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TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: Kameron DeBoer, Animal Care & Control Manager
DATE: December 24, 2025
SUBJECT:
A resolution awarding a one-year contract effective beginning February 1st, 2026, to Oswego Animal Hospital, Bristol Veterinary Clinic, and Radiant Veterinary for veterinary services at Aurora Animal Care & Control, with an option to renew for up to two (2) additional one-year terms upon mutual agreement.
PURPOSE:
Each year, approximately 2,000 animals enter the care of Aurora Animal Care & Control (AACC). Every animal requires veterinary oversight and intervention to keep them happy and healthy. Oswego Animal Hospital, Bristol Veterinary Clinic, and Radiant Veterinary will provide comprehensive veterinary care, population health oversight, and surgical services for animals at Aurora Animal Care & Control (AACC).
BACKGROUND:
Aurora Animal Care & Control (AACC) has partnered with Oswego Animal Hospital since the original veterinary services proposal was accepted by the City of Aurora in 2012. Over the past decade, shelter standards, animal welfare practices, and medical expectations have continued to evolve, resulting in an increased demand for comprehensive and timely veterinary services for animals in AACC’s care.
AACC must be able to provide prompt medical attention not only for animals presenting with illness or injury, but also for routine and preventative care for the general shelter population. Reliance on a single veterinary clinic has become increasingly challenging, as the volume and complexity of medical needs have grown. This has led to longer wait times for veterinary appointments, which can increase an animal’s length of stay, elevate the risk of illness, and raise the overall cost of care per animal.
To address these challenges and ensure continuity of care, AACC determined that utilizing multiple veterinary service providers would better meet operational needs. A Request for Proposals (RFP) was released in Fall 2025 seeking qualified veterinary clinics capable of providing timely, comprehensive services aligned with shelter operations. Three clinics submitted proposals in response to the RFP.
Proposals were evaluated based on pricing and each clinic’s ability to meet the medical and logistical needs of AACC. As a result of this process, multiple vendors are recommended for contract award. Clinics will be contacted and utilized in order of their ranking, allowing AACC to efficiently schedule care, reduce delays, and improve outcomes for animals in the shelter.
This contract structure supports AACC’s mission to provide high-quality animal care while managing costs, improving animal health, and facilitating faster placement into permanent homes.
DISCUSSION:
This contract will ensure timely, comprehensive, and high-quality veterinary services for the homeless animals at Aurora Animal Care & Control (AACC). Funds for these services are allocated yearly in AACC’s budget.
$75,000 allocated in 101-1374-440.32-40 - Veterinary Services
$70,000 allocated in 101-1374-440.32-44 - Spay/Neuter Services
IMPACT STATEMENT:
Approval of this resolution will allow Aurora Animal Care & Control to maintain professional contractual relationships with qualified veterinary service providers, including multiple clinics, to ensure timely, high-quality medical care for animals in the shelter’s care. Access to multiple veterinarians improves responsiveness for both routine and urgent medical needs, supports animal health and welfare, and helps reduce delays that can negatively impact length of stay and overall outcomes.
There is no anticipated impact to the general public, as this action does not alter services, fees, or public-facing operations. Additionally, there is no impact to other City Departments or Divisions, as the contract supports existing operational needs and will be managed internally.
This agreement establishes necessary external partnerships to support AACC’s ongoing operations while ensuring continuity and efficiency in veterinary care services.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
City staff requests approval of a resolution awarding a one-year contract to Oswego Animal Hospital, Bristol Veterinary Clinic, and Radiant Veterinary for veterinary services at Aurora Animal Care & Control, with an option to renew for up to two (2) additional one-year terms upon mutual agreement.
cc: Public Health, Safety and Transportation Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution awarding a one-year contract to Oswego Animal Hospital, Bristol Veterinary Clinic, and Radiant Veterinary for veterinary services at Aurora Animal Care & Control, with an option to renew for up to two (2) additional one-year terms upon mutual agreement.
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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, WHEREAS, Aurora Animal Care & Control must obtain professional veterinary services for animals in their care; and
WHEREAS, the city published a formal solicitation in September 2025 and responses were received and evaluated; and
WHEREAS, to ensure the safety and care of the animals in our care, it is recommended to award veterinary services to all three respondents; and
WHEREAS, the City budgets annually to account number 101-1374-440.32-40 for Veterinary Services and to account number 101-1374-440.32-44 for Spay/Neuter Services.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: does hereby accept the approval of the contracts with Oswego Animal Hospital, Bristol Veterinary Clinic, and Radiant Vet for veterinary services provided to Aurora Animal Care & Control.