Bloomfield Hills approves animal shelter contract

By Kevin Elliott

Bloomfield Hills will be working with Oakland County Animal Control for future animal shelter and disposal services following the unanimous approval of a contract on Tuesday, September 13, by the city commission.

Bloomfield Hills City Manager Dave Hendrickson said the city had previously contracted with a local veterinarian hospital to take in stray animals when they were found and unable to be reunited with their owner. However, the former provider no longer offers shelter services, requiring the city to seek other options.

Hendrickson said initial discussions Oakland County Animal Control included dog licensing services, in addition to animal shelter and control. Further negotiations allowed the city to form an interlocal agreement for providing shelter for lost or stray animals.

“This approach would allow our city to continue issuing dog licenses, not Oakland County,” he said. “Oakland County Animal Control wouldn’t be checking for dog license compliance.”

While the city will still be responsible for dog licensing services, the agreement requires dogs to be vaccinated and licensed before Oakland County Animal Control releases any dog to its owner when sheltered. Daily boarding fees will be $25 per day in 2023; $26 in 2024; and $27 in 2025. The county will also provide disposal services for those animals destroyed, as well as deceased animals turned over to animal control from residents or the municipality.