The Los Angeles City Council Friday commissioned a report on the feasibility of setting up retail space in each of the city’s six animal shelters for the sale of pet supplies with the goal of using revenue to support the operation of those facilities.
In a 10-0 vote, the council approved a motion introduced in April by members Monica Rodriguez and Bob Blumenfield, who say the city should look at the possibility of leasing space to a third-party vendor or setting up shop owned by the city.
Council members Heather Hutt, Adrin Nazarian, Traci Park, Curren Price and Rodriguez were absent during the vote.
Beyond a nominal adoption fee, owners need to budget for food, collar and a leash, identification tags, microchips, food and water bowls, a bed, toys and cleaning supplies, which city officials estimate can reach between $100 to $500, depending on preferences.
Some dog owners may decide on crate training, and cat owners will need a litter box and scratching post, which are additional costs, and this is without considering veterinary care.
“When a resident of Los Angeles adopts from a city-operated shelter they have to go to the commercial business to purchase all needed supplies,” the motion reads. “The city should explore operating or leasing space at each facility that allows for the purchase to be made on site with the revenue going to operations of the shelter.”