For more than 20 years, Langley Animal Protection Society (LAPS) has been Langley City’s service provider for animal control and sheltering services. LAPS has built trust within our community over that time, and its staff, volunteers, and donors are known for providing exceptional service and giving back to our community.
As one example of the above-and-beyond service LAPS provides, they work with people at the Salvation Army’s Gateway of Hope to ensure that the pets of people using the shelter receive care, including veterinary services.
The City’s last five-year contract with LAPS expired on December 31, 2023, and we’ve carried on with two 1-year extensions. Last year, it was time to issue a new long-term contract. City staff went through the public Request for Proposal process. City staff selected LAPS’ proposal (the only proposal) for Council’s approval as our continued animal control and sheltering services provider.
Our City is growing, and so is the need for enhanced animal control services. Previously, Langley City had essentially a half-time animal control officer. Under the new contract, we will have two dedicated animal control officers. They will provide service from 8:00am to 6:00pm seven days a week. As it is today, if you experience a dangerous animal outside of these hours, you can contact the Langley RCMP. This new level of service will mean that animal control in the City will become more proactive.
Service enhancements include:
- Door-to-door service for people in detached homes/townhomes
- New education programs and outreach for people in apartments
- Pop-up information events in playgrounds and schools
- Improved visibility in the community
- Enhanced collaborations with other community safety partners, such as Bylaw Enforcement and the RCMP
Dogs found in Langley City will continue to receive LAPS high-quality, compassionate care, as they do today. Adoptions and rehoming will continue to be provided by LAPS.
Cats found in Langley City will continue to be supported by LAPS’ donor-funded cat program, which includes sheltering, medical care, support for reunification, and rehoming.
The cost for animal control services is increasing from $42,627 to $230,902 annually in the new contract. The dog sheltering service is increasing from $86,937 to $95,674 annually. This enhanced service will require about a 0.3% tax increase next year. It will be covered this year within the existing budget. The new contract will be for three years with three one-year extensions permitted.
Council approved the new contract at its meeting last night.
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