The Imperial Beach City Council voted unanimously on Wednesday to approve a new contract with the San Diego Humane Society, allowing them to become the City’s full animal services provider for the next five years.

Residents in Imperial Beach will gain access to the SDHS’s specialized programs, including Kitten Nursery, Behavior Center, and Community Veterinary Services, according to the shelter.

Imperial Beach is currently under contract with the City of Chula Vista for their animal care and control services, expected to end September 30. The original contract had ended June 30 but both sides agreed to an extension to assess long-term options, according to a city council report.

According to the City, they determined SDHS was the most cost-effective and qualified provider for a long-term option.

The report also stated Imperial Beach has previously partnered up with Chula Vista two times, once from 1992 to 1996 and another from 1999 to 2017. Their current contract started two years ago in 2023. They’ve also partnered with the County of San Diego from 1997 to 1999 and SDHS from 2017 to 2023.

The new five-year contract with SDHS takes effect October 1.