At their Oct. 2 meeting, the Altus City Council members unanimously approved seeking bids from area veterinarians for euthanasia services using the injection method. According to information provided at Tuesday’s council meeting, three options are being considered in place of using a carbon monoxide gas chamber at the Altus Animal Shelter facility. The options are included on the bids for euthanasia services for approximately 30 dogs/cats per month or 360 dogs/cats annually. The bid form designates these euthanasia services will be performed on Thursdays as needed.

Bidders may select whatever options they wish.

Option 1: “The City Animal Control will transport animals to Bidder’s facility and bidder will provide euthanasia by injection and disposal of animals (dogs, cats) as a turn key job, providing necessary drugs, equipment and personnel.”

Option 2: “The Bidder provides euthanasia by injection on site at the Altus Animal Shelter bringing required staff. The City of Altus will provide the space, table and disposal of animals.”

Option 3: “Same as Option 2 except Bidder will be responsible for disposal of animals after euthanasia by injection.”

Bids each include a blank for an hourly rate and a blank for a price per animal.

The City is asking that the veterinarian attach a brief summary of qualifications to perform services for these bids, for example the number of years experience.

These bids will be received by the City until 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 25 at the second floor of the City Complex in the Finance/Purchasing Department. These bids will be opened, that same day, at a public bid opening on Thursday, Oct. 25 at 3 p.m. at the Finance/Purchasing Department. Bidders are invited to be present at the bid opening.

The Bid Form gives an information number for this process as Dan Meyer, Animal Control Supervisor, at 580-481-2285. According to this Bid Form, “The City of Altus reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to study all bids prior to award.”