Memorandum
Date: July 21, 2026
To: The Honorable Brad Rasmussen, Chair, Lake County Board of Supervisors
From: Rae Smith, Director of Animal Care and Control
Subject: a) Waive the Formal Bidding Process Pursuant to Article X Section 2-38.2(2) of the Lake County Code Due to The Unique Nature of the Goods or Services Precludes Competitive Bidding; and, b) Approve Contract Between County of Lake and Bennett Veterinary Professional Services, Inc. (DBA The Shelter Link), for Veterinarian of Record Services, in the Amount of $104,000.00 Per Fiscal Year from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and Authorize the Chair to Sign
Executive Summary:
Animal Care and Control (ACC) does not currently have a staffed veterinarian. Because of this, ACC has had to rely on external private-practice veterinarians within the County for treatment, diagnosis, and routine care for shelter animals. Additionally, a Veterinarian of Record (VOR) is necessary for the Shelter to be able to provide basic services and care for animals including but not limited to the administration of rabies vaccinations and the purchase, handling, and administration of controlled substances meant for the humane euthanasia of animals.
ACC previously had a verbally understood contract and heavy reliance with Dr. Susan Cannon, DVM, of Wasson Memorial Veterinary Clinic to provide these services as well as to serve as VOR so that ACC staff could carry out approved verbal and written procedures under her veterinary license. After several discussions with Dr. Cannon, ACC was advised she would be retiring soon and would not be able to serve as VOR indefinitely. This created a need to establish a new VOR so that the Shelter could perform critical procedures and services as needed.
Dr. Jennifer Bennett, DVM, of Bennett Veterinary Professional Services, Inc. (DBA The Shelter Link) approached ACC with a proposal to become ACC's new VOR. She conducted an in-person assessment of the shelter, its staff, and operation...
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