into the contract amount.
COMMUNICATIONS/ENGAGEMENT:
An update on animal control services will be provided on the Township website and in our newsletter to communicate the completion of the RFP process and the successful proponent, including any changes in process.
TIMELINES & NEXT STEPS:
• Council approves award of contract to provide animal control services to the Township.
• Staff advise the successful proponent.
• Staff execute a contract with the successful proponent.
• Contract begins January 1, 2026.
REPORT REVIEWED BY:
1. Ian Irvine, Director of Finance, Reviewed
2. Deb Hopkins, Director of Corporate Services, Reviewed
3. Dan Horan, Chief Administrative Officer, Concurrence
LIST OF ATTACHMENTS:
• Animal Management Services, RFP No. SI-2025-001