🐾 Bigger Price Tag: New contract raises PAWS’ pay to $824,018 annually for animal control in unincorporated Okaloosa County.
📅 One-Year Term: Agreement runs through August 31, 2026, with month-to-month extensions possible.
⚖️ Tighter Rules: Contract includes strict care standards, humane euthanasia requirements, and a financial collapse “kick-out” clause.
SHALIMAR — Okaloosa County staff are recommending approval of a new one-year contract with the Panhandle Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) to provide animal control services for residents in unincorporated areas, starting Sept. 1, at its meeting on Aug. 19.
The proposed agreement sets the annual cost at $824,018, $68,668 per month, based on a $6.50 per-capita rate for 126,772 residents not covered by municipal contracts. That’s an increase from the current $713,843 annual cost.
PAWS declined to exercise a one-year renewal option on the existing contract, citing financial concerns. The new deal removes in-kind provisions in favor of the higher rate and includes an Aug. 31, 2026, expiration date, with month-to-month extensions possible by mutual consent.
Under the agreement, PAWS will continue to handle animal control for unincorporated Okaloosa County, including the capture and transport of stray or dangerous animals, enforcement of county animal ordinances, operation of a shelter, and provision of humane care, feeding, and necessary veterinary services.
All animals must be handled according to local, state, and federal laws, and euthanasia, when necessary, must be carried out humanely.
The contract prohibits PAWS from selling, bartering, or giving any animal in its custody to medical research companies. Any fines collected by PAWS on behalf of the county under local codes must be remitted to the county.
The county may terminate the contract without cause with 60 days’ written notice. PAWS must give six months’ notice if discontinuing services, or three months if becoming insolvent or entering bankruptcy.
The county may also terminate for cause if PAWS fails to meet contract requirements, including providing food, water, veterinary care, humane euthanasia, or maintaining clean and safe facilities. PAWS would have 15 days to correct violations after notice.
If PAWS breaches the contract during a declared natural emergency recovery period, it faces a $5,000 penalty plus actual or liquidated damages.
A “kick-out” clause allows either side to end the contract if PAWS suffers financial collapse.
County staff said they have “soft confirmation” from two partner agencies to provide emergency coverage until a permanent solution is found, including the option for the county to launch its service.
If an animal’s impoundment extends beyond the contract term, the county would cover boarding, medical, and euthanasia disposal costs at public rates.
Because PAWS has not completed legal review and signatures ahead of the agenda deadline, staff are asking commissioners to authorize the county administrator to execute the agreement once finalized, allowing only minor legal changes.
The final version will require approval from PAWS’ executive board and the director’s signature.
Pro Communi Bono
St. Francis De Sales, Ora Pro Nobis!
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