Humane Society of Scott County Statement on Davenport Animal Services Agreement

Davenport, IA — February 5, 2026 — The Humane Society of Scott County learned of the City of Davenport’s announcement regarding the ending of contract services on December 31st, 2026 at the same time as many of the public. Although HSSC has been engaged in ongoing discussions with the City—including responding to their verbal request in January to extend services while Davenport planned its own animal control and sheltering operations—no formal agreement has been executed, and the City did not provide feedback to HSSC prior to issuing its public statement.

HSSC has been proud to provide contracted animal services to Davenport for many decades. During that time, the cost of providing these services has consistently exceeded the amount paid by the City of Davenport contract.  As a result, HSSC has provided these services at an unsustainable level of subsidization, placing the burden of payment on HSSC and its donors. Under new leadership, HSSC entered ongoing negotiations beginning in 2022 with the goal of establishing a long-term agreement that is sustainable, transparent, and fair to both taxpayers and the nonprofit donors who support animal welfare in our community. 

Throughout negotiations, HSSC provided our detailed annual budget and has shared our annual independent audits. HSSC also worked alongside specialized consultants with deep experience in animal welfare contracts and remains confident that HSSC’s costs to perform the services requested by Davenport reflect standard practice for these services.  

“As a nonprofit, we have a responsibility to be good stewards of donor dollars,” said Erika Gunn, Executive Director. “We cannot continue to subsidize Davenport’s municipal services indefinitely. Our goal has always been a sustainable structure where the City of Davenport covers the cost of its contracted services, and HSSC continues to support the community through additional resources and programming that improve outcomes for animals.” 

At this time, HSSC’s agreements with Scott County and other cities are not impacted by this transition. HSSC remains dedicated to providing responsive, high-quality services across Scott County and supporting residents with resources that protect both public safety and animal welfare. 

 As the Davenport agreement transitions, HSSC remains committed to collaborating with City leadership and staff to support an orderly transition process and is open to continuing to provide contracted animal services to Davenport residents through the end of 2026, though the City of Davenport has offered no formal response to extend the current contract beyond June 30th.  

HSSC will remain a stable, mission-driven nonprofit organization for animals and residents throughout Scott County beyond the transition of services with Davenport. Our organization will continue to operate and continue meaningful work that improves animal welfare both today and long after Davenport’s contract transition is complete. Those wishing to support the work of HSSC may donate at https://hssc.us/ways-to-give.