Title
Donation of Facility Canines from The Fetch Foundation (Ordinance S-48067)
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to accept donations of facility canines from, and enter into contracts with, The Fetch Foundation. Each canine is valued at $7,900 each, and will be used in the Phoenix Police Department to assist with employee wellness. Further request authorization for the City Treasurer to accept all funds related to this item.
Report
Summary
The Fetch Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that works closely with animal rescue organizations and shelters to identify dogs that have the potential to be trained to become search and service dogs or therapy dogs. The Foundation's Homeless to Heroes program takes homeless shelter dogs and repurposes them to work in situations appropriate to their abilities. The Foundation has thoroughly assessed the canines for temperament and ability to provide therapy services to employees of Phoenix Police Department (PPD) or anyone who may come into contact with the canine during the performance of these services.
In support of the Police Department's ongoing commitment to employee wellness, the department partnered with The Fetch Foundation to provide trained facility canines to be placed at various locations within the Police Department with handlers, who are Department employees. Canines with their assigned handler will receive 35 hours training both off-site and on-site. The facility canines are expected to help alleviate some of the pressures and emotional stresses this job can have on employees. The use of facility canines was also a wellness improvement recommendation identified by the City's 911/Civilian Response Work Group.
PPD previously received facility canines from the Foundation that were placed with handlers in the Communications Bureau, where they provide benefits to employees who are dealing with high stress and sometimes traumatic incidents. Due to the success of this program, PPD would like to expand and add additional canines in other areas of the Department.
Contract Term
Upon execution of each contract, the canine will become property of the City of Phoenix, and will be the sole responsibility of the City. For as long as the City desires, the Foundation will provide yearly well-checks for each canine, as well as ongoing maintenance at the discretion of the Foundation.
Financial Impact
The donation includes the cost of the canine and their training. Minimal annual maintenance costs will be required for food, veterinary visits and miscellaneous supplies not provided by the Foundation. Funds for these expenses are available in the Police Department's budget.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by City Manager Jeffrey Barton and the Police Department.