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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...
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