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TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: Rebecca Gomez, Animal Care & Control Manager
DATE: July 22, 2026
SUBJECT:
A resolution to accept a VCA Charities grant in the amount of $10,000 for a Pack Walk Pilot Program for adoptable animals at Aurora Animal Care & Control.
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this item is to obtain authorization for the City of Aurora’s Animal Care and Control Division to accept a $10,000 Ready to Rescue grant from VCA Charities and to use these funds to implement a Pack Walk Pilot Program for shelter dogs.
BACKGROUND:
Aurora’s Animal Care and Control Division operates the City’s municipal animal shelter, staffed by a team of 15 employees who provide animal care, field services, intake processing, and adoption services for dogs and cats.
In 2025, the shelter admitted 1,770 animals and achieved an 87 percent live release rate through adoptions, rescue transfers, and reunifications, while maintaining an average length of stay of approximately 21 days.
The shelter currently provides a range of enrichment activities, including in-kennel toys and treats, dog playgroups, walks, and catio access, but most animals receive out-of-kennel time only every other day due in part to limited volunteer capacity.
To address this gap, staff submitted an application to the VCA Charities Ready to Rescue Grant Program seeking support to launch a Pack Walk Pilot Program, and VCA Charities has approved a $10,000 grant to fund a professional trainer (estimated $4,800) and Pack Walk supplies and equipment (estimated $5,200).
DISCUSSION:
The Pack Walk Pilot Program is a new shelter enrichment initiative designed to increase structured out-of-kennel exercise, reduce stress-related behaviors, and improve the adoptability of dogs in the City’s care. Under the program, volunteers and staff will conduct supervised pack walks with each handler walking a single dog at a time to prioritize safety, spacing between dogs, and calm, natural exploration.
Grant funding will be used to contract a qualified professional dog trainer to provide monthly training sessions for shelter staff and volunteers focused on canine body language, group-walking dynamics, and safe handling procedures in a multi-dog environment.
Remaining grant dollars will be used to purchase durable harnesses and leashes, safety vests for handlers, and other supplies needed for consistent implementation of the Pack Walk Pilot Program.
The grant terms require Animal Care and Control to expend all funds by June 30, 2027 and to submit a final narrative and financial report to VCA Charities by July 31, 2027 describing program activities, outcomes, and how funds were spent.
The revenue account for this grant will be 101-1374-337.30-40. The expense accounts used will be 101-1374-440.61-27, 101-1374-440.65-23, 101-1374-440.32-80.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
If the grant is not accepted, the Pack Walk Pilot Program cannot be implemented, and shelter dogs will continue to experience limited out-of-kennel time, higher stress levels, and fewer structured enrichment opportunities that support their wellbeing and adoptability.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Animal Care & Control recommends City Council to approve a resolution to accept a VCA Charities grant in the amount of $10,000 for a Pack Walk Pilot Program for adoptable animals at Aurora Animal Care & Control.
cc: Finance Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution to accept a VCA Charities grant in the amount of $10,000 for a Pack Walk Pilot Program for adoptable animals at Aurora Animal Care & Control.
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, the City of Aurora applied to VCA Charities requesting grant funds to increase structured out-of-kennel exercise, reduce stress-related behaviors, and improve the adoptability of dogs in the City’s care; and
WHEREAS, the City of Aurora received notification on July 15, 2026 that a grant award in the amount of $10,000 was received, and
WHEREAS, a budget amendment will be submitted for this grant with the revenue account established as 101-1374-337.30-40 and the expense accounts established as 101-1374-440.61-27, 101-1374-440.65-23, 101-1374-440,32-80.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: City Council and the City of Aurora, Illinois, finds as facts all of the preamble recitals of this Resolution and hereby approves a resolution to accept a VCA Charities grant in the amount of $10,000 for a Pack Walk Pilot Program for adoptable animals at Aurora Animal Care & Control